David Joseph Baker

Do you remember . . . the 21st night of September 1961? David Baker was born to Curt and Nellie Baker in Ventura, CA. He soon became the ultimate loving protector of his two little sisters, Linda and Jana.

With heavy hearts, we announce that son, brother, dad, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, and dreamer, David Baker passed away peacefully on Friday, June 6, 2014. He was surrounded by the love of his family, after a courageous 11 month battle against a rare and aggressive cancer.

He impacted the lives of so many during his brief 52 years on earth. David was a 1979 Buena graduate, who became active in many philanthropic endeavors; including the Jaycees, Big Brothers, Rotary Club, Toastmasters, and the Chamber of Commerce.

David owned Crown Billiards, Baker’s Mobile Wash, and was an international entrepreneur. He attended Ventura College where he majored in “Women.”

His hobbies included Saticoy Little League, motocross racing, barefoot water skiing, heli-skiing, hunting, boating, snowboarding, traveling . . . and women.

Though David excelled in all sports that he participated in, his greatest accomplishment was when he became a Daddy to Dane after marrying Cindy Santana. David’s greatest passion was coaching Dane in baseball, basketball, golf, life . . . and women.

David will forever be in the hearts of his “Team” which includes his parents, Curt and Nellie; sisters Linda Baker Torres and Jana B Cooksey; son, Dane who was his pride and joy; brothers-in-law Rick Torres and Bob Cooksey; nieces Chianne, Karyssa and Danika; and nephews Kiefer, DJ and Kingston.

More of his “People” include Curtis Baker Jr. (Judy), Gary Baker (Debbie), Kathy Miller and their families, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, too many to name.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. Ann Mohrbacher and Staff at USC Norris Cancer Center, the devoted staff of Care Meridian, and David’s angels over this past year, especially Eddie Antillon, Frank Antillon, Kim Freetly, and Nadine Donahue.

David’s incredible life will be celebrated by all those he loved and all who loved him. A visitation will be held at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, Friday, June 13, 2014, at 4:00pm, with a prayer vigil beginning at 6:00pm. Mass will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2014, 10:00am, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 10800 Henderson Road, Ventura. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura. A Celebration of David’s Exceptional Life will be held at the Knights of Columbus, 36 Figueroa Street, following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the “Team David Fund” a trust fund set up to benefit his son, Dane Baker, at Wells Fargo Bank, Account #2700398601.

Heaven is now learning how to have a good time again. Blessingz!

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.