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West Coast Climbing Pioneer Passes Away

Squamish based Frank Baumann, geotechnical engineer, teacher and avid mountaineer died on Friday Nov. 1

Frank Baumann had lived in Squamish since 1977, but first climbed the Chief in 1966. The climber and skier was recognized as a leading expert and consultant in geotechnology.

In 1977, Baumann was on the first ascent of the Warbler Ridge on Mount Logan, along with Dave Jones, Fred Thiessen, Jay Page, all from Canada, and Swiss climber Rene Bucher. They climbed the route in 22 days. Baumann was very active in B.C.’s climbing, mountaineering and backcountry ski communities from the 1960s until his death, and made a number of significant ascents in southwest B.C. and on the Stawamus Chief. He was a part of the Whistler Volunteer Ski Patrol, B.C. Mountaineering Club and taught free avalanche courses through Mountain Equipment Co-op. The people he instructed in mountaineering over the last 30 years had nothing but praise for him.

Baumann was also a teacher at Howe Sound Secondary School and was loved by his students for the enthusiasm and passion he had for the subjects he taught.

Baumann was involved in a car accident on Oct. 24 north of Pemberton. After a week in the intensive care unit at Vancouver General Hospital, Baumann passed away from his injuries with his family at his bedside. Baumann is survived by his wife Nadine, daughters Katherine, Julia and Amy Robinson.

A celebration of Baumann’s life will be held at the Coastal Church at 1160 West Georgia in Vancouver on Saturday (Nov. 9) at 11 a.m. An event will be held at his home in Squamish the same day at 6 p.m. for his friends and family.

Squamish climber, Frank Baumann, passed away on Nov. 1st
Squamish climber, Frank Baumann, passed away on Nov. 1st

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