Please Send Your Memories to [email protected]
To the woman who taught me to push myself, who believed in me, who continued to follow me throughout my college sports, who instilled a love for rowing in my heart, and who was always there for me, you will be dearly missed. I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today without your coaching and guidance. No coach will ever compare to you. Thank you for leaving a positive impact on me and the hundreds of young athletes you coached throughout your life. Rest in peace Miriam. ️
– Amanda Russell, Junior Team Member, Rower, November 17, 2019
Miriam, I can not thank you enough for all the things you have done for me these past years. You helped me find my love of rowing and you are the reason I am where I am today. Without you I truly do not know where I would be or what I would be doing right now. You taught me how to be tough mentally and physically. You taught me what it feels like to give everything I have and then keep going. All of the killer workouts and horrible weather we rowed in. I truly will never forget my time with you. Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for not sugar coating anything. Thank you for making me erg till I threw up and then making me get back on after. Thank you for instilling a sense of pride in me. Thank you for being the best rowing coach I could have ever asked for. You were truly one of a kind Miriam. Rest In Paradise ️
– Grace Ackley, Junior Team Member 2017-18, Rower, November 17, 2019
I lived next door to Miriam on Fairview Ave in St. Paul with my husband and two daughters. It was a joy filled experience. We had many wonderful conversations and shared many laughs.
One day Miriam called me over as she had a bunny in the house and couldn't catch it. I saw it under the living room radiator so I promptly laid on the floor and grabbed the tail thinking that the bunny would come with it, but no such luck. I held the puff tail in my hand and no bunny! The poor thing must have been scared to death as he beat it for the door which Miriam held open and out he went!
Our family were transferred to Indiana in 1982, December, just before Miriam had her son. We missed meeting him.
My wonderful memories include meeting Luke and Zenas when they lived there while going to school and Naomi with her two children. They were so good to our children and we had great conversations with them as well.
We were blessed to live next door to Miriam and I am saddened to hear of her death. She will be sorely missed. May her soul rest in peace.
– Diane Hammill, Crawfordsville, HI [via Legacy], November 17, 2019
My time coaching around you was brief, but you impacted my life in ways you will never know. You demanded excellence. You loved the sport, and taught me to love it as well. You would do anything for your athletes and Minnesota Boat Club of Saint Paul. I am glad you were in my life.
Love to you family in this time of loss. Memory Eternal Miriam, Memory Eternal.
– Edward McCormick, Jersey City, NJ [via Legacy], November 16, 2019
Miriam, I loved your energy, your fire, your drive, your love for rowing, your hard work, and showing people that women can be tough as coaches. I appreciated your relentless persistence to get me to come up there to row, our conversations about rowing. OH and I will never forget my first time rowing up there. We were on the river, rowing along, cranking out pieces. You yelled something. I turned to the left and we were right next to some big barge. I couldn't believe it. At first I was shocked but once I could sense calm, I realized this was a normal thing. Makes me laugh today. You knew how to live authentically. You will be missed big time. There will be a void at the Minnesota Boat Club with your absence. It won't be the same. Thanks for caring and loving all those you helped in your life at the hospital, the rowing club and everyday life. And thanks for being an ally in our rowing world.
May you RIP.
– Mandi Kowal, Iowa City, IA, [via Legacy]November 15, 2019
Miriam, thank you for being a part of the SPRCC. We'll miss having you are our meetings and your Senate District meetings too.
– Sara Rasque, Saint Paul, MN [via Legacy] November 15, 2019
Miriam was a "Yes!" to Life!
– Jen Bruber Mays [via Facebook], November 13th
– Amanda Russell, Junior Team Member, Rower, November 17, 2019
Miriam, I can not thank you enough for all the things you have done for me these past years. You helped me find my love of rowing and you are the reason I am where I am today. Without you I truly do not know where I would be or what I would be doing right now. You taught me how to be tough mentally and physically. You taught me what it feels like to give everything I have and then keep going. All of the killer workouts and horrible weather we rowed in. I truly will never forget my time with you. Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for not sugar coating anything. Thank you for making me erg till I threw up and then making me get back on after. Thank you for instilling a sense of pride in me. Thank you for being the best rowing coach I could have ever asked for. You were truly one of a kind Miriam. Rest In Paradise ️
– Grace Ackley, Junior Team Member 2017-18, Rower, November 17, 2019
I lived next door to Miriam on Fairview Ave in St. Paul with my husband and two daughters. It was a joy filled experience. We had many wonderful conversations and shared many laughs.
One day Miriam called me over as she had a bunny in the house and couldn't catch it. I saw it under the living room radiator so I promptly laid on the floor and grabbed the tail thinking that the bunny would come with it, but no such luck. I held the puff tail in my hand and no bunny! The poor thing must have been scared to death as he beat it for the door which Miriam held open and out he went!
Our family were transferred to Indiana in 1982, December, just before Miriam had her son. We missed meeting him.
My wonderful memories include meeting Luke and Zenas when they lived there while going to school and Naomi with her two children. They were so good to our children and we had great conversations with them as well.
We were blessed to live next door to Miriam and I am saddened to hear of her death. She will be sorely missed. May her soul rest in peace.
– Diane Hammill, Crawfordsville, HI [via Legacy], November 17, 2019
My time coaching around you was brief, but you impacted my life in ways you will never know. You demanded excellence. You loved the sport, and taught me to love it as well. You would do anything for your athletes and Minnesota Boat Club of Saint Paul. I am glad you were in my life.
Love to you family in this time of loss. Memory Eternal Miriam, Memory Eternal.
– Edward McCormick, Jersey City, NJ [via Legacy], November 16, 2019
Miriam, I loved your energy, your fire, your drive, your love for rowing, your hard work, and showing people that women can be tough as coaches. I appreciated your relentless persistence to get me to come up there to row, our conversations about rowing. OH and I will never forget my first time rowing up there. We were on the river, rowing along, cranking out pieces. You yelled something. I turned to the left and we were right next to some big barge. I couldn't believe it. At first I was shocked but once I could sense calm, I realized this was a normal thing. Makes me laugh today. You knew how to live authentically. You will be missed big time. There will be a void at the Minnesota Boat Club with your absence. It won't be the same. Thanks for caring and loving all those you helped in your life at the hospital, the rowing club and everyday life. And thanks for being an ally in our rowing world.
May you RIP.
– Mandi Kowal, Iowa City, IA, [via Legacy]November 15, 2019
Miriam, thank you for being a part of the SPRCC. We'll miss having you are our meetings and your Senate District meetings too.
– Sara Rasque, Saint Paul, MN [via Legacy] November 15, 2019
Miriam was a "Yes!" to Life!
– Jen Bruber Mays [via Facebook], November 13th
“Yes Miriam, I am squaring my blades early!”
– Charlie Stockwell, Rower, November 13, 2019
Miriam's ethos of working hard to achieve a goal combined with deep seated humanity were very influential on the younger version of me. A true role model.
I tried to attend the memorial in person, but was stranded due to the bad weather. Here I express my deep condolences to all Miriam's family. She made a positive difference in the world and in many peoples lives.
– David Daney [Via Legacy] November 13, 2019
I met Miriam as a freshman rower at the U of M in 2007. I had the pleasure of working with her over the next 6 years as a rower, overland boat transporter, and coach. I think she finally warmed up to me after one Death Race up in Duluth. Her crusty exterior only added crunch to a seasoned veteran; she was the salt of the earth.
– Jacob Traxler, Rower, November 13, 2019
– Charlie Stockwell, Rower, November 13, 2019
Miriam's ethos of working hard to achieve a goal combined with deep seated humanity were very influential on the younger version of me. A true role model.
I tried to attend the memorial in person, but was stranded due to the bad weather. Here I express my deep condolences to all Miriam's family. She made a positive difference in the world and in many peoples lives.
– David Daney [Via Legacy] November 13, 2019
I met Miriam as a freshman rower at the U of M in 2007. I had the pleasure of working with her over the next 6 years as a rower, overland boat transporter, and coach. I think she finally warmed up to me after one Death Race up in Duluth. Her crusty exterior only added crunch to a seasoned veteran; she was the salt of the earth.
– Jacob Traxler, Rower, November 13, 2019
Miriam and I met in 1974 during spring training with the U of M women's crew team in Tampa FLorida. We rowed together for 4 years. I then rowed for the Minnesota Boat Club from 1988-1992 with Miriam who coached us to many medals and trophies and made us many pots of her wonderful, infamous soups.
I wanted to share these photos especially because they go back almost to our beginnings in the world if rowing. So Miriam and I were an unlikely pair to row in a LIGHTWEIGHT pair. Mind you, Miriam Was NOT a lightweight with any stretch of the imagination; and, we had had only several sessions to practice rowing the pair prior to the regatta. Of course she had to make wt by dropping 10 lbs. Besides eating only half a cantaloupe the day before, I remember her spending the evening before and morning of the race doing s whole lot of spitting into a Kleenex. Miriam overpowered me; my steering was shaky at best but we managed to take second place. She reflected after the race: "If we had rowed a straight course we would have taken first."
Blessings to everyone who loved and will miss Miriam.
Miriam. What a legend! The chosen song with which she wanted to be associated, Shall We Gather at the River--how apropos! Think of how all the times we did just that with her.
The words that come to mind when I think of all the hours, days, weeks, months and years spent with her rowing and just hanging out: willful, fierce, winsome, generous, spitfire, stubborn, laughs easily, big hearted, always game for an adventure
Miriam, you will be remembered. Know that you were loved and will be missed. So glad we had that long chat by tellie a few weeks ago.
Sonny
– Sonny Schneiderhan, Minneapolis, MN [Via Legacy], November 11, 2019
Very sad to hear - although my time Minnesota was only one season - and it's been too many years since I have seen her, Miriam had quite the impact on me. She was a no nonsense personality but with a heart of gold. It was an honor to have been coached by her - even when she made me and another row back what seemed like forever from the Ford dam going up river against the Mississippi - after I'd make some rookie mistake during practice. Through her coaching I learned to not make that same mistake in competition. That work ethic she taught me in one season has stayed with me to this day. I will miss her intensity and tough love of her boys.
– Casey Lake, Minneapolis, MN [Via Legacy] November 9, 2019
I am the grateful mother of one of Miriam's prior, junior rowers. Miriam's strong influence, helped guide my daughter Anna through her teen and young adult years. Here are a few of Miriam's acts of kindness that I am grateful for:
- Miriam told it like it was. When Anna or a rowing friends did not give their all, Miriam let them know what was expected in her wonderful direct way, and at least for Anna, her behavior changed. Miriam's expectation of excellence was rewarded with her juniors truly pushing for their personal best.
- When my work conflicted with my ability to drive Anna to rowing, Miriam was always willing to pick her up. She gave her all to her rowers.
- Miriam shared her family and its resources:
One year, Anna was struggling with math. Miriam introduced Anna to her math teacher sister Naomi. After some excellent tutoring, she aced the course.
Once Anna graduated from high school and was looking for a summer internship before college, Miriam made a call to Elam and helped arrange for a paid internship at Corporate Technologies. Here Anna learned she liked and was good at sales. This continues to influence her path.
These are only a few of the kindnesses Miriam blessed our family with. Miriam had a heart of gold and she will be missed.
– Toni Roe, Saint Paul, MN [Via Legacy], November 11, 2019
I was so impressed with Miriam's passion towards things that were important to her - and her honesty in expressing her beliefs and opinions. She raised a wonderful son, Zeph, who I am proud to call my son-in-law. She has made a good and lasting impression on our mutual grandchildren - Leah Miriam and Zephy. I will definitely feel her absence. My sincere condolences to her son, brothers and sisters.
– Nancy Schumacher, Saint Paul, MN [Via Legacy], November 10, 2019
One of my earliest memories of Miriam has to be around 2003 when I was working out by myself at MBC. It was in the evening when she walked in to erg herself. She wasn’t there long before she challenged me to do a 500m piece. I was new to rowing and had felt I was doing “ok”. After the piece she clearly didn’t think I was doing “ok”. She just gave me a downward look and a “hmmm,” after seeing my time.
That early encounter made me fear her. Who was she to judge me? She didn’t even know me!
In my subsequent years on the competitive team she would fill in as my coach from time to time. At first it irritated me. “Oh great, here’s that coach who thinks I’m lazy." Then things began to change for me. Without my knowing it I began to row harder. It was when we won “the rock” one year at NWIRA and I saw that proud beaming look in her eyes that I truly understood. From then on out that fear of her changed to a fear of not letting her down. Whether it was not competing hard enough or simply how I parked the pontoon on the dock on the days I was fortunate to accompany her at her afternoon practices.
Now the fear has changed again, the fear that we will have to go on without her. I will always be grateful for the time we had and I hope she knew just how much I admired her. Thank you Miriam. Thank you for everything.
