Rae Baymiller, of MN, New York City and NM, passed away on 1/14/2024, at the age of 80 years. She lived a life filled with remarkable achievements and a passion for design and running.
Rae was born on 7/27/1943 to Robert & Virginia Blizard in Albert Lea, MN. Rae graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1961, and married Roger Allen Christianson, her high school sweetheart. They had three children; Vicki, Timothy (Helena), and Tonya (Marcel) and six grandchildren: Jaxon, Miles, Max, Ryan, Luca & Olle.
Rae earned her BA in Journalism from the University of Minnesota in 1971 and subsequently attended the Interior Design program at the U of M and the Minnesota College of Art and Design. In 1978, Rae married John Baymiller, and together they formed The Baymiller Studio, Inc., 1978-92. She was a multi-faceted designer who always aimed to create a mood through her work. Her talents extended into the fields of interiors, lighting, graphic design and furniture. Early projects and clients included Swatch Watch USA, Giorgio in Beverly Hills, CA, the renovation of the Grand Central Terminal in NYC, and many more. She received The Edwin F. Guth Memorial Lighting Design Award of Merit, from the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America in Minneapolis, MN. Rae’s passion for fashion led her to create the Rae Design Collection, Inc., 1983-87, which showcased her couture fashion in Minneapolis and New York City.
At the age of 50, Rae, found her second calling. She and her daughter, Tonya, signed a contract promising each other that they would train and complete the Twin Cities marathon. Rae was terrified but she did more than complete the marathon, she finished in 3:18. Though she often referred to Tonya as her first coach, her second coach, Dr. Dan Hamner, soon became her life partner as well, in a relationship that spanned thirty years.
Rae became one of the top female masters runners in the United States who regularly set World and American records. They included…
- Ten American age group records & single age records set in her 50’s
- Metropolitan Athletics Congress 1993, 1994 & 1995 Athlete of the year, Masters long distance
- Philadelphia Distance Run (Half Marathon) 1:19:40 at age 50, World 50-54 record 1993
- Central Park Track Club 1993 Athlete of the year
- Twin Cities Marathon 2:51:44 at age 51, World 50-54 record. 1994
- USA Track & Field Outstanding Athlete Award 1995
- Chicago Marathon 2:52:14 at age 55, World 55-59 record 1998
- Ted Corbitt 15k 1:06:48 American record at age 67
- Hilton Head Half-Marathon 1:33:43 American record at age 67
- USA Track & Field Outstanding Masters award Women 70-74, 2013 & Women 65-69, 2011
- USA Track & Field Masters Hall of Fame 2014
In 2013, after a small sabbatical from running, all the while living in Santa Fe and training with the Kenyans, Rae moved back to New York City with plans to train for her next marathon. Up into her early 70’s she was again successful in running and winning more awards. However, she faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease for the last eight years of her life. In 2021, she moved to Albuquerque to be closer to her daughter Tonya, where she received memory care.
Rae Baymiller will be remembered for her remarkable achievements, her love for design and running, and her unwavering spirit. Her legacy will continue to inspire others to pursue their passions and never let age be a barrier to their dreams.
“People always think they’re too old for things, but I refuse to think I can be stopped”, Rae Baymiller.
Mom never liked to say goodbye. She preferred to say, “I will see you soon”. Rae’s wish was to have a celebration of life in New York City’s Central Park, along the running trail, to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to any organization that helps animals, as Rae was passionate about animal welfare.
The family has set up the following website for friends and colleagues to submit their favorite stories: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/s-baymiller-obituary?id=54265019