Devoted husband and father, Wally, 89, peacefully passed at home in June. His son, Roger, had the privilege of being with him for his final farewell. Wally was preceded by his wife (of over 60 years), Hilda, his son, Robert, and grandson, Preston. Born in NY, he spent many carefree hours of his youth exploring Central Park, while playing baseball and ice hockey. He often spoke of joining friends at one movie palace or another to view hours of back-to-back films and cartoons – all for a single nickel. Wally and his father honored the Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) part of his lineage through artwork and cultural awareness. He also celebrated the magical alchemy of being a descendant of French illusionist, Herrmann the Great. Wally fondly recollected attending a variety of big band shows at theaters like Loews and Roxy, where he was introduced to the swinging melodies popularized by his subsequent favorite bandleaders: Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and the Dorsey Brothers. Meanwhile, he proudly kept the beat for the New Rochelle High School Textile Band drumline. Go Huguenots! He could regularly be found negotiating a seat for his oversized bass drum on NYC buses, trolleys and subways, while en route to or from dance gigs that were headlined by his own band. During WWII, Wally served for three years on the USS Biddle as a Naval Sonarman, First Class. While escorting a convoy to No. Africa, the Biddle crew successfully fought off an air attack and completed their mission with no loss of life. Wally utilized his R&R to experience the beauty of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and accompany his shipmates to USO shows and dances. It was the serendipity of a dance at Lincoln Park in Fall River, MA - plus not having a driver’s license, like a true New Yorker - that resulted in him meeting, adoring and marrying Hilda Perry, after they and their friends carpooled to the train station one night.
Wally and Hilda sustained eight acres of his in-laws' 40 acre farm by cultivating strawberries, vegetables and raising nearly 500 laying hens. When he wasn’t delivering produce and eggs to their buyers, Wally was working on the frame construction of his and Hilda’s first house. He studied Forestry, then received a BS in Chemistry from UMass Dartmouth, where he became a brother of the Delta Kappa Phi Fraternity. He began his distinguished management career as Director of Textiles at Carter’s, MA, then continued on at Walter W. Moyer Co., PA, as Director of Quality Control & Technical Services. Wally coached his sons’ Little League teams to multiple championships and relinquished his home photo lab for their respective garage bands, while acting as their unofficial manager. He arranged accommodations for his family at captivating Lake Winnipesaukee over several summers, which enabled them to acquire sailing, water skiing and hiking skills. Eventually Wally and Hilda purchased their own cabin at pastoral Watuppa Pond, near Hilda's brother's cabin and speed boat, thus enabling both sons to expand their water skiing repertoires. The Bakers also took their teenagers to Montreal, CA, for a thrilling week at the 1967 International Expo, including a tour of the American Pavilion Geodesic Dome (now The Montreal Biosphère Environmental Museum). After providing the funds for each of their sons to attend the University of Notre Dame - exclusively cheering for the Fighting Irish at every Homecoming and thereafter - Wally and Hilda relocated to launch their business, Hilda’s Fashion Center in Mesa, AZ. Although they took little time off from unwavering dedication to their flourishing business over the next 22 years, they did make several day trips throughout AZ. They also spent an especially memorable summer getaway with over a dozen friends in Crested Butte, CO.
Wally served on the board of Camp Outreach, which provided social and recreational opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities. He was a lifelong philatelist, who donated his collection to the American Philatelic Society. He and Hilda were generous with their families and did not hesitate to lend assistance. Wally was a 26 year member of LW and robust retiree, who played tennis year-round, swam laps in the community pool, breezed through daily crosswords, completed the legendary Dons Trek, and tripped the light fantastic at numerous Cabaret dances. His polka was unrivaled. Wally served as a photographer and writer for Leisure World (LW) News, led the LW "greyhounds" advanced hiking club across dozens of desert mountain trails, and volunteered as a line dancing instructor, who provided free classes to summer participants. He was unapologetic about his preference for classic country western music over pop country tunes - from his head down to his "analog" toes.
Wally accepted the forthcoming end of his abundant life with composure, strength, calmness and patience. Thankfully, he was free of pain. He often reminisced about a lifetime of gliding across dance floors from East coast to West, through screenings of The Lawrence Welk Show and the stylings of those effervescent "Champagne Music Makers." Banner Hospice caretakers faithfully and compassionately ensured that Wally remained comfortable and his wishes were respected. He leaves behind his son, Roger (Lisa), grandson, Jeremy (Gwen), granddaughter, Tabitha (Tom), seven great-grandchildren, as well as his dear friends Jo, Barbara, and Barb's darling, Boo, who "ran circles around Wally." He requested that no traditional services be held, but...the music of Wally's life will be cherished by those who knew and loved him. He will dance on. A Celebration of Life is being planned for this Winter (TBA). Remembrances can be made to: Banner Hospice Home Care, 275 E. Germann Rd. Suite 110, Gilbert, AZ, 85297.
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