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Obituary For Gilbert Arthur Baker
Gilbert (Gil) Arthur Baker flew west on May 12, 2025, at the age of 85. Many years of Parkinson’s and the new addition of dementia finally grounded him. He died, as he wished, peacefully in his Bellingham home with his wife of 27 years, Virginia (Ginny) and two daughters, Ruth and Paula, at his side.
He was born August 21, 1939, in Klamath Falls, OR to Pauline and Cyrus Baker and was the oldest of four siblings. He graduated from Oregon State University with a BS in General Science then enlisted in the Navy where he became a pilot. After serving two tours in Vietnam flying off aircraft carriers he transitioned to commercial pilot for Northwest Orient in 1969. During his 30 years with them he flew B-727, DC-10, B-757 and B-747, retiring as B-747-200 captain. A point of pride. He continued to also fly with the Naval Reserve in transport squadrons and served his full 20 years as Lt. Commander. He was proud to say he never bent any metal.
He is pre-deceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Ginny, three siblings Carol (Bill) Turnidge, Steven (Sheryl) Baker, and Julia (Marty) Baker, daughters Ruth Baker and Paula (Stu) Correll, step-children Krista (Chris) Crowther and Eric (Phimpha) Drommer, along with four grandsons; Bill and Ben Correll and Levi and Oliver Crowther. Family was the most important thing in the world to him and he loved us all dearly. In his retirement he was able to enjoy his love of woodworking, gardening, playing chess with friends, and traveling.
There will be a Celebration of Life on August 2, 2025 at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship at 2pm with reception to follow. If you’d like, wear summer colors or Hawaiian shirts. Donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
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Gil was a true gentleman. He was kind, thoughtful, generous - really a decent human being. He was a good listener, and when action was indicated, he followed through quietly, without fanfare, but with true conviction based in his Unitarian values. Sending loving thoughts to Ginny, Ruth and Paula and all his family and those who loved him. Barbara Gilday