– Jeanette Matter, Rower, November 12, 2019
I have seen Miriam for the last 40 years at regattas. She was always competing, never giving up and a true builder in our rowing community. She will be missed but not forgotten. On behalf of all members of the Winnipeg Rowing Club we offer our sincere condolences to her family and the St Paul rowing community.
– Tom, Winnipeg Rowing Club, November 12, 2019
I was so sorry to hear from Bob Ellard yesterday that our rowing community has lost an icon. Miriam set an example for all of us. I spent a morning out on her launch with her when I was down to the NWIRA meetings in 2016. She related so well with her young athletes and you could palpably feel the reverence they held for her. She will certainly be missed by the rowing community in Minneapolis St. Paul. I am truly sorry for your loss.
With sincere best regards,
– David P. Millar, S.O.M., D.C., M.Sc., November 12, 2019
I can’t say I had a direct interaction with Miriam, but maybe a few words. Even so, and even though I didn’t row for her, I was probably scared of her. In reality my perception of her as a very young man was that she was rightly respected. And she helped her crews excel!
It was nice to stumble across her article online, all the way from Austria.
– John Thene, U of M 1983-86, MRC 1984-86, November 11, 2019
The Thunder Bay Rowing Club send our condolences to the family of Miriam Baer.
Miriam will be greatly missed by past and present members of the Thunder Bay Rowing Club. She was a faithful supporter of our annual regatta always arriving with a strong contingent of skilled rowers. Miriam made the regatta a bit of an out-of-town adventure for her crew with the Minnesota Boat Club team, 'camping' on the floor upstairs of our boathouse. Miriam would wake up early, cook breakfast for her athletes, and had everyone so well disciplined that by the time the umpires and race organizers arrived in the morning everything would be all cleaned and tidied away with no hint of overnight visitors save for the lingering smell of bacon wafting through the boathouse.
We received this comment on the news of Miriam's passing from one of our TBRC members who had competed in the 1980s and continues to row as a recreational rower: "How very sad and shocking. She was an amazing person. TBRC women’s crews in the 80s had such great competition with Miriam’s crew. TBRC usually won and Miriam and I chatted about those days in recent years. Her crews more than made up for it after that. An incredibly dedicated coach."
– Francie Sweitzer, President Thunder Bay Rowing Club, November 11, 2019
Anyone who has ever met met Miriam has a story to tell, and if one was willing to write those at different times during those long and not so long acquaintanceships, might remember how they change.
10 October, 1990 - Head of the IOWA - restoration of dormant event
"WHO IS this woman????? It's colder than (fill in the blank), there's frost on every blade of the slippery grass path to launch the shells directly into the river. No matter, let's get this show on the river, time's wasting. (Observation by this parent of a U/IA rower who had only seen one rowing event, never rowed, etc.) That was to change in so many ways. Athlete parent volunteer to referee volunteer - beginning salary, depending on the regatta host's ref budget - a princely/princessly? $25, regardless of #event days. Who in their right mind would think this was a good deal, unless they were either a committed or veteran rower, independently wealthy, or crazy? And then there were (and are) the coaches - who NOT to tangle with if it could be avoided, and if not, be VERY SURE of the Rules of Rowing - it wasn't going to be a quiz.
Fast forward to circa 1995 - Duluth Regatta - last run-up to the NWIRA - still essentially a volunteer ref, albeit first time Chief for this one. Those of you who know this event - usually runs on the bay, but if the wind is from the wrong direction, it moves to Lake Superior - no lane lines or steering targets there either. Complaint against MBC lodged by an opposing coach regarding weight of coxswain in another shell. So, upon sage advice from a more experienced referee, I had a one-to-one conference with Coach Baer on the subject of fairness in competition, including Cox weights, and for whatever the reason that day, Miriam got tears in her eyes. Well, that was certainly a surprise, I was prepared for something entirely different. There was a whole lot more to the crazy, pushy coach I'd first seen in action in 1990.
I am lucky to be among the many who admired and respected this woman, a legend in her own time and for years to come. The smile photo is a pretty great memory. Vaya con Dios Miriam.
– Darlene Neid [Rowing], November 11, 2019
I’ve been struggling to find words that could convey my love and gratitude to Mir. There is so much I wish I could’ve told you, thanked you for.
As I reflect on my time with Mir at the boat club, I realize that all of my stories, my memories include her. There were some close calls on the Mississippi which included cold water or flipped boats or barges. All of which I laugh about with my teammates and family members as I always finish the stories fondly by saying, “Miriam always knew how to save me.” “Saving me“ often looked different at different times. Sometimes saving me meant she was shouting at me to “figure it out myself” or “just keep going” or “work harder and that won’t happen next time.” Sometimes saving me meant she had to run her pontoon boat into me and my flipped over single to push me upstream to the dock. Whichever way the story started and ended, the overarching themes were trust and responsibility. She taught me to take responsibility for my actions.
On my first day of water time, after having learned to row, Miriam told me I was going to be in a double with a girl who had just learned as well. She looked at the two of us and said “okay who wants to bow?” I couldn’t have imagined at the time how impactful and important that moment was because, after a seconds pause, I stood up and said I would. She then looked at me and said, “good, because that position comes with a hell of a lot of responsibility, you’d better want it.” I was determined after that moment to always prove myself to her. To show her I was worthy of the trust she placed in me that day. That moment was so insignificant at the time, but as I reflect back, I realize it was the start of what would become 3 years of high school rowing and 4 years of collegiate rowing. The bow position that she offered me that day would prove to mold me into the person I am today. That position taught me patience, fortitude, respect, and responsibility-and I owe it all to Mir.
Anyone who knew Miriam knows that she wasn’t one for expressing her feelings with words, but her actions spoke volumes. She dedicated her daily life to a band of misfits who would’ve followed her anywhere (and oftentimes did). She taught me invaluable lessons about character, commitment, and love. She lit a fire in me, made me feel invincible, that I could accomplish anything. She has left a lasting mark on my life and on my heart, and I will miss her so much.
– Madeline Killian (graduated high school 2015), November 10, 2019
I met Miriam in the mid-sixties through a mutual friend, Jack. I left for Madison, WI and she came there a couple of years later. She had rented a house there, along with other of her family, where I also lived for some time. And, we both worked at UofWI hospital, psych. She worked nights and took classes and pushed herself hard, a tough taskmaster, primarily on herself, yet giving and accepting. In later years, she was so happy to have her son, Zephy, and even happier when in later years, he gave her two grandchildren! She was strong and stood firm in her beliefs. I am glad to have known Miriam and sad to hear of her passing.
– Jan Baumanis, Saint Paul, MN [via Legacy], November 10, 2019
In the late '60s and early '70 Miriam was a very special psychiatric nurse at University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. When struggles with mentally individuals became physical, she was so effective, saying that her early experiences wrestling with farm animal had taught her a lot. - Willy Becker, MSW
– Willy Becker, Madison, WI [via Legacy], November 9, 2019
30 years worth of small moments and memories. Here are a few...
Arriving at a morning practice to beautiful water and a storm with some cloud -to-cloud lightning in the far distance. Miriam putting her hand over her eyes and saying “I don’t see any lightning; get in the boat.” Practice as usual! She could follow rules, but only when they made sense to her. (Only one time did a storm actually materialize while we were rowing. We pulled to shore and carried the 8+ back to the club. Right up the Exchange Street ramp and across the Wabasha Bridge; turning a few heads on the way.)
At spring break training in Natchitoches, Louisiana on Easter Sunday morning.
Two rowers: “Can we end practice a few minutes early?”
Miriam: “Why?”
R: “Well, it’s Easter and we’d like to go to Mass.”
(long pause)
M: “God’s everywhere, right?”
R: “Right.”
M: “Pray in the boat; let’s go.”
(She did in fact get us back in time for Mass, though by luck or design I never knew.)
I never heard Miriam complain.
When we had two practices a day with a job in between, so did Miriam. (And she had a family!)
In the chill of spring and fall, we got warm rowing; she was in the cold launch, (and for many years hauled the motor up and down the ramp herself twice a day).
She slept in tents with us in Thunder Bay, where it was 90 degrees all day and 45 degrees at night, with a steady stream of freight trains going by a few hundred feet away.
There were road trips to the Canadian Henley in ‘Trent’ the old pickup truck. We slept in the back and plugged the holes in the topper with gum when it rained.
When we walked miles in Boston, so did she, even when her knee got really bad.
She showed us, without a word, that if something is worth doing, you just accept the price (cold, hunger, fatigue, pain etc) and do it.
Miriam didn’t make (or accept) excuses either. If we were 1 rower short and didn’t have a boat for a race, those weren’t reasons not to compete, they were just two problems to be solved.
On a different spring break trip, Miriam arranged a little scrimmage between myself (a new singles sculler) and a national-team hopeful. I got a nice head start, and achieved my goal of not getting passed before a certain landmark. I was feeling pretty good about my position. When I rowed past Miriam she shouted “Go CATCH her, Kerry!” I don’t know how much better I rowed, or how much water I gained back, but that simple switch of mind-set from trying not to fall too far behind to striving to excel has served me well ever since.
Her coaching still influences me, both when I row and in other areas of my life, and I hope it always will.
Thank you Zeph, Naomi and the rest of family for sharing Miriam with us.
– Kerry (McCarthy) Korman, Miriam-Rower 1993-2002 (and friend '93-present), November 10, 2019
Minneapolis Rowing Club sends our love, thoughts, and prayers to those mourning the loss of Miriam Baer, long time Minnesota Boat Club coach and icon of Minnesota rowing for over 40 years. May her memory be a blessing.
– Minneapolis Rowing Club, November 7, 2019
I wanted to share these photos especially because they go back almost to our beginnings in the world if rowing. So Miriam and I were an unlikely pair to row in a LIGHTWEIGHT pair. Mind you, Miriam Was NOT a lightweight with any stretch of the imagination; and, we had had only several sessions to practice rowing the pair prior to the regatta. Of course she had to make wt by dropping 10 lbs. Besides eating only half a cantaloupe the day before, I remember her spending the evening before and morning of the race doing s whole lot of spitting into a Kleenex. Miriam overpowered me; my steering was shaky at best but we managed to take second place. She reflected after the race: "If we had rowed a straight course we would have taken first."
Blessings to everyone who loved and will miss Miriam.
Miriam. What a legend! The chosen song with which she wanted to be associated, Shall We Gather at the River--how apropos! Think of how all the times we did just that with her.
The words that come to mind when I think of all the hours, days, weeks, months and years spent with her rowing and just hanging out: willful, fierce, winsome, generous, spitfire, stubborn, laughs easily, big hearted, always game for an adventure
Miriam, you will be remembered. Know that you were loved and will be missed. So glad we had that long chat by tellie a few weeks ago.
Sonny
– Sonny Schneiderhan, Minneapolis, MN [Via Legacy], November 11, 2019
Very sad to hear - although my time Minnesota was only one season - and it's been too many years since I have seen her, Miriam had quite the impact on me. She was a no nonsense personality but with a heart of gold. It was an honor to have been coached by her - even when she made me and another row back what seemed like forever from the Ford dam going up river against the Mississippi - after I'd make some rookie mistake during practice. Through her coaching I learned to not make that same mistake in competition. That work ethic she taught me in one season has stayed with me to this day. I will miss her intensity and tough love of her boys.
– Casey Lake, Minneapolis, MN [Via Legacy] November 9, 2019
I am the grateful mother of one of Miriam's prior, junior rowers. Miriam's strong influence, helped guide my daughter Anna through her teen and young adult years. Here are a few of Miriam's acts of kindness that I am grateful for:
- Miriam told it like it was. When Anna or a rowing friends did not give their all, Miriam let them know what was expected in her wonderful direct way, and at least for Anna, her behavior changed. Miriam's expectation of excellence was rewarded with her juniors truly pushing for their personal best.
- When my work conflicted with my ability to drive Anna to rowing, Miriam was always willing to pick her up. She gave her all to her rowers.
- Miriam shared her family and its resources:
One year, Anna was struggling with math. Miriam introduced Anna to her math teacher sister Naomi. After some excellent tutoring, she aced the course.
Once Anna graduated from high school and was looking for a summer internship before college, Miriam made a call to Elam and helped arrange for a paid internship at Corporate Technologies. Here Anna learned she liked and was good at sales. This continues to influence her path.
These are only a few of the kindnesses Miriam blessed our family with. Miriam had a heart of gold and she will be missed.
– Toni Roe, Saint Paul, MN [Via Legacy], November 11, 2019
I was so impressed with Miriam's passion towards things that were important to her - and her honesty in expressing her beliefs and opinions. She raised a wonderful son, Zeph, who I am proud to call my son-in-law. She has made a good and lasting impression on our mutual grandchildren - Leah Miriam and Zephy. I will definitely feel her absence. My sincere condolences to her son, brothers and sisters.
