Robert S. Baker

Robert S. (Bob)   Baker, 71, of High Street, passed away February 13, 2019 at Maine Medical Center from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma caused from Agent Orange, contracted during the Vietnam War.

Bob was born May 29, 1947 in Los Angeles, CA, son of Arley L. and Stella M. (Durost) Baker.  After graduating from Eagle Rock High School in CA, Bob proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war.  It is there that he was exposed to the deadly chemical known as Agent Orange, which ultimately took his life.

Bob moved from L.A. to the east coast while in his 20’s, wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the overwhelming chaos of the city and  finally landed in North Berwick, Maine in 2016.  He and his wife, Diana bought a historic home in North Berwick where he enjoyed his simple life of tinkering and collecting trucks, tractors and other vehicles that could use his repair.  He was an elevator repairman for most of his life, working first in California then for over 40 years at Bay State Elevator in Springfield, MA. 

Bob was proud to be a veteran and was  very involved in the Vietnam Veterans of American, Chapter 1044 of Sanford, American Legion Post 26 of Biddeford and was on the Board of Directors of the Patriot Riders of American, Maine Chapter One, honoring our fallen heroes.  He was also a member of the Bay State Elevator Company and the International Union of Elevator constructors. In recent years, Bob was learning the art of Stained Glass.

In his idle hours, Bob was an avid fan of car shows as well as a huge collector and connoisseur of all things Star Trek; whether it be movie marathons or memorabilia. Bob enjoyed antique items from our generations left behind, no matter how big or small, he loved the history.  In recent years, Bob was learning the art of Stained Glass.

Bob had a special relationship with his only son, Samuel. They were the closest any father and son could ever be.  He was an easy going man known for his dry sense of humor; laughing at his own jokes and having is own “mood” noises.  He would give anyone the shirt of his back if they needed it.  Bob was a jack of all trades from plumbing to electrical and shared his knowledge with anyone who was interested.  Bob will be forever remembered as a well loved and respected man to anyone whoever knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Diana M. (Girard) Baker and son, Samuel J. Baker both of North Berwick; his lifelong friend Kevin Morrissey as well as all the friends he made throughout his involvement with various organizations.

A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, February 23rd, from 1pm to 3pm at the Johnson Funeral Home, 26 Market Street, North Berwick, ME.  Burial with military honors will be on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery, Springvale, ME.  In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may contribute to Vietnam Agent Orange Relief & Responsibility Campaign
P.O.Box 303 - Prince Station , New York, NY 10012-0006, Make check payable to: Veterans For Peace/VAORRC

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert S. Baker, please visit our floral store.