By Joseph Baron, F908S
May 2017
My parents, Henry (Hank) and Kathleen Baron, F908, were part of what could be called FMCA’s “first generation.” In 1963, with hard work and an exceptional spirit and vision of family fun and opportunities, this couple from Edina, Minnesota, converted a 1946 Aerocoach bus into a 33-foot motorhome.
Hank’s love for new opportunity and travel could be traced back to before World War II, when as a high school student he sailed on Great Lakes ore boats. After high school, he joined the Merchant Marines and became an officer. During the war, he sailed the Pacific as chief engineer on a Liberty cargo ship, the Joseph J. Kinyoun. Hank retired in 1987 as chief engineer and boat licensing authority for the state of Minnesota.
With seven kids in tow, Hank and Kathleen began their adventures and travels throughout North America in the Aerocoach conversion. In 1965, Hank and Kathleen saw in FMCA a great opportunity to pursue this new family lifestyle. They found many like-minded families, which organized in groups that we called “bus meets.” That led to the formation of FMCA’s Pioneers chapter in Minnesota in 1966, with Hank and Kathleen as founders and charter members.
With Kathleen’s help, Hank was elected FMCA national director to represent the chapter at FMCA conventions. Our family eagerly traveled to such events, starting in July 1966 with FMCA’s third summer convention, which was held in Glenwood, Minnesota, our home state.
For decades, our family’s vacations and travels revolved around the “bus meets,” which surrounded us with a wealth of great friends, kinship, love, and camaraderie. In the winter months, club-organized holiday parties often were held at our home. The love for this lifestyle has been carried on by me and my siblings.
Over the years, Hank, Kathleen, and family worked hard to complete and then travel in a number of converted buses, including two Aerocoach buses, two GM PD-4104s, and a beautiful custom Motor Coach Industries MC-9. Hank and his brother Ben, F913, were great mechanics. They quipped that they never had to be towed away due to a breakdown. A 1976 GMC motorhome became Hank and Kathleen’s final favorite. It allowed them greater mobility and versatility when traveling with many grandchildren.
My mom, Kathleen, died in 2007. My dad, Hank, passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on April 2, 2016. The time of death, 9:08 p.m., matched his FMCA membership number, F908.
We hold fond memories of our parents, who instilled patriotism, kindness, and love in every family member and countless others. They were blessed by their dear FMCA family.