– Nancy Schumacher, Saint Paul, MN [Via Legacy], November 10, 2019
One of my earliest memories of Miriam has to be around 2003 when I was working out by myself at MBC. It was in the evening when she walked in to erg herself. She wasn’t there long before she challenged me to do a 500m piece. I was new to rowing and had felt I was doing “ok”. After the piece she clearly didn’t think I was doing “ok”. She just gave me a downward look and a “hmmm,” after seeing my time.
That early encounter made me fear her. Who was she to judge me? She didn’t even know me!
In my subsequent years on the competitive team she would fill in as my coach from time to time. At first it irritated me. “Oh great, here’s that coach who thinks I’m lazy." Then things began to change for me. Without my knowing it I began to row harder. It was when we won “the rock” one year at NWIRA and I saw that proud beaming look in her eyes that I truly understood. From then on out that fear of her changed to a fear of not letting her down. Whether it was not competing hard enough or simply how I parked the pontoon on the dock on the days I was fortunate to accompany her at her afternoon practices.
Now the fear has changed again, the fear that we will have to go on without her. I will always be grateful for the time we had and I hope she knew just how much I admired her. Thank you Miriam. Thank you for everything.
– Jeanette Matter, Rower, November 12, 2019
I have seen Miriam for the last 40 years at regattas. She was always competing, never giving up and a true builder in our rowing community. She will be missed but not forgotten. On behalf of all members of the Winnipeg Rowing Club we offer our sincere condolences to her family and the St Paul rowing community.
– Tom, Winnipeg Rowing Club, November 12, 2019
I was so sorry to hear from Bob Ellard yesterday that our rowing community has lost an icon. Miriam set an example for all of us. I spent a morning out on her launch with her when I was down to the NWIRA meetings in 2016. She related so well with her young athletes and you could palpably feel the reverence they held for her. She will certainly be missed by the rowing community in Minneapolis St. Paul. I am truly sorry for your loss.
With sincere best regards,
– David P. Millar, S.O.M., D.C., M.Sc., November 12, 2019
I can’t say I had a direct interaction with Miriam, but maybe a few words. Even so, and even though I didn’t row for her, I was probably scared of her. In reality my perception of her as a very young man was that she was rightly respected. And she helped her crews excel!
It was nice to stumble across her article online, all the way from Austria.
– John Thene, U of M 1983-86, MRC 1984-86, November 11, 2019
The Thunder Bay Rowing Club send our condolences to the family of Miriam Baer.
Miriam will be greatly missed by past and present members of the Thunder Bay Rowing Club. She was a faithful supporter of our annual regatta always arriving with a strong contingent of skilled rowers. Miriam made the regatta a bit of an out-of-town adventure for her crew with the Minnesota Boat Club team, 'camping' on the floor upstairs of our boathouse. Miriam would wake up early, cook breakfast for her athletes, and had everyone so well disciplined that by the time the umpires and race organizers arrived in the morning everything would be all cleaned and tidied away with no hint of overnight visitors save for the lingering smell of bacon wafting through the boathouse.
We received this comment on the news of Miriam's passing from one of our TBRC members who had competed in the 1980s and continues to row as a recreational rower: "How very sad and shocking. She was an amazing person. TBRC women’s crews in the 80s had such great competition with Miriam’s crew. TBRC usually won and Miriam and I chatted about those days in recent years. Her crews more than made up for it after that. An incredibly dedicated coach."
– Francie Sweitzer, President Thunder Bay Rowing Club, November 11, 2019
Anyone who has ever met met Miriam has a story to tell, and if one was willing to write those at different times during those long and not so long acquaintanceships, might remember how they change.
10 October, 1990 - Head of the IOWA - restoration of dormant event
"WHO IS this woman????? It's colder than (fill in the blank), there's frost on every blade of the slippery grass path to launch the shells directly into the river. No matter, let's get this show on the river, time's wasting. (Observation by this parent of a U/IA rower who had only seen one rowing event, never rowed, etc.) That was to change in so many ways. Athlete parent volunteer to referee volunteer - beginning salary, depending on the regatta host's ref budget - a princely/princessly? $25, regardless of #event days. Who in their right mind would think this was a good deal, unless they were either a committed or veteran rower, independently wealthy, or crazy? And then there were (and are) the coaches - who NOT to tangle with if it could be avoided, and if not, be VERY SURE of the Rules of Rowing - it wasn't going to be a quiz.
Fast forward to circa 1995 - Duluth Regatta - last run-up to the NWIRA - still essentially a volunteer ref, albeit first time Chief for this one. Those of you who know this event - usually runs on the bay, but if the wind is from the wrong direction, it moves to Lake Superior - no lane lines or steering targets there either. Complaint against MBC lodged by an opposing coach regarding weight of coxswain in another shell. So, upon sage advice from a more experienced referee, I had a one-to-one conference with Coach Baer on the subject of fairness in competition, including Cox weights, and for whatever the reason that day, Miriam got tears in her eyes. Well, that was certainly a surprise, I was prepared for something entirely different. There was a whole lot more to the crazy, pushy coach I'd first seen in action in 1990.
I am lucky to be among the many who admired and respected this woman, a legend in her own time and for years to come. The smile photo is a pretty great memory. Vaya con Dios Miriam.
– Darlene Neid [Rowing], November 11, 2019
I’ve been struggling to find words that could convey my love and gratitude to Mir. There is so much I wish I could’ve told you, thanked you for.
As I reflect on my time with Mir at the boat club, I realize that all of my stories, my memories include her. There were some close calls on the Mississippi which included cold water or flipped boats or barges. All of which I laugh about with my teammates and family members as I always finish the stories fondly by saying, “Miriam always knew how to save me.” “Saving me“ often looked different at different times. Sometimes saving me meant she was shouting at me to “figure it out myself” or “just keep going” or “work harder and that won’t happen next time.” Sometimes saving me meant she had to run her pontoon boat into me and my flipped over single to push me upstream to the dock. Whichever way the story started and ended, the overarching themes were trust and responsibility. She taught me to take responsibility for my actions.
On my first day of water time, after having learned to row, Miriam told me I was going to be in a double with a girl who had just learned as well. She looked at the two of us and said “okay who wants to bow?” I couldn’t have imagined at the time how impactful and important that moment was because, after a seconds pause, I stood up and said I would. She then looked at me and said, “good, because that position comes with a hell of a lot of responsibility, you’d better want it.” I was determined after that moment to always prove myself to her. To show her I was worthy of the trust she placed in me that day. That moment was so insignificant at the time, but as I reflect back, I realize it was the start of what would become 3 years of high school rowing and 4 years of collegiate rowing. The bow position that she offered me that day would prove to mold me into the person I am today. That position taught me patience, fortitude, respect, and responsibility-and I owe it all to Mir.
Anyone who knew Miriam knows that she wasn’t one for expressing her feelings with words, but her actions spoke volumes. She dedicated her daily life to a band of misfits who would’ve followed her anywhere (and oftentimes did). She taught me invaluable lessons about character, commitment, and love. She lit a fire in me, made me feel invincible, that I could accomplish anything. She has left a lasting mark on my life and on my heart, and I will miss her so much.
– Madeline Killian (graduated high school 2015), November 10, 2019
I met Miriam in the mid-sixties through a mutual friend, Jack. I left for Madison, WI and she came there a couple of years later. She had rented a house there, along with other of her family, where I also lived for some time. And, we both worked at UofWI hospital, psych. She worked nights and took classes and pushed herself hard, a tough taskmaster, primarily on herself, yet giving and accepting. In later years, she was so happy to have her son, Zephy, and even happier when in later years, he gave her two grandchildren! She was strong and stood firm in her beliefs. I am glad to have known Miriam and sad to hear of her passing.
– Jan Baumanis, Saint Paul, MN [via Legacy], November 10, 2019
In the late '60s and early '70 Miriam was a very special psychiatric nurse at University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. When struggles with mentally individuals became physical, she was so effective, saying that her early experiences wrestling with farm animal had taught her a lot. - Willy Becker, MSW
– Willy Becker, Madison, WI [via Legacy], November 9, 2019
30 years worth of small moments and memories. Here are a few...
Arriving at a morning practice to beautiful water and a storm with some cloud -to-cloud lightning in the far distance. Miriam putting her hand over her eyes and saying “I don’t see any lightning; get in the boat.” Practice as usual! She could follow rules, but only when they made sense to her. (Only one time did a storm actually materialize while we were rowing. We pulled to shore and carried the 8+ back to the club. Right up the Exchange Street ramp and across the Wabasha Bridge; turning a few heads on the way.)
At spring break training in Natchitoches, Louisiana on Easter Sunday morning.
Two rowers: “Can we end practice a few minutes early?”
Miriam: “Why?”
R: “Well, it’s Easter and we’d like to go to Mass.”
(long pause)
M: “God’s everywhere, right?”
R: “Right.”
M: “Pray in the boat; let’s go.”
(She did in fact get us back in time for Mass, though by luck or design I never knew.)
I never heard Miriam complain.
When we had two practices a day with a job in between, so did Miriam. (And she had a family!)
In the chill of spring and fall, we got warm rowing; she was in the cold launch, (and for many years hauled the motor up and down the ramp herself twice a day).
She slept in tents with us in Thunder Bay, where it was 90 degrees all day and 45 degrees at night, with a steady stream of freight trains going by a few hundred feet away.
There were road trips to the Canadian Henley in ‘Trent’ the old pickup truck. We slept in the back and plugged the holes in the topper with gum when it rained.
When we walked miles in Boston, so did she, even when her knee got really bad.
She showed us, without a word, that if something is worth doing, you just accept the price (cold, hunger, fatigue, pain etc) and do it.
Miriam didn’t make (or accept) excuses either. If we were 1 rower short and didn’t have a boat for a race, those weren’t reasons not to compete, they were just two problems to be solved.
On a different spring break trip, Miriam arranged a little scrimmage between myself (a new singles sculler) and a national-team hopeful. I got a nice head start, and achieved my goal of not getting passed before a certain landmark. I was feeling pretty good about my position. When I rowed past Miriam she shouted “Go CATCH her, Kerry!” I don’t know how much better I rowed, or how much water I gained back, but that simple switch of mind-set from trying not to fall too far behind to striving to excel has served me well ever since.
Her coaching still influences me, both when I row and in other areas of my life, and I hope it always will.
Thank you Zeph, Naomi and the rest of family for sharing Miriam with us.
– Kerry (McCarthy) Korman, Miriam-Rower 1993-2002 (and friend '93-present), November 10, 2019
Minneapolis Rowing Club sends our love, thoughts, and prayers to those mourning the loss of Miriam Baer, long time Minnesota Boat Club coach and icon of Minnesota rowing for over 40 years. May her memory be a blessing.
– Minneapolis Rowing Club, November 7, 2019
Thank you for inspiring my son.
– Patty Hall, Saint Paul, MN [via Legacy], November 9, 2019
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Please know you are in thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Being one of the younger cousins our paths did not cross often. Wish I had known her better. Sounds like she lived a very full life.
The Jeremiah Baer family.
– Donna (BAER) Brown, Tillsonburg, ON, November 9, 2019
You will be missed dear friend.....
– The Hallman family [via Legacy], November 9, 2019
Sorry for your loss. Miriam introduced me to the irrational passion of rowing at the University of Minnesota in the fall of 1976. The love of rowing I gained from her made a significant impact on my life. She was a very special person and I know she had a huge positive impact on many who took her challenge to try our great sport.
– Bill Donoho, Aurora, OH [via Legacy], November 9, 2019
I have great respect for her, admired her straight talk with a funny sense of humor twist- a servant to many people.
– Margaret Eileen Johnson Heil [via Legacy], November 8, 2019
So sorry for your loss. God Bless and keep Miriam's family wrapped in HIS tender loving care. Hugs - prayers - peace.
– Sue Berg, Detroit Lakes, MN [via Legacy], November 9, 2019
Miriam was a wonderful coach, mentor and friend to so many people.
– J Stubbs, Crosslake, MN [via Legacy], November 9, 2019
What an amazing coach she was! I was on a rowing machine in the club and she suggested "Try this" and it immediately improved. I didn't know she was, but I soon found out. Great person.
– Robin Rainford, St Paul, MN, November 8, 2019
I’m so sorry to hear this news. Such a loss to the community, and deepest sympathies to her family. Godspeed, Miriam.
– Linda Muri [Rowing], November 8, 2019
Oh no! So sorry to hear that. Legendary is right, and so real at the same time.
– Sandy Kendall [Rowing], November 8, 2019
An incredible and motivating coach, and a great person. You will be missed Miriam. RIP.
– Alex Rosenflanz, Junior Team Member 2014-16, November 8, 2019
I am honored to call myself one of Miriam's rowers. She always wanted you to excel. Yes, she could be tough and blunt, but that was because she had faith in you and knew you had more potential in there somewhere. I learned really quickly that if I just trusted her process, I would succeed. Some days were really hard, but I always came out the other side a better rower and a better person.
