Robert Charles Baker Sr. Obituary (1937 - 2020)

Robert "Bob" Charles Baker, age 83, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2020 at his granddaughter's home in Chesterfield, Michigan. He was born September 13, 1937 in Cass City, the son of Edward and Helen (White) Baker. Robert was a dedicated Eagle Scout and a 1955 graduate of Cass City High School, Cass City. He was deployed to Korea as a machinist for the United States Army, and married Emilie (Nelson) Baker on March 12, 1960 upon his return. Robert and Emilie had two beautiful children together, Jill who was born in 1962 and Robert II who was born in 1964. He later graduated from Central Michigan University with a B.S. in Education in 1963 and a M.A. in 1969. Robert worked in a variety of positions throughout his career. He began in teaching, and then worked at General Motors before becoming Principal of Bangor Junior High School. He then served as Assistant Superintendent of Bangor Township Public Schools, President of the Bay-Arenac ISD Board of Education, Field Placement Coordinator at Saginaw Valley State University, and Delegate, Secretary, Chapter Chairman, and Alternate Director of the Mid-Michigan chapter of the Sunrise Family Credit Union. Robert was an incredible and humble man who balanced life's dualities with ease. He was gentle and firm, encouraging and frank, humorous and intelligent, giving and grounded, playful and hardworking, and youthful and wise. He enjoyed traveling, camping, playing games, and his lifelong passions of fishing and "Out of the Woods" woodworking. He was a jack of all trades and truly a master of them all. He rejoiced in the simplest of tasks; whether it was mowing the lawn or filling the bird feeders, these duties brought him both peace and clarity. Robert's kindness naturally created a community of supportive and genuine relationships that he maintained throughout his life. He lived with a very open, strong, and insightful mindset that he shared through unending support and guidance. Robert had an unparalleled willingness to express the greatest of love for his friends and family. Robert was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Emilie Baker (2020), who he cared for at home until her last day. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Jill Capps (2010); his parents, Edward and Helen Baker; his brother, Jim Baker; his sister, Mary Wilson; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Emil and Inger Nelson; one sister-in-law, Beatrice Baker; and one brother-in-law, Wayne "Speed" Wilson. He is survived by one son, Robert Baker II; one son-in-law, Harry Capps; one granddaughter Kylie (Christian) Gojanaj; four nieces and nephews, Jim (Stephanie) Baker II, Ruth (Scott) McLachlan, Lisa (Tom) Fluder, and Sasha Cody; and 10 great-nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life, and his wife's life, will be held as one ceremony at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association by visiting https://www.lung.org or the Wounded Warrior Project by visiting https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org