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Robert ‘Sonny’ Einar Bauman

On March 14, 2018, Robert “Sonny” Einar Bauman passed away peacefully after a long health struggle. He was 68 years old. He was born in Renton, Wash., and raised in Kent, graduating from Kent High School in 1968. In high school he was a gymnast and loved proving his acrobatic skills to skeptics, throwing a back flip whenever someone challenged him. He relocated to Troy, Idaho, which began his lifetime of love for North Idaho. He eventually ended up in Coeur d’Alene because of his love of the lake. Most recently he and Julie have been co-harbormaster of Panhandle Yacht Club on Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Sonny’s life was defined by his love for his career, family, and fun times in the great outdoors and great bars of Northern Idaho. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and started his career in the early 1970s. He graduated from journeyman school in 1978 and retired as a lineman in 2009.

On Lake Coeur d’Alene was where he found immeasurable joy. He loved boating and had a perpetual tan, despite his blonde-haired, blue-eyed Norwegian roots. During the holidays his heritage came out when he enjoyed lutefisk and lefse with his family. He and Julie always had many friends and family around for Christmas parties, Halloween, Easter or just to celebrate the weekend.

He is survived by his wife, Julie Bauman; his son, Jesse (Traci) Bauman; their children, Olivia and Sam; his daughter, Chelsea (Dustin Brouse) and their children, Keelyn, Taylor, Kambry and Jaxson. He is also preceded in death by his sisters, Christie Field, Peggy Swanson, Carol Bauman and numerous cousins and family.

A small service for close friends and family was held on March 19, 2018, at One Place Church. In lieu of flowers or cards, please send donations to Virginia Mason Hospital, 1100 Ninth Ave., Seattle, WA 98101. Please view and sign Robert’s online guest book at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.