An effervescent life came to an end on November 16 when Ron Bauman died suddenly. He had spent his evening as he had spent his life: laughing with the people he loved.

A protégé of David H. Stockwell, Ron, born December 22, 1938, was a nationally known expert in early Americana and a horticulturist who could be found in his eclectic garden of esoteric fauna and rare cultivars from March to late November. Ron’s irreverent wit and sincere interest in others made him a sought-after authority, popular dinner guest and dear friend to many.

He was the proprietor of Ronald C. Bauman 18th and 19th Century American Furniture in Centreville, Del., and was formerly president of David H. Stockwell Antiquarians, with which he was associated for more than 25 years.

Ron graduated from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Penn., and received his MS in horticultural science from the University of Delaware’s prestigious Longwood Program. He continued his studies at Kew Gardens and the Attingham Program in the United Kingdom, and was employed early in his career as assistant director of education at Mount Cuba, a 650-acre nonprofit horticultural institution in Greenville, Del.

He married the former Missie Aaron Watchorn in 1990, and lovingly took on her family as his own. Of Ron’s many interests, nothing brought him more joy than the happiness of his wife and his mother, which he nurtured at every opportunity. Ron was active on the vestry of Immanuel Episcopal Church, Highlands, serving recently as the chair of the pastor search committee, and was an enthusiastic patron of the Historical Society of Delaware, Brandywine Baroque and Delaware Nature Society. More than anything, he adored the people in his life, and he brought joy to all of them with his vivid, boisterous personality.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 17 years, Missie Watchorn Bauman; his mother, Florence Moyer Bauman of Gilbertsville, Penn.; brother Richard and sister-in-law Carol Ann Bauman of Millsboro, Del.; stepchildren M. Karen Watchorn of Wilmington, Hunter Watchorn Hanley and her husband, Paul, of Towson, Md., and Vince Watchorn of Pittsburgh; three step-grandchildren; and his spoiled feline companion, Marigold.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Delaware Nature Society, Ronald C. Bauman Memorial Fund, PO Box 700, Hockessin, DE 19707.