Marion Lee Baker

Shortly after Lee was born the family relocated to Renton. Lee attended St. Anthony School, Seattle Prep, and graduated from Renton High School in 1960. While in high school Lee was introduced by his good friend Bill Young to Bill’s sister Judy. Lee and Judy were married in 1964, settled in Renton, and would go on to enjoy over 57 years of marriage.

During and after high school Lee spent some time working for his father, who was a foreman for N. Fiorito and Sons, building roads all over Washington state. Lee enrolled at the University of Washington after high school, then enlisted in the Marines in 1962. After returning home from the Marines, Lee took classes at Big Bend CC before embarking on a career as an Operating Engineer. He operated heavy equipment for M. A. Segale until 1984 when he took a job at King County Public Works. While at the county, Lee held several positions, retiring as a Crew Lead in 2007.

Lee enjoyed several hobbies, including fishing, electronics, and photography, and particularly liked acquiring all the related equipment. For a time in the 70s, Lee had his own TV repair business. Family camping trips were always centered around fishing, and occasionally there was also catching. He also enjoyed reading and watching old Westerns, mysteries, and even the Mariners on TV.

Lee’s greatest passions were reserved for his wife Judy, and sailing. Lee’s first sailboat was a Ranger 20, and he would move through several successively larger boats until ending up with a Hunter 40. In over 40 years of boat ownership, Lee and Judy enjoyed many sailing adventures around Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, and British Columbia. His favorite vacations were the trips chartering a sailboat with friends in the British Virgin Islands.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, brother Francis (Lynn) Baker, and very recently his wife Judy. Lee is survived by sons Chris Baker and wife Nichole, Scott Baker and partner Darcey Peterson, Paul Baker and wife Pam, brother-in-law William (Bill) Young, sister-in-law Deborah Ellen Baker, and 6 grandchildren.

A celebration of life for both Lee and Judy will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 23rd at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in Renton.

Contributions in Lee’s memory may be made to the Renton Historical Society or a local food bank of your choice.