Janet Rae Baron passed away March 25, 2012 after fighting a courageous battle against cancer and MS. She died peacefully at home with husband Ken Baron at her side. She was born October 22, 1945, in Tucson, AZ, to Ray and Marty Salzman. She grew up with a love of horses, music–especially opera–dance, the arts and an appreciation for the beauty of the outdoors.

Following graduation from the University of Arizona, she moved to Seattle at age 20 and found new passion and success in sailboat

racing and running a yacht rigging business, meeting her dearest lifelong friends in the process. Wanderlust took her on a three month sojourn to Europe and perhaps led her to the next great chapter of their life. Janet was heavily involved in the 1990 Peace Climb of Mt. Everest from the stateside base camp in Port Townsend, WA. She was instrumental in reporting to the world, the minute by minute radio data being received from the climbers en route to the summit.

Her love of knowledge, learning, science and exploration became the turn point into a teaching career, first in Seattle then on Vashon Island, where she has lived since 1990. She and Ken Baron married on June 19, 1992, while on one of their numerous great road trip adventures–camping or boating, hiking and seeing the country and the world.

Retirement from teaching in 2008 was only the prelude to her later achievements as she continued teaching the Robotics Program at Chautauqua and served many years with the volunteer P.I.E. board as secretary then president. She received honorary membership with the Vashon Sportmen’s Club for her service and support of their community activities.

Her continued love of beauty and nature is evident in the home and garden she and Ken created together and the many friendships they nurtured. Preceded in death by her parents, she is survived by husband Ken, stepson Trace Baron (Nadia, granddaughter Valerie), sister Joanne Briggs (Greg), cousins Eric Salzman (Tomiko, nephew William) and Mark Salzman (Jessica Yu and two nieces). Friends are invited to share stories of Janet on May 5, 2012 at the Vashon Sportsmen’s Club from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Remembrances in her name can be made to Vashon P.I.E.

Paid Obituary.