I have often told my wife, Aimee, that I believe that I have truly won the in-law lottery in the Baker family. Howard, Mary, my father in-law Gene, my mother in-law Jackie, and the extended Baker family in general welcomed me into the family with open arms. Even before Aimee and I got married, it didn’t take long to feel like I was part of the family.  

Howard Lee Baker, the patriarch of this wonderful family was of course no exception. I feel very fortunate that I was able to express this to him by his hospital bedside while he was still able to communicate. I feel very confident that my message was received. Howard is an irreplaceable husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend. There will never be another quite like him but his work ethic, his values, and his love of family, are very apparent in all of his children. 

It was very hard for me to believe that in October, just a few months ago, he and my father in-law helped me replace my radiator, belts, and hoses on my ’96 Ford Explorer (really, I should say I helped them…they did all the hard work). I wouldn’t have ever thought at that time that he would be leaving us soon thereafter. He was mentally sharp, witty sense of humor, and on top of his game. In retrospect, I’m very thankful that my radiator needed to be replaced and grateful that he was so willing to help. This gave me an opportunity to get to know him a little more - an opportunity I would have otherwise missed.

I’m also very happy to know that our children, Devon, Zach, and Sierra got to get to know their great grandpa these 4 years or so since we have lived in Colorado. They probably don’t fully realize just what kind of man he was but in time they will. Many African cultures have a different concept about death than we do in Western culture that I find very intriguing and beautiful. In this concept, people are divided into three categories: those who are alive on the Earth, the sasha (the recently departed whose lives overlap with those still alive on the Earth), and the zamani (those who have departed long ago). Because Howard is survived by many friends and family members who can recall him in their memories, by this concept he is still very much alive and with us (i.e. gone but not forgotten). We can share our memories of him with our children and others who didn’t have the good fortune to know him or know him well. 

Still, the sense of loss is very real to us all and very difficult to put into words. Thank you for giving us this forum to share stories, our impressions, and grief. There’s no way many of us would have been able to articulate thoughts like these in person as the emotions surrounding this passing is still too raw and too real.

When I was young Uncle Howard was very intimidating.  However, when he came home, he always made time to take us for a ride on the back of his Standard Oil Truck, as he backed it into the driveway.  This was a highlight of my childhood that I will always remember.  I love you Aunt Mary and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Steve, Cinda and Family

Met Howard in 1958 when I started working for Standard Oil. From that time till now Howard was a wonderful man to know. Hard working but always with a smile and time to visit. My memory of Howard will be for ever, and one thing I will never forget is we were at a Company gathering and was seated amoung employee's and talking shop. The man sitting beside me left the table and I asked the others "who is this guy next to me" they had a good laugh and told me "thats Howard Baker". That was the first time I had seen Howard out of his work cloths and no hat, and for many years to follow he would ask me,"should I take off my cap?". Rest in peace my good and faithful buddy, 
The Fahrenbruch's Roland and Ruth Ann

I always enjoyed talking with Howard and working with Howard at Standard Oil.  He was a very good friend and I will miss him.   John Burch

Mary, our deepest sympathies to you and your family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.  

Jerry and Gerri Clark

Thinking of you  and praying for you at this time. Howard will be greatly missed.  We send you our love. Maurice & Julia, Norie, Marie

We have known Howard all of our married lives.  In fact, Howard and Mary share our anniversary.  We remember Howard as a kind, loving, and humble family man.  In fact, he has opened his home to us when we visit Colorado and attended our wedding in Wisconsin.  We feel your sorrow and are keeping your entire family in our thoughts and prayers.  Please remember that Howard is in a higher and better place.
The Reisenauers (Steve, Elaine, and Matthew)

This country truly lost a great man on January 10th.  In the 48 years of my life that I have spend time with Uncle Howard his life has molded and shaped me into the loving husband and father that I'am today.  His strength is unmatched and if you ever shook his hand you would know what I mean.  The Dave Silva family will always remember you in our hearts.

I always looked up to you Uncle Howard, Now I will have to look a little higher.  Joanne Baker

I am deeply sorry to hear about Uncle Howard's passing.  My thoughts and prayers go out to you Aunt Mary and the whole family.
Love Deloris Haddock (Bessie's daughter, bingo lady)

I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of your husband.  I know you had a great marriage and you loved him very much.  My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  
 
The Creekmore Family

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Howard Lee Baker

12 mai 1927 – 10 janvier 2011

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Highland

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