William “Baker Bill” Raulin
Dad – You will be missed by many!
On Thanksgiving 2017, my Dad passed away from complications from a massive stroke. He lived how he wanted and lived a good long life. He enjoyed sharing through his website, http://www.bakerbill.net , which is still up and running, teachin baking classes within the local community, and writing his monthly article “Stuff n’ Things” in the Beltsville News. The best way to tell you about him is to share the poem he wrote and was read at his funeral.
The Doors 1975 Through 1995
The first door opened in late 53
When fate introduced Betty to me
After a year of dates and such
We found we cared for each other just as much
So in August of 55 we chose to share
Our lives and become the Raulin Family
There are more Raulin Families for sure
But none of them opened this door
We lived in a cold water flat for the first year
Money was tight but we had no fear
To America we would go, with bags in hand
In uniform blues, her wanting a tan
Living was tough but we made do
And with help of her uncle we opened door two
Buying a small home, small but nice
We worked like hell to keep it bright
Happiness was still with us, her and me
We worked side by side and opened door three
Steven came along, our first born
Things were better so we moved on
Went in business, thanks to Mom and Dad
A bigger house more things to be had
More of this and that a lot to be sure
And don’t you know were about to open door four
Name her Wendy, a bright child, more mouths to feed
But after a while it didn’t matter just look at that smile
Business was good, life was alive
And Betty was about to open door five
Along came Jane a wild child to be sure
And would round off this string of opening doors
So into the future, we will go, her and me
Not knowing what will be, but one thing is sure
They were on their own to open new doors
Original Poem by W.E. Raulin, 1988
Official notice
William “Bill” Raulin passed away on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017 in Silver Spring, MD after suffering a stroke.
Bill was born on May 7, 1932 in Washington, DC to his parents, Maude and William Raulin. Bill met and married his wife Betty in 1955 while serving with the Air Force in the UK. Fondly known as “Baker Bill”, he owned and operated Raulin’s Bakery in Beltsville, MD from 1964-1980. His passion for baking inspired his monthly column, and he taught baking classes in the community. He enjoyed singing in the choir at Emmanuel UMC and Riderwood.
Mr. Raulin is survived by his wife, Betty Raulin; his three children, Steve (Kenzie), Wendy, and Jane Kissel (Ken); and four grandchildren.
To view the keepsake video of his life, visit the Borgwardt’s website and scroll to the bottom.
