Byron Wesley Baker

September 16, 1939 – September 27, 2026

Byron Wesley Baker, a writer, journalist, legislator and photographer, passed away on September 27, 2026, on Maui, Hawaii, at the age of 87. He was born September 16, 1939, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he was raised and educated.

Byron's career began with the written word. He wrote the text for Micronesia: The Breadfruit Revolution (1971), a book on the Pacific islands with photographs by Robert Wenkam. He also worked as a writer and reporter for the Weekly Guam Times before accepting a position at the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. He then moved from paper to television with KHVH (now KITV), covering the people and politics of Hawaii.

Going from covering government to serving in it, Byron represented District 15 in the Hawaii House of Representatives for eight years. After leaving office, he put his gift for language to work as a speechwriter.

In retirement, Byron settled on Maui with his wife, Patsy. The two traveled widely, and he spent his days tending his garden and pursuing his lifelong passion for photography.

Byron is survived by his wife, Patsy Baker; his children, Joshua Baker, Rachel Baker, Benjamin Baker, daughter-in-law Sylvia Kaneshiro-Baker; and his sister, Susan Poss.

In lieu of a service, the family encourages donations in Byron's memory to the Clean Air Task Force (catf.us).