Stephen Grant Baker, loving husband, father, son, and brother, passed away in a rappelling accident in Zions National Park on September 3, 2017 at the age of 38. He was born on July 13, 1979 in Murray, Utah to Michael Ray and Stephanie Evans Baker, the fourth of seven children, and raised in West Jordan, Utah.
When Stephen walked into the room, you were forever changed as you were swept up in his infectious enthusiasm for life, his gratitude for God's beautiful earthly tapestry, his laughter that lightened the heart, his kindness and love that was genuinely felt, his extended arm of friendship toward everyone, his patriotism and service to God and his country, and his unshakable faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We all were profoundly influenced and changed by knowing and loving this man.
Stephen understood the importance of the scripture, "…when ye are in the service of your fellow being, ye are only in the service of your God." (BM, Mosiah 2:17) His attributes of friendliness, love, and faith served him well as he went forth and served a mission in the Brazil Sao Paulo Interlagos Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Stephen strove for excellence in pursuit of knowledge, as he earned degrees from Westminster College in International Business and Juris Doctorate law from University of New Hampshire. With that knowledge, he selflessly served his local communities near Epsom, New Hampshire through the opening of his own law firm, Baker Law Office, PLLC specializing in Estate Planning. He also volunteered his time to serve on many boards and was a passionate advocate for the youth in the Court Justice system.
As Stephen pursued his higher education, he proudly served his country in the Utah and New Hampshire National Guard as a Staff Sargent. He loved serving alongside his countrymen and women, understanding and knowing the importance of giving of oneself for the freedoms we enjoy.
Stephen's passion for excellence was further evidenced in his hobby of woodworking. His talent in this craft was unprecedented, as he fashioned beautiful furniture and wood mementos for his friends and family. Recently, he completed a stunning cherry wood mantel for their home in New Hampshire, a piece which is honored in the selection of Stephen's lovely casket, crafted from his favorite wood.
Stephen's smile lit up his face and twinkled his eyes, which both warmed your heart and left you wondering what mischief he was up to. He approached adventure with passion, and one could not help but to be wrapped up with him in his excitement for experiencing fishing, hiking, kayaking, camping…just living, breathing, and enjoying the beautiful mountains, forests, and all of God's creations.
Stephen's greatest joy and love was his sweetheart, Patricia; a true companion who lifted, encouraged and inspired him to be his best self — a Man of God. Together, they created an eternal, happy family with their two sons, Caiden and Rowan. He blossomed and grew to be a great husband and father, tenderly guiding his young sons to love what he loved, to live like he lived, and to cherish what he cherished. He was their hero, their exemplar and, most importantly, just their daddy!
Family was everything to him. He had a deep-seeded loyalty and commitment to strengthening eternal families; his own immediate family, his parent/sibling family, and extended family and friends, which he also considered family. We honor him by continuing his legacy!
Stephen is survived by his wife, Patricia Margaret Jack Baker and two sons, Caiden Milo (6) and Rowan Michael (3); parents: Michael Ray and Stephanie Evans Baker; siblings: Ryan Benjamin Baker (Eliza), Rachelle Darlene Rutherford (Scott), Melissa Anne Davies (Alan), Vanessa Stone, Inga Brianne Slade (Daniel) and Nolan Milo Baker.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Westland Stake Center (7265 South 2700 West, West Jordan). A viewing will be held on Friday, September 8, 2017 at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah) from 6:00 ‚ 8:00 p.m. All are encouraged to attend this viewing. A short viewing will be held Saturday, September 9, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. ‚ 10:40 a.m. at the LDS Westland Stake Center (7265 South 2700 West, West Jordan, Utah) for those who cannot attend Friday evening.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to https://www.youcaring.com/triciabaker-938353 and/or to https://www.gofundme.com/baker-family-bereavement-fund.
A memorial service in Stephen's honor will also be held in Concord, New Hampshire on September 16, 2017 at 11:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house located at 90 Clinton Street, Concord, NH 03301.
