David Walter Bauer, 64 years of age, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024.
Dave was born on February 3rd, 1960, in Bethesda, Maryland to Dr. Paul Richard Bauer and Marcia T Bauer (EdD) who predeceased him. Dave was an attorney with the Office of the Public Defender 5th Judicial Circuit. He graduated from Florida State University College of Law with his Juris Doctor degree with honors and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1995. Dave also had 2 bachelor’s degrees, one in Biology with a minor in Organic Chemistry and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Dave was an avid sailor, and his love for the water is unmatched. He began sailing as a toddler with his father, which resulted in them taking off on their own sailing trips, often. Dave could talk for hours about sailing and his love of it. Dave often reminisced about the many trips he and his father took on the sailboat. Dave further loved to race his sailboat and participated in many races, either as a crew member or racing his boat. He recently participated in the Bone Island Regetta race to Key West as a crew member for Paper Moon who came in 2nd place. Dave was a member of Hudson Beach Yacht Club where he served as Commodore in 2022 and 2023 and was the Race director in 2024 until his passing. He was also a member of the Gulf Harbors Yacht Club. Dave was excited to retire in January of 2025, where he planned to sail up and down the coast and spend the rest of his days with the love of his life, as he would affectionately refer to his fiancée Susanne.
He is survived by his fiancée, Susanne Campbell of New Port Richey; his step-mother Faye Bauer of North Carolina; and his siblings, Janet Rossi, Diana Anderson (Tracy), Paul R. Bauer Jr. (Joy), Leslie Charles Bauer; as well as nieces and nephews.
A memorial service is being planned for a later date.
Guy Colson
September 23, 2024, 12:37 pm
I first met Dave several years ago at a Captain’s meeting for a Gulf Harbors Yacht Club regatta. He was looking to crew for somebody and I said “Sure, come aboard with me”… and so our friendship began. I still can’t believe he left us so suddenly. My favorite story about Dave was when we were discussing his role as a Public Defender. He related how one of his clients, unhappy with the disposition of his case, commented “You really are a lousy lawyer”, to which Dave responded “You get what you pay for!” He was an accomplished sailor and had more sea stories than I could count, had an infectious sense of humor, was a kind and giving man, loved his sweets, and was a good and loyal friend. Dave… may you rest in eternal peace.
Joyce McLain
September 26, 2024, 4:04 pm
Oh Dave, you left us way too soon. You will be missed so much by all who knew and loved you. Dave was such a nice and giving person. He was deeply in love with the love of his life and loved spending time with her and his new family. We referred to him as the newest member of the Campbell Clan and he loved that.
I spent many days with Dave and enjoyed his intelligence, his stories and his sense of humor.
Dave please rest in peace now, I have the love of your life in my care, she is safe and good. FEET UP DAVE, FEET UP.
Anita Marie Williams
September 28, 2024, 9:24 pm
Dave, and I, came together in Tampa, as brother, and sister, 35 years ago. He needed a place to stay, and I needed a math tutor, while he provided trips to the outer islands, like Egmont Key, in his 9 ft motor boat, as an added attraction. Dave had me working complex math, when he finished the tutoring. He was a tremendous boat captian. Oh, we had a fabulous time together!!! We remained close over the years, either talking, texting, or visiting each other. We ALWAYS laughed together, and fussed at one another in comedy style, just like brother, and sister. I was beyond pleased, when Dave, and Sue, got together, because he fully deserved a lady of quality that could provide love. He was so PROUD of their love. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to spend quality time with both, as I watched Dave’s health decline quickly. It literally broke my heart, and made me physically ill, but I had to be strong for my buddy, not allowing it to show. I gave him aroma therapy sessions, hugged him, held his hand, and talked of the grand old days, while we laughed together, inspite of his high level of pain. Dave was a dear soul, high intellect, humorous, could talk up a storm, but not listen very well (smiling). He knew the ocean, and Gulf waters well, because water was in his veins. Dave told Sue, and I, that he didn’t want to live, enduring the pain levels that he was dealing with, so he was ready. I loved Dave, with all of my heart, and soul. He is already dearly missed, and forever, to be remembered, with love. Smooth sailing, buddy.
~Anita Marie Williams, aka “Nita”
Tony DeRico (aka: Rico)
September 28, 2024, 10:52 pm
I am saddened to hear that my friend has departed the earthly life and yet, my memories are all of the great times we shared.
Dave taught me how to be a boater and gave me my first title as captain. He was an intentional and genuinely thoughtful man, who always looked at heart.
Rest well my friend, the seas will always remind me of our times together and the security of you at the helm…