Wayne "Skip" Baron

Wayne "Skip" Baron, 76, passed away October 15, 2024, at CHI St. Alexius in Bismarck.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, October 21, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church in Mandan with Rev. Deanna Reikow presiding. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. 

Skip was born July 27, 1948, in Mandan, to Richard and Marianne (Stebner) Baron. He was raised and educated in Mandan, graduating from Mandan High School in 1966. He went on to receive his Bachelors Degree in Journalism from South Dakota State University. On July 3, 1970, Skip married Claire Lyche in Cooperstown, ND. He began working with the National Wildlife Federation as Central State Staff Director, he played a crucial role in preserving the environment, especially in protecting North Dakota's prairies, by helping pass landmark legislation like the Environmental Protection Act, Swampbuster, and Clean Water Act. Through his work he left a significant legacy. Later, he worked for the North Dakota Emergency Management at Homeland Security, where he was instrumental in distributing funds in response to the 9/11 tragedy.

Skip was a beloved member of the community, known for his wit, humor, friendship, and love of the outdoors. He found great joy at his Lake Tschida cabin and treasured his time hunting with friends at the Cranedominium.

Skip is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Claire Baron, of Mandan; his sons, Kelly Baron, of Mandan and Casey (Amber) Baron, along with their three children, Kaden, Paxton, and Kezia, all of Woodbury, MN; his sister, Nannette Baron, of Fargo; and sister-in-law, Gail Baron, of Victor, ID along with her two children, Cory Baron, of Seattle, WA and Todd (Wendi) Baron of Alpine, WY; as well as many friends, young and old.

Skip was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Marianne Baron and his brother, Bill Baron.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Humane Society.

"Thank you for being My Friend." – Skip