Richard Jay Baker, age 72, passed away peacefully at home on June 6, 2023, from a recent illness as well as complications due to age.
He was born November 26, 1950, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Donald R. Baker and Loretta A Baker. Married Alice Kinsman May 17, 1986. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple.
He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He had several callings, however his favorite one was being a Scout Leader.
He is loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years; sons John (Pam), Michael (Leona), Ryan (Jessica) James, Dennis (Tonya); Grandchildren they raised as their own, Charlie (Joy), Halley (Mark), Micheal (Jenny). Zachariah; Daughters Charmayne, Amanda (Tom) Debbie; Sisters Donetta and Linda, including 29 Grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers David and Dan, and three great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday June 15th 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Lakeridge Ward, 3604 Wing Pointe Dr (7620 West) Magna UT. A viewing will be held at the same location on Wednesday June 14, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A short viewing will also be held from 9:30-10:15 a.m. prior to the services.
The family would like to thank Renew Health and Hospice. Special thanks to his nurse, Shauna, for not only taking great care of him in his time of need, but also for being there for the family.
Those wishing to view the services via Zoom can click " Watch Services" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/lrRxAkKZWoM9qy6z8ydeVprGigk6qUE4phUagGDZL35ZHDTGO3W24lPGlGvo5Ma7.zm8xkB1PYYcNPhme?startTime=1686844571000
Richard a.k.a. was Dickie during his young years. Named after our Dad and born on Dad's birthday. He was a gift to our small family in 1950. I thought he was just for me; my own baby. That's what Mom and Dad said for 9 months - "You're going to have a new baby". I loved him so much and thought he was just perfect. Until the day when he was about 3 yrs old and he cut the fingers off my special doll. After that, I had to watch out that I didn't get him mad...haha! Richard was an inventor and also could fix anything. When he was about 10 or so, he invented windshield wipers for glasses. He mounted a small little engine on his glasses frame and used popsicle sticks as the washers. It was cumbersome but worked - kind of - of course no one took the invention and made $$$ but it was fun anyway. The last story for now was about how Richard got us both in trouble. Mom was making baskets using popsicle sticks and Elmer's glue. Richard figured that we could make some money doing this too. We didn't have popsicle sticks so we sorted through the garbage and looked around. We made at least 1 basket (I can't remember more) then went through the neighborhood trying to sell it. We told people our dad had lost his job and we were trying to earn money. It didn't take long before someone called Mom and ratted us out. Dad was fuming and embarrassed that we would lie about his job! Richard tried to take all the blame (that was how he was) but I fessed up too so we both got punished 1950's style. Richard will always be in my heart and I will miss him dearly. I know that he loved his family; Alice and each of you kids and grandkids. I know he loved me and Linda and that we will miss having him in our life. He is the last of 3 brothers and, for me, the one that was my first baby! I love you bro!
So sorry for your loss.
Sister Baker. We are so sorry for you and your family at Richard's passing. We know this is part of our Heavenly Father's Plan. Our prayers are with you and your family. May the Savior's love bring you peace and the promises of the temple give you comfort.
Love Larry and Susan.