Rudolf L. Bauer, retired Westvaco GM

Bauer

A memorial service for Amherst resident Rudolf L. Bauer, a retired general manager of the Westvaco Co.'s corrugated shipping container factory in Buffalo and active in the community, was held on Monday, June 11, 2007 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Mr. Bauer, 77, better known as "Rudy," died Sunday, June 3, 2007 in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Bauer attended Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio.

He started his professional life at American Greeting Card Corp. in Cleveland. After joining Hinde & Dauch Paper Co., later Westvaco, in Cleveland, Mr. Bauer was promoted through the ranks of several sales positions. In 1965, he was transferred to Buffalo in an executive sales capacity, and was named manager of Westvaco's factory. When he retired in 1992, Mr. Bauer was the company's longest-serving general manager.

Beginning in 1993, Mr. Bauer was a member and later chairman of the Amherst's Solid Waste Committee. In this capacity, he helped manage the town's recycling program and the collection and safe disposal of hazardous solid waste.

An avid sailor and power-boater, Mr. Bauer was a long-time member of the Buffalo Canoe Club, serving as commodore in 1979. He was chairman of the club's 100th and 125th anniversary celebrations. Mr. Bauer chaired the effort to rebuild the club's landmark outer boathouse after the original was destroyed by fire in 1991.

Mr. Bauer was a past president of the Ascension Lutheran Church congregation in Snyder and a volunteer with the Amherst Lions Club and Theater Williamsville.

Mr. Bauer is survived by his wife of 53 years, the former Julia Stofka; three sons, Mark of Snyder, Martin of East Amherst, and Matthew of Boston, Mass.; a brother, Joseph, of Parma Heights, Ohio; and three grandchildren.

Arrangements were made by John E. Roberts Funeral Home.