Our dear friend Bob Baker passed away at noon Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017, from a tough struggle with cancer that took his life swiftly. He was surrounded by loved ones and friends when he found his peace with the Lord.
He is a long-time resident of Idyllwild and born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Sept. 28, 1954, and the oldest sibling of three brothers and one sister.
His greatest pride and joy is his son “Zach” Zachery Dakota Baker, whom we often heard about spoken by Bob from his heart-of-hearts. Bob met the love of his life only a few years ago, and both Bob and Karen shared more good times, laughter, adventures, caring and love than many of us share in a life-time.
After Bob retired in August 2016, his first big purchase was an RV that became his home, along with the condominium he shared with Karen in Las Vegas, Nevada.
He holds many positive memories by those of us living on the “Hill.” Bob’s favorite hobbies were golfing, traveling and fishing. Yet many of us in Idyllwild may have thought it was often giving a helping hand; by occasionally snowplowing our driveways, helping chop down a tree, a chat on the front porch, a loving embrace, a smile no matter what his mood, a shoulder to cry on, empathetic and encouraging words, and, of course, often while sharing a cold Coors Lite.
Services will be held Sunday, Aug. 20, at the Idyllwild Bible Church, 24400 Pine Crest Avenue and Highway 243, with viewing at 2 p.m. and services at 2:30 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at Ferro from 4 to 6 p.m.
Bob, we will always carry your memory in our hearts.