I also am honored to have known her outside of the rowing world. I am not sure how many athletes got to see the off duty side of Miriam. I could talk to her for hours. I am lucky to have had amazing dinners at her home and she was quite the doting host. She was always concerned if her guests were comfortable, if she made enough food, if the food was good enough--and it was always amazing! She was an amazing cook! She made incredible bread and she made pour over coffee way back in the 90's before it was a cool thing. Don't even get me started on her chocolate chip cookies! I hope that recipe lives on somewhere as they are beyond description!
For new athletes who would be frustrated or maybe felt things were too intense, when Zeph was younger I would always say, "You just have to get to know her. She's truly a sweet, dear mom-- like your mom away from home." I watched her play board games with Zeph and it always warmed my heart. As we all got older, I would say the same but insert "gentle grandma" and again feel honored to have know her not just as a coach, but as her true person.
I have so many Miriam stories that I can't seem to choose one so for now, I will say that she is a person who had a profound impact on my life. She created the environment that allowed me to succeed in a sport that I am still passionate about today. As a coach myself, I have learned much that I pass on and hope inspires my athletes and in doing so, allows some of Miriam to continue to always be on the water with me. You are forever my coach, my mentor, Miriam Baer.
– Sandi McCarthy, "One of Miriam's Rowers," November 9, 2019
Miriam was a true maverick. She was tough and realistic. She didn’t sugar coat anything no matter what the subject was. She tested our mettle and challenged everyone around her. She was the sharpest no-nonsense OR nurse I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with - always certain, often right.
She challenged me 20yrs ago, when spectating at a regatta, to get in an 8 she had an extra seat in. I hadn’t rowed before, but she convinced me to try it. That’s quintessential Miriam.
Out in the launch this summer, she challenged us (moms in a 4x) to line up on the spot to race against our kids. I know she got a kick out of it, but the lesson was there for all of us--keep challenging yourself, test your mettle, never give up.
Over the years, she coached all 3 of my boys and had a profound impact on them, sharing her passion for rowing and helping them develop discipline, tenacity and grit. Every race, they wanted to win for her. They say she’s the best coach they’ve ever had.
We will truly miss her. As my son says, she is the true GOAT of rowing. Rest In Peace.
– Marie Steinberger [Rowing], November 9, 2019
Last fall, I was fortunate to spend a few afternoons with Miriam while she was coaching the junior team at MBC. I would go to the boat house before practice and Miriam was always there early and was always chatting with any of the juniors that would show up early. Often, a junior member would be talking about what was going on in their life and Miriam would be listening, offering her perspective. It was obvious there was mutual respect and caring.
I enjoyed being in the launch while Miriam was coaching. It was clear she had a lot of pride and passion for the junior team. She was frequently talking about her hopes and expectations for them, where they were in their progress, and their successes.
I don't think Miriam thought it was necessary that someone was with her on the water last year while she was coaching but I think she enjoyed the company and certainly loved to talk. She shared her views on topics from rowing to economics. I hadn't known her very well before these afternoons and of course, she had a reputation for being a tough, strong, down-to-business coach. So these afternoons were surprising and fun. I got to see the coaching side of her - she has soooo much knowledge. And, I got to see the friendly, warm side of her.
We had one "adventure" on the water when the engine on the launch kept killing and we discovered there was a rope wrapped around the propeller. There was no way we were going to get that rope unwrapped. We made it back to the dock after some paddling to the side of the river, several failed attempts at unwrapping the rope, some discussions on sending someone back for a 2nd launch and finally, help from a nearby fisherman with a sharp knife. I'm glad Miriam was with me that day.
I know Miriam had a broad reach during her life. While I was was rowing in Tempe Arizona last year, I met a new group of rowers. When one of them found out I had rowing in St. Paul, the first thing they asked was, "Do you know Miriam?"
Miriam, you will be missed!
– Kathy Price, Rower, November 9, 2019
– Patty Hall, Saint Paul, MN [via Legacy], November 9, 2019
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Please know you are in thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Being one of the younger cousins our paths did not cross often. Wish I had known her better. Sounds like she lived a very full life.
The Jeremiah Baer family.
– Donna (BAER) Brown, Tillsonburg, ON, November 9, 2019
You will be missed dear friend.....
– The Hallman family [via Legacy], November 9, 2019
Sorry for your loss. Miriam introduced me to the irrational passion of rowing at the University of Minnesota in the fall of 1976. The love of rowing I gained from her made a significant impact on my life. She was a very special person and I know she had a huge positive impact on many who took her challenge to try our great sport.
– Bill Donoho, Aurora, OH [via Legacy], November 9, 2019
I have great respect for her, admired her straight talk with a funny sense of humor twist- a servant to many people.
– Margaret Eileen Johnson Heil [via Legacy], November 8, 2019
So sorry for your loss. God Bless and keep Miriam's family wrapped in HIS tender loving care. Hugs - prayers - peace.
– Sue Berg, Detroit Lakes, MN [via Legacy], November 9, 2019
Miriam was a wonderful coach, mentor and friend to so many people.
– J Stubbs, Crosslake, MN [via Legacy], November 9, 2019
What an amazing coach she was! I was on a rowing machine in the club and she suggested "Try this" and it immediately improved. I didn't know she was, but I soon found out. Great person.
– Robin Rainford, St Paul, MN, November 8, 2019
I’m so sorry to hear this news. Such a loss to the community, and deepest sympathies to her family. Godspeed, Miriam.
– Linda Muri [Rowing], November 8, 2019
Oh no! So sorry to hear that. Legendary is right, and so real at the same time.
– Sandy Kendall [Rowing], November 8, 2019
An incredible and motivating coach, and a great person. You will be missed Miriam. RIP.
– Alex Rosenflanz, Junior Team Member 2014-16, November 8, 2019
I am honored to call myself one of Miriam's rowers. She always wanted you to excel. Yes, she could be tough and blunt, but that was because she had faith in you and knew you had more potential in there somewhere. I learned really quickly that if I just trusted her process, I would succeed. Some days were really hard, but I always came out the other side a better rower and a better person.
I also am honored to have known her outside of the rowing world. I am not sure how many athletes got to see the off duty side of Miriam. I could talk to her for hours. I am lucky to have had amazing dinners at her home and she was quite the doting host. She was always concerned if her guests were comfortable, if she made enough food, if the food was good enough--and it was always amazing! She was an amazing cook! She made incredible bread and she made pour over coffee way back in the 90's before it was a cool thing. Don't even get me started on her chocolate chip cookies! I hope that recipe lives on somewhere as they are beyond description!
For new athletes who would be frustrated or maybe felt things were too intense, when Zeph was younger I would always say, "You just have to get to know her. She's truly a sweet, dear mom-- like your mom away from home." I watched her play board games with Zeph and it always warmed my heart. As we all got older, I would say the same but insert "gentle grandma" and again feel honored to have know her not just as a coach, but as her true person.
I have so many Miriam stories that I can't seem to choose one so for now, I will say that she is a person who had a profound impact on my life. She created the environment that allowed me to succeed in a sport that I am still passionate about today. As a coach myself, I have learned much that I pass on and hope inspires my athletes and in doing so, allows some of Miriam to continue to always be on the water with me. You are forever my coach, my mentor, Miriam Baer.
– Sandi McCarthy, "One of Miriam's Rowers," November 9, 2019
Miriam was a true maverick. She was tough and realistic. She didn’t sugar coat anything no matter what the subject was. She tested our mettle and challenged everyone around her. She was the sharpest no-nonsense OR nurse I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with - always certain, often right.
She challenged me 20yrs ago, when spectating at a regatta, to get in an 8 she had an extra seat in. I hadn’t rowed before, but she convinced me to try it. That’s quintessential Miriam.
Out in the launch this summer, she challenged us (moms in a 4x) to line up on the spot to race against our kids. I know she got a kick out of it, but the lesson was there for all of us--keep challenging yourself, test your mettle, never give up.
Over the years, she coached all 3 of my boys and had a profound impact on them, sharing her passion for rowing and helping them develop discipline, tenacity and grit. Every race, they wanted to win for her. They say she’s the best coach they’ve ever had.
We will truly miss her. As my son says, she is the true GOAT of rowing. Rest In Peace.
– Marie Steinberger [Rowing], November 9, 2019
Last fall, I was fortunate to spend a few afternoons with Miriam while she was coaching the junior team at MBC. I would go to the boat house before practice and Miriam was always there early and was always chatting with any of the juniors that would show up early. Often, a junior member would be talking about what was going on in their life and Miriam would be listening, offering her perspective. It was obvious there was mutual respect and caring.
I enjoyed being in the launch while Miriam was coaching. It was clear she had a lot of pride and passion for the junior team. She was frequently talking about her hopes and expectations for them, where they were in their progress, and their successes.
I don't think Miriam thought it was necessary that someone was with her on the water last year while she was coaching but I think she enjoyed the company and certainly loved to talk. She shared her views on topics from rowing to economics. I hadn't known her very well before these afternoons and of course, she had a reputation for being a tough, strong, down-to-business coach. So these afternoons were surprising and fun. I got to see the coaching side of her - she has soooo much knowledge. And, I got to see the friendly, warm side of her.
We had one "adventure" on the water when the engine on the launch kept killing and we discovered there was a rope wrapped around the propeller. There was no way we were going to get that rope unwrapped. We made it back to the dock after some paddling to the side of the river, several failed attempts at unwrapping the rope, some discussions on sending someone back for a 2nd launch and finally, help from a nearby fisherman with a sharp knife. I'm glad Miriam was with me that day.
I know Miriam had a broad reach during her life. While I was was rowing in Tempe Arizona last year, I met a new group of rowers. When one of them found out I had rowing in St. Paul, the first thing they asked was, "Do you know Miriam?"
Miriam, you will be missed!
– Kathy Price, Rower, November 9, 2019
I am so very sorry for the loss of Miriam. She was a giver and lover of life. She changed my life. – Sara Whicher, Associate AIA & Co-Founder, Chisel Architecture [Rowing], November 9, 2019 I can’t believe it! I thought she would live forever. She always seemed super-human to me...bigger than life! – Loriann Sarafolean Granados [Via Facebook], November 9, 2019 |
I was the captain of the men’s varsity lightweight crew team 1978-1982, and was blessed to have known Miriam - my most sincere condolences to you all - may your grief turn to peace as you reflect on the memories you were blessed with while she was here.
She was larger than life and beamed every time I saw her. Her exuberance was contagious, and her smile lifted everyone around her. Peace to you and may Miriam Rest In Peace as she smiles down on all of us.
Thank you and Best Regards,
– Jeff G. Fackler, NA Business Development Director - Protective Apparel, DuPont Personal Protection, [Rowing], November 9, 2019
I will never forget Miriam's voice booming down the river, her sassy comments, or her words of wisdom on long car rides to regattas. Miriam helped shaped me into the person I am today, and I will be forever grateful for her confidence in me and the role she played in me growing up. She taught me how to be passionate, have confidence in myself, and how to keep going when its the last thing I want to do. My sincere condolences to the Baer family and everyone who she touched. I am so lucky to have had her as a part of my life, and I will always cherish my time spent with her.
– Bella Haake, Junior Team Member 2013-16, November 9, 2019
Miriam coached my son Henry on the MBC Junior team for three years, beginning in the fall of 2015 when Henry joined the team as a Novice. I came to refer to her, affectionately, as "the Bob Knight of the Mississippi". She will be sorely missed by me and I'm grateful for all she did for Henry during his time at MBC.
Sincerely,
– Nathan Zietlow [Rowing], November 9, 2019
Our sincerest condolences from the Regina Rowing Club. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all of you.
– Ian Mitchell, Regina Rowing Club, November 8, 2019
My condolences to the family. She will be missed for her life long dedication to rowing, striving for excellence, sharing her experience when we were running a regatta, keeping umpires on their toes and letting us know if she had not seen us for a while that it was about time we showed up.
– Lise Trent, Kenora Rowing Club, November 8, 2019
Condolences from all here in Edmonton.
– Walter Martindale, M.P.E., ChPC, Head Coach ERC/UART [Rowing], November 8, 2019
Only the guy who isn't rowing has time to rock the boat.
- Jean-Paul Sartre
Hello to the WHOLE family,
I could echo so much of what so many have said... especially Kirsten Lamppa. Those that know me, know that for me to say I am at a loss of words is a rare thing. But I am. Miriam was just such a huge impact on my life and how my life moved forward to where it is today.
I grieve for her family. She loved you! She loved her grand kids!!
I will leave you with my fondest memory...
I was one of the rowers that lived with Miriam in the 80's. Every Summer/Fall I came in from California just to row for her. I would often baby sit Zeph during the day.
I will never forget how this hard core women, my Coach who yelled and worked us - would change before my eyes every night when we got home. when she switched from Coach to Mom. It was an incredible sight and one not everyone got to see... it is one of my fondest memories of Miriam. She loved being a Mom.
And Zeph. Thank-you for sharing her and so often your vacations with us!
