Remembering Dave Baron, past BABC Chair

We are saddened to share the news on the passing of past BABC-PNW chair, Dave Baron, who died of natural causes on January 24, 2021. Former BABC-PNW President and CEO, Christine Fauske memorializes his legacy, tenure of service to the British Consulate office in Seattle, commitment to transatlantic business, and his devotion to BABC-Pacific Northwest. Please join us in extending thoughts and prayers to Dave's family and friends.

Dave Baron, who died of natural causes at age 63 on January 24, was a past chair of what was then known as the British-American Business Council of the Pacific Northwest (BABC-PNW). From 1999 – 2005, Dave was Vice Consul for Trade at the British Consulate in Seattle which closed in 2005, and was the oldest British Consulate in the United States (113 years). Dave brought the experiences of both trade and diplomacy from these years to his devotion and involvement at the BABC. He had a strong understanding of the British trade mission to the Pacific Northwest, and was an energetic and dedicated representative of Northwest companies wanting to expand their business interests in the United Kingdom. He served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for several years before being elected to the chairmanship in 2008.

Dave was born in 1957 in Lawrence, Kansas where his father was completing his PhD at the University of Kansas. The family moved to New Jersey when Dave was very young. He graduated from Millburn High School where he was a star linebacker and state wrestling champ. He graduated from Lynchburg College, Virginia with a Political Science major, and International Business minor. He met his wife Kim in Hermosa Beach, CA in 1984, and they married in 1988. Their son David was born in 1993.

Dave’s early career was in retail and marketing. He successfully participated in the Macy’s Executive Training Program. In 1986, Dave was recruited to the Seattle area by Fieldcrest Cannon, where he directed sales and marketing for the Pacific Northwest region. Following his time with the British Consulate, he held positions directing Economic Development for both the City of Auburn, WA and the City of Mountlake Terrace, WA. Between the two roles he was instrumental in growing and developing some 5,000 jobs in the Puget Sound region, as well as expanding city tax/sales revenues, and supporting over 60 new businesses. Throughout his career he sustained a keen interest in international affairs.

Quiet, unassuming, and a great listener, people who met him came away impressed by his depth and diversity of knowledge, and his agile thinking. Dave had high integrity, was loyal, dependable, and diplomatic and was often described in one word as “gentleman.” Given this image, it was a surprise to learn of his keen interest and participation in wrestling. One of his favorite past-times was enjoying soccer games with his son. Other hobbies and interests included fiber arts, football, camping and hiking. He took strength from his Catholic faith, and developed close friendships with priests.

~Christine Fauske - Past President/CEO BABC