Rev. Boniface Robert Baum was such a giving person that people who came to cheer him up when he was sick ended up being consoled by him, colleagues said.
His caring nature was one reason Father Baum was such a successful drug and alcohol counselor, treating thousands of people over the last 20 years. Dedicated to his work even when health problems forced him to retire, Father Baum still delivered monthly lectures at the New Day Center, using an oxygen tank to help him breathe, said Dr. Richard J. Ready, medical director of the drug and alcohol rehabilitation center at Hinsdale Hospital.
“Patients loved him,” said Marge Kenny, staff nurse/counselor at New Day Center. “He brought out the best gifts in these people . . . that they didn’t know they had.”
Father Baum, 80, died Saturday in St. John’s Hospital in Springfield from complications of emphysema.
Raised in Chicago, Father Baum and his younger brother, the late Rev. Jerome Baum, joined the Franciscan Order after being impressed by the friars at a local church, said Brother Earl Benz, a Franciscan friar who was assigned with Father Baum for 13 years. Father Baum joined the order 59 years ago.
For about 15 years, Father Baum taught in Cleveland at the Padua Franciscan High School, which his younger brother helped found, said Brother Tom Carroll, assistant principal. In 1979, when Father Baum was 61, he switched careers and became a certified drug and alcohol counselor.
Father Baum worked at several treatment centers operated by Lutheran General Hospital in the Chicago area before joining New Day Center about 10 years ago, Ready said. Father Baum also conducted Alcoholics Anonymous retreats, which were well-attended because of his speaking skills and delightful manner, said Sharyn Herian, manager of the former Parkside Lodge of Lutheran General Hospital in Mundelein.
“He had not only his spiritual (side) that he brought as a clergy person, but he also had a wonderful, wonderful sense of humor. . . . He was loved by so many patients and co-workers. His passing is painful,” said Peg O’Hare, manager of outpatient addiction services at Lutheran General Hospital.
Father Baum is survived by a sister, Dolores Schlink.
A funeral mass will be said at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Mayslake Village Chapel, 1725 35th St., Oak Brook.