– Jill Cooper [Rowing], November 8, 2019
There are so many stories to tell as I’ve known Miriam for 29 years. It’s hard to pick just one but this one always stands out.
During December of 1990 Miriam was head coach of the University of Minnesota’s women’s rowing program and we went down to Tampa Florida for winter break training. As usual we rented one van to tow the trailer and most of us crammed into the space. We drove straight through which was not unusual. The van’s back seats were folded all down so most of us could sleep during the night. Miriam just simply took charge of everything. Even when one girl had to stop to go to the bathroom Miriam simply said “No, you should have gone earlier”. The poor girl held it hard for the next 4 hours till we stopped for gas.
During the night, when I was asleep, I was woken up by some shaking. I looked up outside the window and for a second I saw the 8’s swing out over the roof of the van. I was then thrown to the other side of the van and Miriam, who was sitting shotgun, was screaming at the young driver, “GO FASTER!! PUT ON THE GAS!!”. As we all were being flung from one side of the van to the other I saw that we were on a six land highway, surrounded on all sides by semi-trucks, going down a large hill. The boats were coming within inches of hitting the trucks on either side of us. The problem was that there was another truck in front and there wasn’t much room. The young driver was panicking. The steering wheel was having a mind of its own and Miriam got out of her seat and grabbed the wheel screaming all the while. At one point I thought I felt the van’s tires lift slightly. The young women finally put some power back into the van and she was able to get everything under control. No one said anything for what seemed like several hours. Nobody went back to sleep. We all just looked back at each other realizing that we were pretty lucky.
The rest of the trip went really well. We rowed in the sun and pouring Florida rain, had practices three or four times a day, ate, slept and watched Ann of Green Gables every evening. It was exhausting and exhilarating. I was so in love with the sport and I wanted to work so hard for Miriam. I was intimidated, to say the least, by her vast knowledge of the sport and respected her tremendously. On the way home I was sitting shotgun and she was driving. Everyone else was asleep and I got up my courage to ask her a question that had been brewing in my head for a while. I wanted to be the best rower I could be so I asked Miriam if she thought I could make the national team. She said yes. That simple answer changed my life forever. The simple fact that she believed in me was overwhelming powerful and it carries me to this day.
Thank you Miriam for all! You will be greatly missed by me and so many. Love to you always.
– Jacqueline Hamilton [Rowing], November 8, 2019
Miriam: straight forward and caring and a source of energy. Compassionate and always looking for what’s missing so she can make a difference.
– Joel Weiss [Rowing], November 8, 2019
Miriam Baer was a strong woman with a strong personality who attained near-legendary status in the rowing community through her dedication to the sport of rowing and fierce loyalty to her junior athletes, the Minnesota Boat Club, and the people that she loved and that loved her. Miriam was one of the first women in Minnesota to row competitively - a true pioneer. She paved the way for other women, setting an example of how to persevere and push back against unreasonable limitations. She had grit. She had drive. She had chutzpah.
Living and working in St. Paul, Minnesota, Miriam stood out for eschewing 'Minnesota nice' - that often-dishonest portrayal of kindness and approval to avoid conflict. Miriam was refreshingly and wonderfully honest. She called it as she saw it, and sometimes her words stung. Her exterior could be harsh, but if one had the privilege of getting close to her, that hard exterior shell fell quickly away to reveal a big, loving, genuinely caring heart - for her junior rowers, for her community, for the underdog.
Miriam enjoyed winning and would go after the NWIRA Lipton Cup with everything she had. And she won often. There are countless photos of her standing with the coveted Lipton Cup, proud and happy, surrounded by her athletes, beaming victoriously. She relished winning, but what brought me especially close to Miriam was the fact that she didn't always win. She understood equally well the pain of failure and defeat. She knew what it was to be rejected and, at times, disparaged. Of course, these incidents in her life are insignificant when held up against her spirit and her many accomplishments but, I believe, they shaped her and cultivated a sense of compassion. When I was speciously rejected by the Twin Cities Rowing Community - for the second time - it was in Miriam that I found perspective and comfort. She had been there. She had lived through similar challenges and had carried on. She knew what I was going through in a way few others could. She reached out and counseled me. She offered me resources and her big and loving heart. She let me ride along in her coach's launch on many spring afternoons. I snapped pictures of her juniors. We talked and laughed. She saw beyond the rumors and gossip. I regained perspective.
When my son Henry - who captained MBC's junior team during his senior year of High School - was killed earlier this year, Miriam stepped up immediately. In so many ways. She arranged for the Boat House to be available for a reception, she showed up at Henry's memorial, she came by my house with a card. She was affected by Henry's sudden, unexpected, death and vaguely alluded to the possibility that he may have been called to a higher purpose. She donated early and generously to the creation of a beautiful trophy in his honor. She wanted to help and offer support and she did.
Miriam was a big person with a big heart. I feel so honored that she was my friend. Rest in peace, dear Miriam.
– Sarah Risser [Rowing], November 8, 2019
Miriam you were the best coach I will ever have. We butted heads and we disagreed; however I never had anything but respect for you and for what you did. Everything I do from here on out will be for you.
– Harrison Mattern, Junior Team Member, 2017-19 [Rowing], November 6, 2019
So sorry to hear of Miriam’s passing. She was a good person, with a gruff exterior image. I valued her at the regattas
and in the Board meetings. Her first position was always to champion her crews, but she was wise enough to see
the value of a proposal, that may not positively affect her interests, but were better for the association, and she would
vote for that. I will miss her.
Rest In Peace Miriam. You are a legendary coach in mid-west rowing. We will miss you.
– Don Hornby, Winnipeg, MB, November 6 & 9, 2019
I was deeply saddened to learn the news about Miriam who was a great rowing coach and a person who challenged me in mostly good ways as a referee.
About ten years ago when I was still a member of MBC, I volunteered to be Miriam’s boat driver for junior rowing camp. Since by then I had already had several significant coach vs referee disagreements with Miriam over rules interpretations, I did not look forward to this volunteer work. Five days with Miriam at the juniors camp changed my whole impression of her because I soon realized that Miriam was a great rowing technique coach, that she was good at figuring out which combinations of rowers belonged together in team boats, and because she cared deeply about her young rowers. Those juniors who stuck with Miriam became much better rowers and grew as young people. Having coached high school boys’ track for almost forty years, I came away from that driving for Miriam experience with a deep appreciation for her as a coach but even more so as a person.
It is hard for me to imagine a regatta in the NWIRA without Miriam to liven up things and to stick up for her MBC juniors.
– Jim Leslie [Rowing], November 4, 2019
Speaking of umpires and Miriam - yes she held to the rules and made them work for her crews. She also was the first to laugh in the face of a challenge - then knuckle down and resolve it. I never found her unreasonable - only tenacious.
I am so glad NWIRA chose this year to recognize her many talents and a life time of dedication to sport and to youth. It is a life story with listening to.
A life well lived Miriam!
– Sandra Kirby, Rower, November 5, 2019
We’ve all lost a sister. For the immediate future, MBC & the NWIRA will not be the same as her death bookmarks an era of 40 years of rowing excellence where the bar of competition was gradually raised and then sustained by her sheer determination to make a difference. Coaches and athletes strove to get better as she raised the bar for excellence.
A loss of 40 years of coaching life and rowing and what an impact she made. Referees became better as she read the rule book and was known to corner refs who were blowing smoke.
May she Rest In Peace.
– John Cavanaugh [Rowing], November 8, 2019
Miriam Baer made a huge impact on my life. She was easily the toughest and most determined individual that I had ever met. Being coached by her not only improved my physical well being, but my entire life. She taught me what true toughness was and how hard work is needed to reach goals. She taught me that rowing is an art that needs tactical precision along with intense focus and mental toughness. Her wisdom I use in all aspects of my life today. Thank you for everything. You are the true G.O.A.T. of the sport. Rest in Peace.
– Collin Steinberger, Junior Team Member, 2016-19 [Rowing], November 6, 2019
Dear Miriam,
I’d be remiss if I related my thoughts in simple prose and so I’ll write this as a personal letter as my tribute to our times from the late 70’s, early 80’s at the U of MN and St. Paul Boat Club. Very recent events, I would even call destiny, reconnected me with former rowing teammates and brought me the sad news of your passing. Let it be known you were more than a coach; I will always consider you my friend.
I had the honor of engaging conversations with members of your family at your house and sharing laughs with your sister during one of our trips to Melbourne, FL. I hope they will remember me as they read this.
Rowing stories could be told for weeks, here’s one of my favorites:
You always added interest to our practices by developing fictional races with any moving object: trains crossing on the bridge, recreational boats on the river or cars on the road. You would pick a “finish line” to see if we could win. One particular afternoon you decided race a barge that was coming upriver behind us eventually making it a head-to-head race. The barge in its undefined lane was pretty damn close to our shell (gawd! those things are big). Our 4-man gave it a pretty good run but we ran out of “gas”; the barge didn’t; it passed us. Now, I know that you knew that the waves of the wake from a barge are not small and that rowing shells are designed for smooth water, not to ride over waves.
The first wake came in over the gunwales covering our shoes, the second wake came up to our calves. The third wake was like closing of the Red Sea. Our bowman freaked and untied and swam to shore. Three of us plus the cox remained in our seats at the ready position with the boat underwater. My guess is that we were waiting for direction from our cox. You were barking orders from the coaching boat. I’m sure our cox was in a state of mild bewilderment but eventually called out (at your direction) to get to shore and bring the boat. So, we untied, hooked a foot over the rigging and managed to swim the boat to a rip-rap shore. Getting the water out of the swamped boat was not an easy chore but we managed. Teamwork. So, what to do, but tie in and row back. Just another practice, right?
Your drills, interval training, etc. made us competitive. Events, like the tale above, made life a blast. I still get on the water but now in a canoe. The sound and feel of the oar and paddle are comparable. The quiet is identical. Next summer I will dedicate a “Power 10” with my paddle in your honor, I promise.
I cherish our time together, Miriam. Rest in peace, coach.
Your friend,
– Kevin Alto, Starboard and past President U of MN Rowing Club, November 7, 2019
She was larger than life and beamed every time I saw her. Her exuberance was contagious, and her smile lifted everyone around her. Peace to you and may Miriam Rest In Peace as she smiles down on all of us.
Thank you and Best Regards,
– Jeff G. Fackler, NA Business Development Director - Protective Apparel, DuPont Personal Protection, [Rowing], November 9, 2019
I will never forget Miriam's voice booming down the river, her sassy comments, or her words of wisdom on long car rides to regattas. Miriam helped shaped me into the person I am today, and I will be forever grateful for her confidence in me and the role she played in me growing up. She taught me how to be passionate, have confidence in myself, and how to keep going when its the last thing I want to do. My sincere condolences to the Baer family and everyone who she touched. I am so lucky to have had her as a part of my life, and I will always cherish my time spent with her.
– Bella Haake, Junior Team Member 2013-16, November 9, 2019
Miriam coached my son Henry on the MBC Junior team for three years, beginning in the fall of 2015 when Henry joined the team as a Novice. I came to refer to her, affectionately, as "the Bob Knight of the Mississippi". She will be sorely missed by me and I'm grateful for all she did for Henry during his time at MBC.
Sincerely,
– Nathan Zietlow [Rowing], November 9, 2019
Our sincerest condolences from the Regina Rowing Club. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all of you.
– Ian Mitchell, Regina Rowing Club, November 8, 2019
My condolences to the family. She will be missed for her life long dedication to rowing, striving for excellence, sharing her experience when we were running a regatta, keeping umpires on their toes and letting us know if she had not seen us for a while that it was about time we showed up.
– Lise Trent, Kenora Rowing Club, November 8, 2019
Condolences from all here in Edmonton.
– Walter Martindale, M.P.E., ChPC, Head Coach ERC/UART [Rowing], November 8, 2019
Only the guy who isn't rowing has time to rock the boat.
- Jean-Paul Sartre
Hello to the WHOLE family,
I could echo so much of what so many have said... especially Kirsten Lamppa. Those that know me, know that for me to say I am at a loss of words is a rare thing. But I am. Miriam was just such a huge impact on my life and how my life moved forward to where it is today.
I grieve for her family. She loved you! She loved her grand kids!!
I will leave you with my fondest memory...
I was one of the rowers that lived with Miriam in the 80's. Every Summer/Fall I came in from California just to row for her. I would often baby sit Zeph during the day.
I will never forget how this hard core women, my Coach who yelled and worked us - would change before my eyes every night when we got home. when she switched from Coach to Mom. It was an incredible sight and one not everyone got to see... it is one of my fondest memories of Miriam. She loved being a Mom.
And Zeph. Thank-you for sharing her and so often your vacations with us!
– Jill Cooper [Rowing], November 8, 2019
There are so many stories to tell as I’ve known Miriam for 29 years. It’s hard to pick just one but this one always stands out.
