CAPT Baker was a tremendous mentor, always the adult in the room. My wife and I were in the bowling league with his wife and him. He waddled up to the line, rolled the ball, and immediately turned around, not waiting for the result, muttering, "pitiful, pitiful." 

After a case of an aortic dissection, he asked me to read a prepublication of Eve Slater's book (? Dissecting Hematoma of the Aorta) which was fantastic. He was on top of everything. 

We will miss him, a giant in his field. 

It is hard to recognize that it has been 3 years since Bill died.  I still remember our many visits and phone calls.  He was truly a close friend and longtime neighbor.  God rest his soul.

A wonderful neighbor, friend, cardiologist, and naval officer!  

I worked with Dr. Baker in The Cardiology Department of Bethesda Naval Hospital. I was one of the transcriptionist there. I always remember Dr. Baker as being a very kind and gentle man. That was my favorite job. My sympathy to all. 

Bill Baker was an icon as a cardiologist and he was the best teacher that i ever had during my internal medicine training at the Naval Hospital in Bethesda with Roy Small 1980 to 1983.  He will be sorely missed.   He always had an amazing anecdote for every situation we ever encountered.  

Bill Baker was a giant in the field of cardiology and the consummate physician.  He taught many of us both the science and art of medicine.  As a mentor his influence guided me into cardiology and I have often thought about him during my 28 years of practice since I left Bethesda Naval Hospital.  

His clinical insight was unsurpassed as it was based upon a brilliant intellect and unique experience.   There are many people alive today as a result of his clinical and teaching skills.  It is a privilege to be among those who greatly benefited from his wisdom.

Terri and I send our deepest condolences to your entire family.

Dr. Bill Baker was one of the first people I met in 1970 after my arrival from St. Albans Naval Hospital along with Joe Kaufman to begin our resident training in Internal Medicine at Bethesda Naval Hospital. It was inspirational to have him as a wonderful, witty and kind mentor. He had the same demeanor with staff as he did with his patients and everyone he encountered. Even though I did not choose Cardiology for my specialty I can attest to the fact that numerous physicians over the ensuing years extending into the 1990's entered Cardiology because of Bill Baker. His legacy is deep and extends into all corners of our nation. God bless him and Gwen. I will miss catching up with them at our almost regular but unscheduled encounters in the Hospital and the Navy Exchange.

Dr. Baker was my Chief of Cardiology at Bethesda Naval Hospital from 1973-1975. Not only did he teach me Cardiology, he taught me how to think as a physician caring for a patient. I have thought of him many times over the years, and I feel blessed to have had him as a mentor. He was truly a Great Man. He will always be in my prayers.

Dianne and Susan,

Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing.  Your family has been in our prayers and will continue to be in the future.  I  spoke with your Dad recently and we talked in length about your Mom, the children and our past good memories of our lives on Bel Pre Rd. He spoke happily about the support and love you two had given him during his time of need.  God Bless you and your  families.  We are planning to make the memorial service and see you all again. Love, Pat and Joe Perriccio

American Heart Association

OBITUARY

Dr. William Prentice Baker

August 31, 1927 – March 3, 2018

Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home

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