Charles Baillod

Obituary of Charles Robert Baillod Pointe Mills Estate Charles Robert "Bob" Baillod passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 12, surrounded by his family. He was born in Milwaukee on March 21, 1941, son of Charles Edward and Sylvia Catherine Baillod. He attended Catholic schools (Saint Gerard and Don Bosco High School) in Milwaukee, where he was salutatorian of the 1959 Don Bosco Class. He earned his baccalaureate degree in civil engineering (cum laude) from Marquette University, where he was recognized as the top student in his civil engineering class. He worked his way through school as a plasterer in the family business. After graduation, he served as an engineer with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and subsequently studied at the University of Wisconsin¬-Madison, where he earned master's and doctoral degrees in civil and environmental engineering. Bob served on the Michigan Technological University Civil and Environmental Engineering faculty from 1968 until his retirement to emeritus status in 2007. A pioneer in the field of environmental engineering, his teaching and research focused on water and wastewater engineering, with an emphasis on biological wastewater treatment. During his tenure at Michigan Tech, he served in a variety of academic and research positions, including chairperson of civil and environmental engineering from 1991 to 2005. He guided more than 50 students to graduate degrees and authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications related to wastewater treatment, oxygen transfer, residuals reuse, and environmental engineering education. He was a licensed professional engineer in Michigan, and was a Board Certified Environmental Engineer by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers (AAEE). He held sabbatical appointments as a guest professor at the University of Wisconsin¬¬¬¬¬-Madison; Rogaland University in Stavanger, Norway; and the University of Sonora in Hermosillo, Mexico. He was a Fellow and Life Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and a Life Member of the Water Environment Federation (WEF). His honors include: Election as president of the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP) in 1991 and nomination for the AEESP Founders Award in 2012; election to the Board of Trustees of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers in 2006; appointment to the Michigan Transportation Commission by Governor John Engler in 2002; induction to the Michigan Tech Academy of Teaching Excellence; co-recipient of the American Foundrymen's Society Best Paper Award and the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers Outstanding Achievement in Education Award. In addition, he provided leadership for a number of engineering professional society efforts, including service as a Board of Directors alternate to ABET Inc., and service as a program evaluator for civil and environmental engineering programs. He co-chaired the AAEE Environmental Engineering Body of Knowledge Task Force, chaired the AAEE Publications Committee, and was the founding editor of Environmental Engineer: Applied Research and Practice. Bob was active in community service, serving for 34 years on the Portage Lake Water and Sewage Authority Board, including 18 years as its chairperson. In honor of his service, the Board named its new facility the Charles R. Baillod Administration Building in 2009. Bob also served on the Torch Lake Public Advisory Council and as an advisory trustee of the Michigan Tech Fund. He was a longtime organizer and participant in local novice hockey. In recognition of this, he received the 2006 Michigan Tech Faculty Athlete of the Year Award. Bob is survived by his wife, Jeanine (Godfried) Baillod; sons Brian (Pam) Baillod and Brendon (Melissa) Baillod of Madison, Wisconsin, and Bradley Baillod of Brooklyn, New York; granddaughter, Alayna Baillod; and grandson, Justin Baillod. He is further survived by sisters Christine (John) Yelich, Margaret Baillod Yeager, and Mary Ann (Peter) Luther; brothers-in-law James (Peggy), Joseph, and Jon Godfried; and sisters-in-law Debra Godfried and Julie (Will) Slough, as well as nieces and nephews Susan (Waldemar) Biniecki, Joel (Valerie Nye) Yelich, Jimmy Godfried, Victoria and Angela Luther, Philip (Christine) and Cecily Yeager, and Megan Plis. Bob is also survived by numerous cousins, including Louise (Frank) Barnett, Henry (Shirlee) Baillod, Madeline (James) Callahan, and Joann (David) Seibel. Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel, and his parents, Charles and Sylvia. Bob was an avid Lake Superior boater and proud captain of his 1968 Chris Craft Commander, Seaventure, on which he spent many happy summers with his family, including many voyages to Isle Royale. He was a past admiral of the Onigaming Yacht Club and an active outdoorsman. He had a lifelong love of hockey: He coached his sons' teams in the CCJHA, held season tickets to Michigan Tech Hockey since 1970, played intramural hockey well into his 60s, and rarely missed a Red Wings game. Bob had boundless energy and loved to design and build things. Of his many engineering projects, he was particularly proud of his home on Portage Lake, which he designed. Most of all, Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his time with his family. He was a generous and patient mentor who guided his family and his students to successful professional lives. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to enrich his family and community for many years to come. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in South Range with a memorial service at 4 p.m. See www.plowefuneralhome.com for details. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Grace Lutheran Church are appreciated The Plowe Funeral home of Houghton has been assisting the family with the arrangements To send flowers to the family of Charles Baillod, please visit Tribute Store