During December of 1990 Miriam was head coach of the University of Minnesota’s women’s rowing program and we went down to Tampa Florida for winter break training. As usual we rented one van to tow the trailer and most of us crammed into the space. We drove straight through which was not unusual. The van’s back seats were folded all down so most of us could sleep during the night. Miriam just simply took charge of everything. Even when one girl had to stop to go to the bathroom Miriam simply said “No, you should have gone earlier”. The poor girl held it hard for the next 4 hours till we stopped for gas.
During the night, when I was asleep, I was woken up by some shaking. I looked up outside the window and for a second I saw the 8’s swing out over the roof of the van. I was then thrown to the other side of the van and Miriam, who was sitting shotgun, was screaming at the young driver, “GO FASTER!! PUT ON THE GAS!!”. As we all were being flung from one side of the van to the other I saw that we were on a six land highway, surrounded on all sides by semi-trucks, going down a large hill. The boats were coming within inches of hitting the trucks on either side of us. The problem was that there was another truck in front and there wasn’t much room. The young driver was panicking. The steering wheel was having a mind of its own and Miriam got out of her seat and grabbed the wheel screaming all the while. At one point I thought I felt the van’s tires lift slightly. The young women finally put some power back into the van and she was able to get everything under control. No one said anything for what seemed like several hours. Nobody went back to sleep. We all just looked back at each other realizing that we were pretty lucky.
The rest of the trip went really well. We rowed in the sun and pouring Florida rain, had practices three or four times a day, ate, slept and watched Ann of Green Gables every evening. It was exhausting and exhilarating. I was so in love with the sport and I wanted to work so hard for Miriam. I was intimidated, to say the least, by her vast knowledge of the sport and respected her tremendously. On the way home I was sitting shotgun and she was driving. Everyone else was asleep and I got up my courage to ask her a question that had been brewing in my head for a while. I wanted to be the best rower I could be so I asked Miriam if she thought I could make the national team. She said yes. That simple answer changed my life forever. The simple fact that she believed in me was overwhelming powerful and it carries me to this day.
Thank you Miriam for all! You will be greatly missed by me and so many. Love to you always.
– Jacqueline Hamilton [Rowing], November 8, 2019
Miriam: straight forward and caring and a source of energy. Compassionate and always looking for what’s missing so she can make a difference.
– Joel Weiss [Rowing], November 8, 2019
Miriam Baer was a strong woman with a strong personality who attained near-legendary status in the rowing community through her dedication to the sport of rowing and fierce loyalty to her junior athletes, the Minnesota Boat Club, and the people that she loved and that loved her. Miriam was one of the first women in Minnesota to row competitively - a true pioneer. She paved the way for other women, setting an example of how to persevere and push back against unreasonable limitations. She had grit. She had drive. She had chutzpah.
Living and working in St. Paul, Minnesota, Miriam stood out for eschewing 'Minnesota nice' - that often-dishonest portrayal of kindness and approval to avoid conflict. Miriam was refreshingly and wonderfully honest. She called it as she saw it, and sometimes her words stung. Her exterior could be harsh, but if one had the privilege of getting close to her, that hard exterior shell fell quickly away to reveal a big, loving, genuinely caring heart - for her junior rowers, for her community, for the underdog.
Miriam enjoyed winning and would go after the NWIRA Lipton Cup with everything she had. And she won often. There are countless photos of her standing with the coveted Lipton Cup, proud and happy, surrounded by her athletes, beaming victoriously. She relished winning, but what brought me especially close to Miriam was the fact that she didn't always win. She understood equally well the pain of failure and defeat. She knew what it was to be rejected and, at times, disparaged. Of course, these incidents in her life are insignificant when held up against her spirit and her many accomplishments but, I believe, they shaped her and cultivated a sense of compassion. When I was speciously rejected by the Twin Cities Rowing Community - for the second time - it was in Miriam that I found perspective and comfort. She had been there. She had lived through similar challenges and had carried on. She knew what I was going through in a way few others could. She reached out and counseled me. She offered me resources and her big and loving heart. She let me ride along in her coach's launch on many spring afternoons. I snapped pictures of her juniors. We talked and laughed. She saw beyond the rumors and gossip. I regained perspective.
When my son Henry - who captained MBC's junior team during his senior year of High School - was killed earlier this year, Miriam stepped up immediately. In so many ways. She arranged for the Boat House to be available for a reception, she showed up at Henry's memorial, she came by my house with a card. She was affected by Henry's sudden, unexpected, death and vaguely alluded to the possibility that he may have been called to a higher purpose. She donated early and generously to the creation of a beautiful trophy in his honor. She wanted to help and offer support and she did.
Miriam was a big person with a big heart. I feel so honored that she was my friend. Rest in peace, dear Miriam.
– Sarah Risser [Rowing], November 8, 2019
Miriam you were the best coach I will ever have. We butted heads and we disagreed; however I never had anything but respect for you and for what you did. Everything I do from here on out will be for you.
– Harrison Mattern, Junior Team Member, 2017-19 [Rowing], November 6, 2019
So sorry to hear of Miriam’s passing. She was a good person, with a gruff exterior image. I valued her at the regattas
and in the Board meetings. Her first position was always to champion her crews, but she was wise enough to see
the value of a proposal, that may not positively affect her interests, but were better for the association, and she would
vote for that. I will miss her.
Rest In Peace Miriam. You are a legendary coach in mid-west rowing. We will miss you.
– Don Hornby, Winnipeg, MB, November 6 & 9, 2019
I was deeply saddened to learn the news about Miriam who was a great rowing coach and a person who challenged me in mostly good ways as a referee.
About ten years ago when I was still a member of MBC, I volunteered to be Miriam’s boat driver for junior rowing camp. Since by then I had already had several significant coach vs referee disagreements with Miriam over rules interpretations, I did not look forward to this volunteer work. Five days with Miriam at the juniors camp changed my whole impression of her because I soon realized that Miriam was a great rowing technique coach, that she was good at figuring out which combinations of rowers belonged together in team boats, and because she cared deeply about her young rowers. Those juniors who stuck with Miriam became much better rowers and grew as young people. Having coached high school boys’ track for almost forty years, I came away from that driving for Miriam experience with a deep appreciation for her as a coach but even more so as a person.
It is hard for me to imagine a regatta in the NWIRA without Miriam to liven up things and to stick up for her MBC juniors.
– Jim Leslie [Rowing], November 4, 2019
Speaking of umpires and Miriam - yes she held to the rules and made them work for her crews. She also was the first to laugh in the face of a challenge - then knuckle down and resolve it. I never found her unreasonable - only tenacious.
I am so glad NWIRA chose this year to recognize her many talents and a life time of dedication to sport and to youth. It is a life story with listening to.
A life well lived Miriam!
– Sandra Kirby, Rower, November 5, 2019
We’ve all lost a sister. For the immediate future, MBC & the NWIRA will not be the same as her death bookmarks an era of 40 years of rowing excellence where the bar of competition was gradually raised and then sustained by her sheer determination to make a difference. Coaches and athletes strove to get better as she raised the bar for excellence.
A loss of 40 years of coaching life and rowing and what an impact she made. Referees became better as she read the rule book and was known to corner refs who were blowing smoke.
May she Rest In Peace.
– John Cavanaugh [Rowing], November 8, 2019
Miriam Baer made a huge impact on my life. She was easily the toughest and most determined individual that I had ever met. Being coached by her not only improved my physical well being, but my entire life. She taught me what true toughness was and how hard work is needed to reach goals. She taught me that rowing is an art that needs tactical precision along with intense focus and mental toughness. Her wisdom I use in all aspects of my life today. Thank you for everything. You are the true G.O.A.T. of the sport. Rest in Peace.
– Collin Steinberger, Junior Team Member, 2016-19 [Rowing], November 6, 2019
Dear Miriam,
I’d be remiss if I related my thoughts in simple prose and so I’ll write this as a personal letter as my tribute to our times from the late 70’s, early 80’s at the U of MN and St. Paul Boat Club. Very recent events, I would even call destiny, reconnected me with former rowing teammates and brought me the sad news of your passing. Let it be known you were more than a coach; I will always consider you my friend.
I had the honor of engaging conversations with members of your family at your house and sharing laughs with your sister during one of our trips to Melbourne, FL. I hope they will remember me as they read this.
Rowing stories could be told for weeks, here’s one of my favorites:
You always added interest to our practices by developing fictional races with any moving object: trains crossing on the bridge, recreational boats on the river or cars on the road. You would pick a “finish line” to see if we could win. One particular afternoon you decided race a barge that was coming upriver behind us eventually making it a head-to-head race. The barge in its undefined lane was pretty damn close to our shell (gawd! those things are big). Our 4-man gave it a pretty good run but we ran out of “gas”; the barge didn’t; it passed us. Now, I know that you knew that the waves of the wake from a barge are not small and that rowing shells are designed for smooth water, not to ride over waves.
The first wake came in over the gunwales covering our shoes, the second wake came up to our calves. The third wake was like closing of the Red Sea. Our bowman freaked and untied and swam to shore. Three of us plus the cox remained in our seats at the ready position with the boat underwater. My guess is that we were waiting for direction from our cox. You were barking orders from the coaching boat. I’m sure our cox was in a state of mild bewilderment but eventually called out (at your direction) to get to shore and bring the boat. So, we untied, hooked a foot over the rigging and managed to swim the boat to a rip-rap shore. Getting the water out of the swamped boat was not an easy chore but we managed. Teamwork. So, what to do, but tie in and row back. Just another practice, right?
Your drills, interval training, etc. made us competitive. Events, like the tale above, made life a blast. I still get on the water but now in a canoe. The sound and feel of the oar and paddle are comparable. The quiet is identical. Next summer I will dedicate a “Power 10” with my paddle in your honor, I promise.
I cherish our time together, Miriam. Rest in peace, coach.
Your friend,
– Kevin Alto, Starboard and past President U of MN Rowing Club, November 7, 2019
I got to know Miriam on our crew team spring training trip to FIT in Melbourne, Florida (1980?). Her sister Ruth hitched a ride down with us. Larger than life women! Miriam had a lot of fun with our crew. I LOVE this picture of her with one eye squinting! Perfect!
– Coxswain Laurie (Dix) Kari, U of MN Mens' Crew (Heavy Four '80), 1979-1983, November 8, 2019 |
I was Secretary for the NWIRA Regatta for a number of years. Point totals were done by hand. I quickly learned that if my official totals did not agree with Miriam's, I needed to check mine carefully as she was always right!
We were setting up for a NWIRA Regatta on Lake Phalen and I thought Miriam should help. She refused because she was having practice for her crew. However, as soon as the practice was finished, she came and helped, working harder than anyone else until the very end. To me this demonstrated both Miriam's devotion to her crews and her generosity in support of the sport of rowing.
– Randy Newberg [Rowing], November 8, 2019
Miriam Baer was complicated and very human. She was tough, and caring, and held deep friendships for decades. Miriam loved to win, and for her athletes to experience success.
Miriam, to my knowledge, was one of the most successful women’s coaches locally, and most likely nationally, and she was fired from multiple positions over the years. When women’s competitive rowing was a new concept, she understood that women were tough and could be pushed. She understood how hard her teams had to push themselves to win, and she fought for her teams. When there were men’s and women’s team conflicts over equipment or practice time, she fought to ensure that her women had what they needed to perform. There was nothing worse as an athlete then failing to meet her expectations and being the focus of her wrath. She expected you to push yourself at every practice and every race. Why would you start behind on a piece? Why wouldn’t you take the inside lane? Why would you lose a piece in practice? There was nothing better than seeing her smile when her boat won the big race, or her women’s team won the Rock, or MBC won the Lipton Cup. She was a strong believer that praise led to softness, and softness was not a trait that won races. She needed her athletes to be driven by a burn to win, and never be satisfied with the last win. She would rarely tell you directly how proud she was, but you could see it in her face.
She taught me to be a good teammate. She taught me to be tough. And she taught me to win. I learned a lot of these lessons through tears. I hated her, and I loved her, and I will be forever grateful to her. I came to understand how her athletes were the most important thing in the world to her, and how she cared about them, even if it didn’t look like that to us. She taught me that I couldn’t be passive and achieve my goals. There was no excuse that was an adequate reason to miss practice, and you could never miss practice because your team may figure out they are faster without you. This is a concept that I still think about today. Teaching her athletes to prioritize rowing taught them to prioritize their goals and got them good fast. Miriam’s boats had a tendency to out-perform what anyone expected. She could take a small, young, underdog crew to Henley and win.
Miriam’s teams share a special bond. Despite only seeing a few of the women I rowed with in the 90’s on a regular basis, I still feel a deep connection to them. We worked hard to make her team, to compete together, and to win, and I will forever be grateful for those memories. On the rare occasions I can hop into a boat with these women now, it feels like coming home. Stylistically we share the fast hands-away and body over, slow slide, quick catch, and higher stroke rates that were the hallmarks of lightweight rowing. Mentally we have a shared understanding of the pain, work, and success we all experienced. There are a handful of us still rowing and competing. A handful of us who are still burning for the next win.
