Richard Baker, 93

Richard Bruce Baker, 93, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully at home with family on Jan. 7, 2023.

He was born June 14, 1929, at home to Robert and Emma Baker near Homestead, Mont. He completed school through the eighth grade until work on the family farm became a priority. By the time he reached age 17, a move to North Idaho would set forth the path to a new career and the backdrop to the rest of his life. He was drafted into the Army in 1951 and served for two years.

Upon returning, he moved in with his older brother, Kenneth in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and started logging. It was a time when everyone would dress up and head to dances on the weekends. A friend by the name of Austin Clark suggested Dick drive his little sister Shirley one evening. They fell in love at first dance, igniting a spark so bright it would never go out. On May 1, 1954, at a small church in downtown Bonners Ferry, Dick and Shirley married. They started a family and had four children: his daughter, Rikki; and three sons, David, Howard and Allen.

In the early 1960s, an opportunity came to purchase a good piece of land from family. The young couple went for it. Not knowing at the time it would eventually hold their forever home built by Dick himself. A gathering place creating happy and precious memories for generations of family and friends.

After various logging jobs with other companies, it came time for Dick to go into work for himself. He liked the idea of being his own boss. His wife Shirley took on the role of secretary and bookkeeper. With each of their three sons joining him, it became a family business, Baker and Sons. Dick happily spent his working years logging all over North Idaho and Northwestern Montana up until his retirement. Even continuing to fall trees on their property well into his 80s. For maintenance yes, but also to help keep his constantly working hands busy.

If that retired logger decided he was bored, the trees around his home would shake nervously wondering which was next.

Dick’s kindness brightened the lives of everyone who knew him, he wasn’t just a good man but a great man. An exceptionally hard worker, he put all he had into every aspect of his life, doing a job right was the only way. He woke up and was productive, making the most of each day. Setting the best example he could for his family, who always came first. He especially loved kids, always a smile and wink for them or lap to climb in. When it comes to true love, you don’t have to look any further than Dick and Shirley’s story, it's one for the ages.

He is dearly missed and fondly thought of always. Preceded in death by both parents; son David; three brothers and two sisters. Remaining family are his wife, Shirley; three children; a brother; a sister; 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is holding a private ceremony at a later date.