Arthur James Baker

October 28, 1932 - August 31, 2015

Arthur James Baker Obituary (Age 82) Passed away August 31, 2015. He was born October 28, 1932 and raised in Seattle where he attended Daniel Bagley Grade School and graduated from Lincoln High School. While in high school he carried two paper routes so that he could afford to take the train to Stevens Pass to snow ski. He was on the ski team and was a fantastic snow and water skier. Art graduated from the U of W as an industrial engineer. He was a member of the Alpha Sigma Chi fraternity. After graduating from the U of W he enlisted in the Army where he served four years in Germany in Counter Intelligence. Upon returning to Seattle he joined the Borden Chemical Co. as an Industrial Engineer working with lumber, beams, paper and plywood, anything that used Borden Glue. He was an expert in his field and traveled extensively. Art was transferred to Spokane in 1961 where he met the love of his life Barbara Bushnell Baker. They were married in 1964. Art is survived by his wife Barbara of 51 years at the home; two sons Douglas J. Baker and Robert A. Baker both of Spokane; two grandchildren Lauren Baker and Andrew Baker of Phoenix, AZ; his sisters Marietta Oswald and her husband Bob of Seattle and Luella Novel and her husband Jim of Bothell; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Art was a skilled craftsman with a well-appointed shop helping neighbors with plumbing, electrical, building and maintenance knowledge. He loved to ski, dance, fish (especially for salmon) and loved the home at Sacheen Lake. Art will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle to his family and his beloved dogs. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2PM Saturday September 12, 2015 at Heritage Funeral Chapel. We wish to thank Dr. Mark Johnson, Providence Visiting Nurses and staff, and Hospice of Spokane for the wonderful care given to Art during this difficult time. We also appreciate his care givers at the home, Rhonda Anderson, Corrina Morrow and Elaine Edwards for their support and daily care. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to Hospice of Spokane, SpokAnimal or the charity of your choice.