Miriam was sharp. Her crossword skills were widely acknowledged. Her boating strategies, especially at Northwest, were legendary. The NWIRA point total tabulations on her clip board were usually more accurate than anything announced by loudspeaker over the two-day event. Miriam never shied away from a good solid debate. There was nothing as terrifying as climbing into the front seat of the club’s truck prepared for a long drive to a regatta and having Miriam turn to you to say something to the effect of, “religion- which one is right?” or “politics -- go.” She had strong ideas and could debate them. You could find yourself screaming at her in the middle of Kansas about why nice people were just nice, and it’s ok to trust them, then get out of the truck to race your heart out. She respected the art of the debate, and anyone strong enough to truly debate her.
For a competitive, outspoken, frequently gruff woman, she had surprising talents. We were amazed to discover her talents for baking and quilt-making. When Miriam’s mom died, she made and donated a quilt to the Boatclub’s Bowball made from her mother’s clothes. It was beautiful and so sentimental and so touching. It was hard for me to reconcile this side of her to the hard-driven coaching side. I would sometimes run into her at Café Latte buying really good bread to accompany the homemade soup she had made for friends. Just another facet to an interesting woman.
With a passion for rowing and coaching that spanned decades, it is not surprising that the sport and her athletes changed over the years. The coaching approach she had successfully employed for decades eventually drew criticism. The rise of women’s D1 rowing at the College and University level eventually lead to a decrease in the summer club camp system, and fewer women returning to their home clubs to compete as adult athletes. Miriam saw an opportunity to continue to coach juniors and she saw success with these teams as well. Miriam definitely softened over the years and changed, but the sport and the concept of liability changed faster than she could.
In rowing circles, especially in the Twin Cities metro area, Miriam stories are a genre unto themselves of rowing story-telling. It may be inevitable that a highly competitive woman, unafraid of the authorities, and unafraid to speak whatever was on her mind, would be the source of so many stories. Whether it was the time she broke the club truck and trailer out of the impound lot on a Sunday in Boston, the spring Bowball as a means for her to see what weight her lightweight rowers were after the winter, her amazement that being nice to a state trooper got her out of a speeding ticket, her willingness to house any rower who needed a place to stay, or that time she told someone how proud she was of you, any story involving Miriam is a story worth listening to and is likely to be very entertaining. I will forever cherish my Miriam stories.
Truly interesting people are always complicated, and Miriam was a truly interesting person. I will forever be grateful for what she taught me, for the incredible experiences she gave me, for the memories, and the stories. Thanks for the rowing Miriam.
– Kirsten L. Lamppa [Rowing], November 8, 2019
We were setting up for a NWIRA Regatta on Lake Phalen and I thought Miriam should help. She refused because she was having practice for her crew. However, as soon as the practice was finished, she came and helped, working harder than anyone else until the very end. To me this demonstrated both Miriam's devotion to her crews and her generosity in support of the sport of rowing.
– Randy Newberg [Rowing], November 8, 2019
Miriam Baer was complicated and very human. She was tough, and caring, and held deep friendships for decades. Miriam loved to win, and for her athletes to experience success.
Miriam, to my knowledge, was one of the most successful women’s coaches locally, and most likely nationally, and she was fired from multiple positions over the years. When women’s competitive rowing was a new concept, she understood that women were tough and could be pushed. She understood how hard her teams had to push themselves to win, and she fought for her teams. When there were men’s and women’s team conflicts over equipment or practice time, she fought to ensure that her women had what they needed to perform. There was nothing worse as an athlete then failing to meet her expectations and being the focus of her wrath. She expected you to push yourself at every practice and every race. Why would you start behind on a piece? Why wouldn’t you take the inside lane? Why would you lose a piece in practice? There was nothing better than seeing her smile when her boat won the big race, or her women’s team won the Rock, or MBC won the Lipton Cup. She was a strong believer that praise led to softness, and softness was not a trait that won races. She needed her athletes to be driven by a burn to win, and never be satisfied with the last win. She would rarely tell you directly how proud she was, but you could see it in her face.
She taught me to be a good teammate. She taught me to be tough. And she taught me to win. I learned a lot of these lessons through tears. I hated her, and I loved her, and I will be forever grateful to her. I came to understand how her athletes were the most important thing in the world to her, and how she cared about them, even if it didn’t look like that to us. She taught me that I couldn’t be passive and achieve my goals. There was no excuse that was an adequate reason to miss practice, and you could never miss practice because your team may figure out they are faster without you. This is a concept that I still think about today. Teaching her athletes to prioritize rowing taught them to prioritize their goals and got them good fast. Miriam’s boats had a tendency to out-perform what anyone expected. She could take a small, young, underdog crew to Henley and win.
Miriam’s teams share a special bond. Despite only seeing a few of the women I rowed with in the 90’s on a regular basis, I still feel a deep connection to them. We worked hard to make her team, to compete together, and to win, and I will forever be grateful for those memories. On the rare occasions I can hop into a boat with these women now, it feels like coming home. Stylistically we share the fast hands-away and body over, slow slide, quick catch, and higher stroke rates that were the hallmarks of lightweight rowing. Mentally we have a shared understanding of the pain, work, and success we all experienced. There are a handful of us still rowing and competing. A handful of us who are still burning for the next win.
Miriam was sharp. Her crossword skills were widely acknowledged. Her boating strategies, especially at Northwest, were legendary. The NWIRA point total tabulations on her clip board were usually more accurate than anything announced by loudspeaker over the two-day event. Miriam never shied away from a good solid debate. There was nothing as terrifying as climbing into the front seat of the club’s truck prepared for a long drive to a regatta and having Miriam turn to you to say something to the effect of, “religion- which one is right?” or “politics -- go.” She had strong ideas and could debate them. You could find yourself screaming at her in the middle of Kansas about why nice people were just nice, and it’s ok to trust them, then get out of the truck to race your heart out. She respected the art of the debate, and anyone strong enough to truly debate her.
For a competitive, outspoken, frequently gruff woman, she had surprising talents. We were amazed to discover her talents for baking and quilt-making. When Miriam’s mom died, she made and donated a quilt to the Boatclub’s Bowball made from her mother’s clothes. It was beautiful and so sentimental and so touching. It was hard for me to reconcile this side of her to the hard-driven coaching side. I would sometimes run into her at Café Latte buying really good bread to accompany the homemade soup she had made for friends. Just another facet to an interesting woman.
With a passion for rowing and coaching that spanned decades, it is not surprising that the sport and her athletes changed over the years. The coaching approach she had successfully employed for decades eventually drew criticism. The rise of women’s D1 rowing at the College and University level eventually lead to a decrease in the summer club camp system, and fewer women returning to their home clubs to compete as adult athletes. Miriam saw an opportunity to continue to coach juniors and she saw success with these teams as well. Miriam definitely softened over the years and changed, but the sport and the concept of liability changed faster than she could.
In rowing circles, especially in the Twin Cities metro area, Miriam stories are a genre unto themselves of rowing story-telling. It may be inevitable that a highly competitive woman, unafraid of the authorities, and unafraid to speak whatever was on her mind, would be the source of so many stories. Whether it was the time she broke the club truck and trailer out of the impound lot on a Sunday in Boston, the spring Bowball as a means for her to see what weight her lightweight rowers were after the winter, her amazement that being nice to a state trooper got her out of a speeding ticket, her willingness to house any rower who needed a place to stay, or that time she told someone how proud she was of you, any story involving Miriam is a story worth listening to and is likely to be very entertaining. I will forever cherish my Miriam stories.
Truly interesting people are always complicated, and Miriam was a truly interesting person. I will forever be grateful for what she taught me, for the incredible experiences she gave me, for the memories, and the stories. Thanks for the rowing Miriam.
– Kirsten L. Lamppa [Rowing], November 8, 2019
My condolences to your whole family. Miriam was such an influence on so many around her. I respected her very much. She will be greatly missed. I couldn't pick just one of these photos because the whole collection shows the story.
Surrounded by those whose lives she impacted immensely. Rest in peace Miriam. – Katie Brick, Rower, November 8, 2019 |
Miriam Baer, a woman whose presence made the whole room go quiet and listen, a presence that could inspire a passion of rowing in even the dumbest of seventeen year olds like myself, and a presence that I will miss every day. Thank you for every row and every lesson, Miriam.
– Anna Peterson, Junior Team Member, 2016-17, November 7, 2019
I never had an opportunity to be coached by Miriam, but as a newer coach I rode along with her a few times and loved her “take no prisoners” approach to coaching. Being direct in Minnesota is an anomaly in Minnesota, so I always felt her to be a kindred spirit in that regard. She was so dedicated to her rowers and the team, an amazing inspiration. I have said this for years…and to her as well…when I grow up as a coach I want to be Miriam. She will be missed.
– Jill Winegar [Rowing], November 7, 2019
Dear Baer Family,
First of all, I am so very sorry for your loss. I was one of the many young women that Miriam coached during her long tenure as head coach of the junior team at MBC. It's safe to say that I would not be who I am today if I hadn't had Miriam as a strong influencer in my life. Her no-nonsense way of coaching suited me. As you know, she relayed facts in a direct manner and I always appreciated that trait of hers, even if I didn't agree with what she was saying. Because of her forwardness, I always knew how valuable her good opinion was. Therefore, whenever she asked me to help her in some way, it meant more because she wouldn't have bothered to ask me for anything if she didn't think well of me. I can't imagine MBC without her.
I went to Boston with Miriam a couple of times for Head of the Charles along with summers full of regattas. I've attached a few photos below. I wish you all the best during this difficult time.
Sincerely
– Lynn Hodnett, Junior Team Member 2009-11, November 7, 2019
She is a gem and someone who gave her heart fully.
– Keesha Aakriti Mason [Landmark], November 6, 2019
She embodied love in action and action in love. She earned her wings.
– Douglas Allyn Wright [Landmark], November 6, 2019
When my oldest daughter, Ella Harris, started rowing for Long Lake Rowing Crew in 2017, we quickly became accustomed to Miriam's loud booming voice. I was immediately drawn to her gruffness, spade-is-a-spade nature, and steely eyed gaze as she watched her rowers and all the competition. You could see the wheels spinning. It was after Ella and Margaux Bomsta raced a double for the first time at NWIRAs and got 2nd place that Miriam first said something to me in passing, "good race." Even though my girls (now my youngest rows too) were never coached by Miriam, she had an impact. They knew she was a legendary coach.
There is a story that I learned about a year ago that made me smile for many reasons, and Miriam was one of them! When we decided to name a double a year ago in honor/memory of my parents, my dad's cousin Truman told me a story that made me smile for many reasons. Miriam was one of them! My dad and Truman both docked their boats at the St. Paul Yacht Club near Raspberry Island - Miss Harmony and Trubador. They loved living on the river and would often sit on the fly bridge of one of their boats enjoying an evening cocktail while chatting about life. They would often see MBC rowers and comment on how fun it was to watch them practicing on the river. They also frequently lamented being woken up “by the barking of the particularly exuberant and loud coach cajoling the rowers to row harder on her megaphone at the ungodly hour of 7AM on a Saturday morning!” I immediately knew which coach they could hear, and Miriam and I had a laugh when I told her this story the last time I saw her at Regionals at Lake Harsha in May. We chatted for a bit...she was keen to know if LLRC had many up and coming juniors acknowledging that Ella, Margaux, and all the other kids Sandi (McCarthy) had recruited would be graduating soon.
Miriam was an institution. I loved her fierce competitiveness, hearing her bark orders, seeing her staked out in her "usual spot" at every regatta, friendly banter with her at regattas, and soaking in the advice she offered freely. I wish I would have had more time to get to know her better and hear more stories. We missed her this summer and fall...it was too quiet...she will be missed.
– Hayley Harris [Rowing], November 6, 2019
I will always remember you for your kind heart and tuff love. I am one of the hundred if not thousand of people you touched deeply in this community. Thank you for making that difference in my life and the life of other.
– Roberto Fonts [Landmark], November 6, 2019
I don't have photos of Miriam on hand unfortunately.
I remember my first day shadowing a practice back in high school. Miriam didn't think I was cut out for rowing and said my dyed hair made me come off as lazy and unprofessional. Instead of being deterred I chose to join the team. I wanted to prove to her I could do it, and to the best of my abilities I did. She motivated me everyday to show up and work has hard as I ever could. Because of her I had a purpose in high school, to be there for the team and improve myself. Even though she was always tough on me she cared. She talked me through a classmate's suicide and she kept me moving even when I didn't want to. No one in my life has motivated me in the ways Miriam had. Though I left the team two years ago I still feel her impact today. I love Miriam and I will always respect her and have a place in my heart for her.
