Thomas “Tom” Baker (“Jack” to his mother’s family), died at his home in Greeley, CO, on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. He was 83. Although born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Southern California, Tom and his family had lived in Colorado for 24 years. He loved the Rocky Mountains.
He served in the US Navy after high school; following his honorable discharge, he became a Postal Carrier, a job he enjoyed for 8 years before a serious car accident ended his career. After his recovery, he went to college, studying drafting and accounting, and in later years, hospitality management. With his diverse background, he enjoyed a variety of positions in several industries. He always loved learning something new. Unfortunately, due to a workplace injury, he was forced to retire early.
Tom enjoyed many volunteer activities through the years. He was a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America for 20 years; he enjoyed hiking, camping, and fishing with the boys; he also became a Red Cross certified First Aid and CPR instructor, teaching the boys and the general public. He was a volunteer firefighter for a small department in Northern Colorado. After moving to NW New Mexico, he became an instructor for AARP’s 55Alive driving program for seniors, working up to being Assistant Director of the program in New Mexico, and continued teaching the classes after moving back to Colorado.
He loved to work with his hands. He built models most of his life, giving away almost all of them. He built dollhouses which he gave to friends, caregivers, and a local women’s shelter and children’s counseling office. He loved working on his homes through the years, making repairs and improvements, and gardening with his wife, Sharron. He was an avid reader. Despite his health, Tom enjoyed his life. In his final years, he enjoyed building Legos, and playing games and cards with his caregivers and family. His caregivers adored him and he will be greatly missed.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Anne; his beloved wife of 51 years, Sharron; and his daughter-in-law Chantelle, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his daughter Shauna and son George; sons Thomas J. and Donald (Alexandra) and daughter Patricia from his first marriage, and their children and grandchildren; and by his cousin Anne (who was like a sister to him), and her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, January 27th at 3pm at Stoddard Funeral Home in Greeley. All those who knew and loved him will be welcome.
