It is with great sadness on this snowy evening that word has been received of the passing of Marion Baran last Saturday. Marion has been a WSGPC member devoted to conservation causes, and was an important and irreplaceable force in the creation of the Park at Hobson West Ponds, a piece of land he truly loved. Marion served as the Coalition's liaison to the Save Open Space (SOS) Committee and was a frequent attendee at many community meetings. Heartfelt condolences to Marion's wife Janet and the entire Baran family.
Sincerely,
 George Bennett on behalf of the WSGPC Board
 

MARION S. BARAN

Marion S. Baran of Naperville Funeral services for Marion S. Baran, 77, a former longtime resident of Hinsdale, will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 4, at the Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home and Crematory, 516 S. Washington St., Naperville, proceeding to St. Raphael Church, 1215 Modaff Road, Naperville, for a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be in Assumption Cemetery. A visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home. Born March 19, 1933, in Chicago, he passed away Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011, at Rush Presbyterian Medical Center in Chicago. Mr. Baran was an Army veteran and had been a longtime biology teacher at both Riverside Brookfield and Maine East High Schools. He was a member of St. Raphael Church in Naperville and had a great love of nature and trees and fought tirelessly for their preservation. He is survived by his wife, Janet (nee Micek); daughters, Lisa (Michael) Norz and Lorie (Greg) Deatherage; grandson, Baron Deatherage; brothers, John (Nancy) and Joseph Baran; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Stella (nee Stanczykiewicz) Baran; brothers, Arthur (the late Olga) and Sylvester (the late Helen) Tomassi; and a sister in law, Dorit Baran. Memorials in Marion's name may be made to the Brain Injury Association of Illinois or the National Wildlife Federation. For information, 630-355-0264 or www.beidelmankunschfh.com.