– Zoe Braun, Junior Team Member 2016-18, November 6, 2019
I was a senior at St. Thomas and Miriam was the women’s team coach. I hadn’t had much interaction with her until one late night driving home from our spring break trip. She had been driving a van with a bunch of college kids, including me, and was towing the boat trailer. In the middle of the night, we stopped for fuel. Everyone piled out, groggy and sleepy to use the restroom or whatever, while Miriam stayed to fill the tank. When I returned to the truck, set to go back to sleep, she said to me, in that Miriam way: “You, what’s your name, how old are you?” “22,” I replied. “Well then you’re driving. I need a break.” I protested that I had never driven a boat trailer. “It’s easy. Get in and I’ll teach you how.” No arguing with Miriam, so I did as told. After some loud and...not very kind words, she forced me out onto the highway and with no damage to equipment. “It’s a straight shot from here. Stay in your lane and you’ll be fine.” Thus I was coached by Miriam on the finer points of hauling a trailer!
And now I expected her to fall asleep, like the rest of the van - a quiet and dark road through middle America. But instead, she stayed awake with me, knowing I was a rookie and nervous, and knowing that it was late and I - anyone - needed a co-pilot to talk to, just to stay awake. Instead of resting, as she needed to do, she kept me company and grilled me and questioned me. I recall none of the conversation we had, but it left a mark in me for 30 years. Thanks, Miriam. I’ll miss you.
– Mike Pexa [Rowing], November 6, 2019
I love this photo (taken by Star Tribune photojournalist Elizabeth Flores in a story about Miriam published Aug. 18, 2015) of Miriam Baer. RIP
– Barbara La Valleur [Landmark], November 6, 2019
First of all, I am so very sorry for your loss. I was one of the many young women that Miriam coached during her long tenure as head coach of the junior team at MBC. It's safe to say that I would not be who I am today if I hadn't had Miriam as a strong influencer in my life. Her no-nonsense way of coaching suited me. As you know, she relayed facts in a direct manner and I always appreciated that trait of hers, even if I didn't agree with what she was saying. Because of her forwardness, I always knew how valuable her good opinion was. Therefore, whenever she asked me to help her in some way, it meant more because she wouldn't have bothered to ask me for anything if she didn't think well of me. I can't imagine MBC without her.
I went to Boston with Miriam a couple of times for Head of the Charles along with summers full of regattas. I've attached a few photos below. I wish you all the best during this difficult time.
Sincerely
– Lynn Hodnett, Junior Team Member 2009-11, November 7, 2019
She is a gem and someone who gave her heart fully.
– Keesha Aakriti Mason [Landmark], November 6, 2019
She embodied love in action and action in love. She earned her wings.
– Douglas Allyn Wright [Landmark], November 6, 2019
When my oldest daughter, Ella Harris, started rowing for Long Lake Rowing Crew in 2017, we quickly became accustomed to Miriam's loud booming voice. I was immediately drawn to her gruffness, spade-is-a-spade nature, and steely eyed gaze as she watched her rowers and all the competition. You could see the wheels spinning. It was after Ella and Margaux Bomsta raced a double for the first time at NWIRAs and got 2nd place that Miriam first said something to me in passing, "good race." Even though my girls (now my youngest rows too) were never coached by Miriam, she had an impact. They knew she was a legendary coach.
There is a story that I learned about a year ago that made me smile for many reasons, and Miriam was one of them! When we decided to name a double a year ago in honor/memory of my parents, my dad's cousin Truman told me a story that made me smile for many reasons. Miriam was one of them! My dad and Truman both docked their boats at the St. Paul Yacht Club near Raspberry Island - Miss Harmony and Trubador. They loved living on the river and would often sit on the fly bridge of one of their boats enjoying an evening cocktail while chatting about life. They would often see MBC rowers and comment on how fun it was to watch them practicing on the river. They also frequently lamented being woken up “by the barking of the particularly exuberant and loud coach cajoling the rowers to row harder on her megaphone at the ungodly hour of 7AM on a Saturday morning!” I immediately knew which coach they could hear, and Miriam and I had a laugh when I told her this story the last time I saw her at Regionals at Lake Harsha in May. We chatted for a bit...she was keen to know if LLRC had many up and coming juniors acknowledging that Ella, Margaux, and all the other kids Sandi (McCarthy) had recruited would be graduating soon.
Miriam was an institution. I loved her fierce competitiveness, hearing her bark orders, seeing her staked out in her "usual spot" at every regatta, friendly banter with her at regattas, and soaking in the advice she offered freely. I wish I would have had more time to get to know her better and hear more stories. We missed her this summer and fall...it was too quiet...she will be missed.
– Hayley Harris [Rowing], November 6, 2019
I will always remember you for your kind heart and tuff love. I am one of the hundred if not thousand of people you touched deeply in this community. Thank you for making that difference in my life and the life of other.
– Roberto Fonts [Landmark], November 6, 2019
I don't have photos of Miriam on hand unfortunately.
I remember my first day shadowing a practice back in high school. Miriam didn't think I was cut out for rowing and said my dyed hair made me come off as lazy and unprofessional. Instead of being deterred I chose to join the team. I wanted to prove to her I could do it, and to the best of my abilities I did. She motivated me everyday to show up and work has hard as I ever could. Because of her I had a purpose in high school, to be there for the team and improve myself. Even though she was always tough on me she cared. She talked me through a classmate's suicide and she kept me moving even when I didn't want to. No one in my life has motivated me in the ways Miriam had. Though I left the team two years ago I still feel her impact today. I love Miriam and I will always respect her and have a place in my heart for her.
– Zoe Braun, Junior Team Member 2016-18, November 6, 2019
I was a senior at St. Thomas and Miriam was the women’s team coach. I hadn’t had much interaction with her until one late night driving home from our spring break trip. She had been driving a van with a bunch of college kids, including me, and was towing the boat trailer. In the middle of the night, we stopped for fuel. Everyone piled out, groggy and sleepy to use the restroom or whatever, while Miriam stayed to fill the tank. When I returned to the truck, set to go back to sleep, she said to me, in that Miriam way: “You, what’s your name, how old are you?” “22,” I replied. “Well then you’re driving. I need a break.” I protested that I had never driven a boat trailer. “It’s easy. Get in and I’ll teach you how.” No arguing with Miriam, so I did as told. After some loud and...not very kind words, she forced me out onto the highway and with no damage to equipment. “It’s a straight shot from here. Stay in your lane and you’ll be fine.” Thus I was coached by Miriam on the finer points of hauling a trailer!
And now I expected her to fall asleep, like the rest of the van - a quiet and dark road through middle America. But instead, she stayed awake with me, knowing I was a rookie and nervous, and knowing that it was late and I - anyone - needed a co-pilot to talk to, just to stay awake. Instead of resting, as she needed to do, she kept me company and grilled me and questioned me. I recall none of the conversation we had, but it left a mark in me for 30 years. Thanks, Miriam. I’ll miss you.
– Mike Pexa [Rowing], November 6, 2019
I love this photo (taken by Star Tribune photojournalist Elizabeth Flores in a story about Miriam published Aug. 18, 2015) of Miriam Baer. RIP
– Barbara La Valleur [Landmark], November 6, 2019
This completely captures her spirit. What an extraordinary woman.
– Ginna Grussing [Landmark], November 6, 2019
This picture is awesome! Quintessential Miriam! She was fierce, blunt, sarcastic, funny, always prepared. I could go on. I miss her already.
– Kevin Sime [Landmark], November 6, 2019
– Ginna Grussing [Landmark], November 6, 2019
This picture is awesome! Quintessential Miriam! She was fierce, blunt, sarcastic, funny, always prepared. I could go on. I miss her already.
– Kevin Sime [Landmark], November 6, 2019
RIP, Miriam. I have fond memories of training and rowing with her in the 70's. She always strove for the best.
– Rita Dungey [Landmark], November 6, 2019
She had made an incredible impact on the Long Lake Rowing Crew and community over the years. I didn’t know her personally though she’s left quite a legacy.
– Nichole Hirsch Kuechle [Landmark], November 6, 2019
Have so many great memories of teaming up with Miriam over the years on too many courses to count...and helping set up at the rehearsal dinner for her son at the rowing club. Also one of my fondest memories is finding out that she knew one of my dearest friends AL Wiederhold who passed away of a stroke in 2009 a few days before he was to do his Advanced Course at Landmark. I had dated AL when he was a 20 something rowing Champion and found out the week of his passing that Al and Miriam had been rowers and coaches together for years. Miriam was Course supervisor that weekend at the Advanced Course that AL would have been in. She was concerned that Charlene Afromoe who was leading the course might not give her the time off... We teamed up to create who AL was for both of us and Charlene gave her the afternoon to go pay tribute to AL. Miriam and I sat together at his service and had a special bond since that day. I'll be waiting for the news of her memorial so I can in turn pay tribute to her and the big life she lived with her unique brand of Gusto! Sending love and peace to her family who is experiencing the biggest loss of her earthly presence.
– Virginia Humphreys [Landmark], November 6, 2019
One of my favorite people!
– Lonny McLaughlin [Landmark], November 6, 2019
This is so sad! I have such fond memories of Miriam, she was quite the character, with so much character. I will hold her in my memories out here on the west coast.
Miriam, you are completely unforgettable. Thank you for everything. Your impact on my life is bigger than you may have realized. Rest well.
– Jennifer Kalvestran, Los Angeles, CA [Rowing], November 6, 2019
Miriam was the best! So sorry to hear of her passing.
– Mary Powers [Rowing], November 6, 2019
To the memory of Miriam Baer I offer these words: Rowing is a sport of passion - reserved, suffered, and enjoyed by really only a few. It thankfully ignores the platitudes otherwise espoused within this massive commercial world we live in - and always has, to its credit. It is a sport of purity, character & discipline. It instead focuses upon the courage, skill and determination of those who sacrifice personal pain for the benefit of their crew or, in Miriam's case, her crews. To those who knew Miriam, were coached by her, were her friends, or were those who simply tipped their hat to her from a distance and with respect, I challenge you all, and myself, to be as good as she was.
– Jeff Cook, Trinity Hall Boat Club, Hughes Hall Boat Club, Cambridge University (Rowing), England, November 6, 2019
She was a very admirable rowing coach, a great comrade in rowing and a fixture in the rowing community. I will miss her!
– Steven Faber [via MN Rowing Hub], November 6, 2019
– Rita Dungey [Landmark], November 6, 2019
She had made an incredible impact on the Long Lake Rowing Crew and community over the years. I didn’t know her personally though she’s left quite a legacy.
– Nichole Hirsch Kuechle [Landmark], November 6, 2019
Have so many great memories of teaming up with Miriam over the years on too many courses to count...and helping set up at the rehearsal dinner for her son at the rowing club. Also one of my fondest memories is finding out that she knew one of my dearest friends AL Wiederhold who passed away of a stroke in 2009 a few days before he was to do his Advanced Course at Landmark. I had dated AL when he was a 20 something rowing Champion and found out the week of his passing that Al and Miriam had been rowers and coaches together for years. Miriam was Course supervisor that weekend at the Advanced Course that AL would have been in. She was concerned that Charlene Afromoe who was leading the course might not give her the time off... We teamed up to create who AL was for both of us and Charlene gave her the afternoon to go pay tribute to AL. Miriam and I sat together at his service and had a special bond since that day. I'll be waiting for the news of her memorial so I can in turn pay tribute to her and the big life she lived with her unique brand of Gusto! Sending love and peace to her family who is experiencing the biggest loss of her earthly presence.
– Virginia Humphreys [Landmark], November 6, 2019
One of my favorite people!
– Lonny McLaughlin [Landmark], November 6, 2019
This is so sad! I have such fond memories of Miriam, she was quite the character, with so much character. I will hold her in my memories out here on the west coast.
Miriam, you are completely unforgettable. Thank you for everything. Your impact on my life is bigger than you may have realized. Rest well.
– Jennifer Kalvestran, Los Angeles, CA [Rowing], November 6, 2019
Miriam was the best! So sorry to hear of her passing.
– Mary Powers [Rowing], November 6, 2019
To the memory of Miriam Baer I offer these words: Rowing is a sport of passion - reserved, suffered, and enjoyed by really only a few. It thankfully ignores the platitudes otherwise espoused within this massive commercial world we live in - and always has, to its credit. It is a sport of purity, character & discipline. It instead focuses upon the courage, skill and determination of those who sacrifice personal pain for the benefit of their crew or, in Miriam's case, her crews. To those who knew Miriam, were coached by her, were her friends, or were those who simply tipped their hat to her from a distance and with respect, I challenge you all, and myself, to be as good as she was.
– Jeff Cook, Trinity Hall Boat Club, Hughes Hall Boat Club, Cambridge University (Rowing), England, November 6, 2019
She was a very admirable rowing coach, a great comrade in rowing and a fixture in the rowing community. I will miss her!
– Steven Faber [via MN Rowing Hub], November 6, 2019