Robert (Bob) C. Baron, founder of Fulcrum Publishing, died on April 24 at age 92.
After an early career in computers that included being program manager for the Mariner II (Venus) and the Mariner IV (Mars) on-board computers, in 1984 Baron founded Fulcrum, which focuses on history, Native American writing, conservation, civics, education, and Southwest America. He wrote or edited more than 30 books, including 20th Century: 100 Influential People, Hudson: Story of a River, and The Light Shines from the West, and 150 papers and articles on history, nature, and science.
In a Denver Post interview from 2007, Baron commented on the impetus for founding Fulcrum, "I wanted to spend the next period of my life on helping to present meaning. Books always have been the way to communicate meaning--and even more so now."
Baron also served as vice-chairman for the American Antiquarian Society, the International Wilderness Leadership Foundation, and the Massachusetts Audubon Society. He was a director of the Rocky Mountain Women's Institute and the Thoreau Society. In 2009, he organized the John Adams and Thomas Jefferson Conference. He was also a fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society and the Explorers Club. In Colorado, Bob was a member of the Cactus Club, Literary Club, Presidents Club, and the Denver Press Club.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 5 at the Old 121 Brewhouse, 2010 S. Oak St., Lakewood, Colo. 80227 from 5-7 p.m. on the patio. In lieu of flowers or gifts, Baron requested that donations could be made to the American Antiquarian Society, the Denver Public Library Friends Association, or a favorite charity in his memory.