Aug 12, 1928 - Sept 15, 2022
George was born in West Seattle to parents Walter W Baker and Frances M Clemetson Baker and was later joined by two sisters, Marilyn and Jacqueline (Jackie). West Seattle was also home to many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends so family gatherings and holidays were large, boisterous and fun. George always loved a good "hand-shakin' " as he called any social event and he was always there no matter the occasion with a welcoming smile and lively conversation and the ability to make everyone feel at ease; he knew how to bring people together for a great time and he enjoyed every moment.
He spent 22 months in the US Navy after high school to take advantage of the three meals a day and a roof overhead (his words--he didn't have another job at the time) and discovered an aptitude for electronics and fixing just about anything that needed it. He took from the Navy the lessons of self-discipline and personal responsibility but just couldn't get used to someone telling him what to do and when to do it. He was a very stubborn and independent soul who was usually certain that his way was the best way but also had a fun-loving and playful side that made him fun to be around. "They don't call me Easy George for nothin'" was a favorite comeback line when he decided it was okay to let you have your way.
At 21, George married Joyce M Rebar, also from West Seattle, and he became the father to three daughters--Christine (Chris), Sandra (Sam), Cheryl (Cher). He followed his own father into the timber/lumber business, a career that started with logging and seasonal stints at Christmas tree farms, time at Nettleton Timber and Lumber Mill in Seattle, Wyckoff Company (Seattle) and eventually expanded to International timber sales with Simpson Timber. The opportunity to travel to Japan for business resulted in long-time friendships with those colleagues and a tremendous appreciation for their culture. A transfer to the Simpson Shelton office brought with it a move to Olympia and a chance to get back to the sea. For George and Joyce, their dream of buying a boat and exploring Northwest waters from Budd Bay to the Canadian San Juans in their retirement brought with it a new circle of friends courtesy of the Olympia Yacht Club and many happy hours of both hard work and hard play. There were also sons-in-law and two grandchildren (Chris and husband Bill's children, Kate and Sean) added to the mix. Life was good.
Throughout life, he never went anywhere that he didn't leave things in better shape than he found them. Even vacation condominiums benefitted from his tightening of faucets and door handles or repairing minor leaks; George didn't appreciate when things didn't work correctly. Automobiles were a particular passion; he could remember owning at least 54, one or two at a time, over his 75+ years of driving and especially appreciated the classic American cars. Any yacht club member that bought one of his boats knew that they were buying something that had been carefully and meticulously repaired and maintained and that everything was in working order. He was a man that believed that any job worth doing was worth doing right; his life has been a constant example of that.
After being widowed for 10 years, George met Arliss Siebert at the 2013 OYC lighted Christmas ship cruise event and the two decided to share life together at Heron's Key Retirement Community in Gig Harbor, WA when it opened in 2017. A somewhat quieter life, no boating but close to the water and lots of boat-watching, and many new friends. Life was full of laugher and loving contentment and a busy schedule of activities. And never far from family who remained important to George throughout his life and whom he often called or visited until he couldn't.
Just before sunrise on the morning of Sept 15th, George quietly left us to join his wife Joyce, daughter Sam, and the rest of his clan. His wish was that there be no public services.
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