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1960 - 2008
 Age: 47
BAKER, Craig A.
Of Paw Paw
Formerly of Schoolcraft
Craig passed away Thursday afternoon, September 4, 2008 at his home. Craig was born December 17, 1960 in Kalamazoo, the son of Dayton and Betty (Allen) Baker. He was a 1979 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School entering the U.S. Navy upon graduation, serving until 1983. He was employed by the State Hospital as a patient care attendant, was a truck driver for Boise Cascade and eventually owned his own business, the Canopeum, with his brother Jerry. Craig enjoyed fishing, was an avid reader and loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Surviving are 2 sons, Jason of Paw Paw and Kalvin of Kalamazoo; 1 daughter, Nicole (Dan) Yax of Paw Paw; 4 grandchildren: Dayson and Dell Jalkanen-Baker and Emma and Eric Yax; his father and step-mother Dayton and Maxine Baker of Mendon; 3 brothers: Jerry (Karen) of Mattawan, Randy (Julie) of Colon, and Mike of Kalamazoo; his friend and mother of his sons, Lori Taylor of Kalamazoo; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Also surviving is his best friend and soul mate Helen Sackett of Paw Paw. His mother Betty preceded him in death.
Cremation has taken place and a gathering in his honor will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for funeral expenses. Arrangements are by the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw. |
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There are currently 13 condolences.
Anonymously Concerned
Tuesday April 12, 2011 at
6:25 PM
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This man was wonderful and it's so hard to watch his daughter go down the road she's going. She really needs help.
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Kevin Hart
Monday September 22, 2008 at
12:16 AM
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Rest in peace my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Stay strong and God bless
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Kalvin Baker
kalvinbakermail@gmail.com
Saturday September 13, 2008 at
3:27 PM
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I miss my dad... He was so proud of me and saw all of the potential that I had. I only wish that he saw how proud I was of him. My father would do anything for me and his family. There were so many things that he kept inside. WE ALL need to learn to share our deepest feelings with the ones we love. Dad, I think about you every single day, and have for so long. I will make you the proudest father I swear. I love you DAD...
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Cathy Ray
Friday September 12, 2008 at
9:35 PM
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It is a great sorrow to lose someone we love. May all the good memories of love and laughter with Craig sustain his family and friends. Craig was my neighbor for almost a year and I always enjoyed his smile. He had a gusto for biking that I will never understand! He was always quick to help out those in need. I will fondly remember his off key singing and how he let me stay warm on Christmas Eve while waiting for the landlord to come unlock my door. During this time off darkness and confusion may you, the family, feel the presence of God in each embrace, each thoughtful work of a friend and in the laughter of the children.
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Jason Craig Baker
Friday September 12, 2008 at
11:10 AM
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Thank you for all of you loving posts. I am glad others have known my fathers love and light. I envision now that he is a part of that light and love now, walking in God's blessed presence.
I Love you Dad.
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Chuck Beacham
Chuckiespc@yahoo.com
Thursday September 11, 2008 at
7:09 PM
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To the family of Craig Baker: I am very sorry to learn of Craigs death. Imet craig through his brother Mike and worked with him at the state hospital. He allways was so upbeat and full of life. He allways talked so fondly of his children, even though I never met them I felt I knew them through his often talk of them. I had lost touch of Craig in the last few years but thought of him often. May God Bless Craigs family with healing, and Rest in peace Brother Craig. Chuck
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Sue E. Kovach
suekovach@charter.net
Thursday September 11, 2008 at
1:30 PM
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To the family of Craig Baker:
I was so sorry to hear of the death of Craig. I met him through the Canopeum and he set up many canopies for our family events. He always had such a big smile. I know how much you will miss him. Jerry, my deepest sympathies to you as well.
Sincerely,
Sue E. Kovach
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Lori Taylor
Thursday September 11, 2008 at
9:39 AM
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Craig,
your heart,soul,and smiles will live on forever in your children:Jason,Kalvin & Nicole. And your grandchildren:Dell,Dayson,Eric & Emma. They will miss Grandpa Craig very very much.
Although you left before your time,I pray you found the PEACE you were looking for.
We were friends & neighbors for most of our lives,and I thank-you for the most precious gift of all our thoughtful,loving,and caring sons.
There are know answers to the questions,but there is forgiveness.
REST IN PEACE
MY FRIEND & MAY GOD BLESS
Lori
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Helen Sackett
hlighttime@aol.com
Tuesday September 9, 2008 at
6:30 PM
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Craig was absent from my life for a number of years, but we had become good friends the 1st part of this year. He helped me with many projects around my house, would mow my yard while I was at work or let my dog out if I had a long day away. Every time he pulled into my drive he was always smiling, happy to be sharing time with someone that cared about him, which I did very much.
He was very loyal and would do anything to help a friend or just listen. He had lost touch with many but always spoke fondly of them and with good thoughts.
He loved his children, Jason, Kalvin and Nicole very much and spoke often of how proud he was of them. Another joy in his life was his Grandchildren. He would always be excited to visit Dell or take Dayson out to the park. He loved fishing with Eric or playing with Emma. They loved riding in the cart he got so he could pull them behind his bike.
He will be missed very much
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Mike & Darla Avard
dkavard@aol.com
Tuesday September 9, 2008 at
3:54 PM
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Craig was one of a kind who seemed to enjoy life. He always had a smile to share that lit up his face! He will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with Helen and the family. Please let us know if we can do anything to help with the memorial.
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Scott Hockey
shockey59@aol.com
Monday September 8, 2008 at
10:11 PM
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I'm so sorry to hear of Craigs passing. Craig was good a person and he will be missed. My condolences to Dayton, Jerry, Mike, Randy and the rest of the family. Please contact me via e-mail for any future memorial services.
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Jim Korteway
jnkorteway@comcast.net
Monday September 8, 2008 at
7:16 PM
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Craig was a child hood friend of mine who always found away to bring out the good in people. He like to make people laugh and feel good about them selves in every way possible. I will miss his friendship,but I will always remember his smile and laughter.
Jim Korteway
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NANCY C OLIVER
olivern1957@yahoo.com
Sunday September 7, 2008 at
5:39 PM
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CRAIG WAS ALWAYS A CLOSE FRIEND AT WORK-HE ALSO HELPED ME THROUGH A DIFFICULT TIME WHEN I DIVORICED MY FIRST HUSBAND- MY HUSBAND JW AND I THOUGHT THE WORLD OF CRAIG AS WE BOTH WORKED WITH CRAIG FOR YEARS JW AS HIS SUPERVISOR AND ME AS A NURSE ON HIS UNIT--CRAIG WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR THOSE HE CARED FOR-I WILL MISS HIM DEARLY
NANCY OLIVER
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