Sam Bill Baker

Sam was born in Danville, Arkansas, the second child of four born to Samuel and Virginia “Icie” Baker. He moved to California with his family in March 1944. Sam was employed at the Naval Air Rework Facility in Alameda for 37 years and was instrumental in organizing the employees into the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union. His appreciated his nick-name of “Troublemaker-Baker” because of his tenacious attitude and willingness to meet issues head-on. He had a reputation of fairness, and was respected by co-workers and management alike. His outside interests included boat racing, hunting and fishing, camping at Yosemite and Tahoe, and attending Oakland Athletics’ baseball games. After retirement from NARF, he worked in Security for Sandia Labs in Livermore, where his affable nature endeared him to those he met. After leaving there, he and his wife moved to their vacation home in South Lake Tahoe where they enjoyed 20 good retirement years. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2010, he and Donna came off their beloved hill and settled in Brentwood/Oakley, where Sam was placed in a wonderful board and care. There “Uncle Sam” lived out his days with visits and day-trips with his cherished wife. He passed peacefully on the morning of January 12, with his daughter Bobbi, at his side.

He was preceded in death by parents Samuel and Virginia Baker; siblings Monroe (& Della) Baker; Ada (& James) Walker; and son, Donald Vance Baker. He leaves behind wife, Donna; daughters Peggy and Bobbi, son-in-law Chris; grandchildren Grant, Corinne and Kristie; brother Robert; sisters-in-law Norma and Annabelle; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial service at Brentwood Community Methodist Church, Saturday, February 1, 2014. For information, call 925-634-3093. Family requests memorial donations made to Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org, Hospice of the East Bay, or a charity of your choice.