Richard Baker

Fair Winds and Following Seas Richard J. Baker (Dick), 70, of Belgrade passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2009. Dick was born on October 20, 1938 to James and Alvina Baker in Bozeman, Montana. He graduated from Gallatin County High School in 1956. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and became a Commissaryman (which eventually would be renamed Mess Management Specialist). This was the perfect job for Dick, because as all of his friends and family knew, he loved to cook and bake. He took a short break from the Navy returning to Bozeman, but he found that the Seas were calling him and decided to return to the Navy. It was in the Navy where he met his wife, Teruko, in Japan. After numerous duty stations (Guam, Utah, California, Hawaii, and Connecticut), deployments far and wide (Japan, Guam, Hawaii, Philippines, Hong Kong and many other exotic destinations), he retired from the Navy with 21 years of service. Immediately following his retirement, Dick, Teruko and their daughters, Terry and Janet moved to Belgrade. He worked at the Cowboy Caf, Gallatin County Rest Home, Montana State University, Thrifty and Hertz Car Rental. Dick loved to fish, bowl, drive, work on crossword puzzles, cook and bake. He was always making something sweet to share with family and friends. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Delores Welch. Dick will be missed dearly by his wife, Teruko; daughters, Terry (Fred) Barton of Fallon, NV; Janet Baker of Bremerton, WA; and Jennie (Terry) Jones of Laurel, MT. Grandchildren: Daniel and Christine Barton; Jason and Chrissy Jones; sister, Carolyn (Ken) Lewis of Belgrade, MT; brother, James (Darla) Baker of Ryderwood, WA; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Dick#8217;s name are made to the American Lung Association National Headquarters, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 800. Washington, DC 20004, or www.lungusa.org. A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held on Monday, May 11 at 1:30 pm at the Dahl Funeral Chapel. Place of reception will be announced after the service.