Obituary of Harold Reginald Baker

Reg was born on June 4, 1935, to the late Harold R. and Doris (Vincent) Baker in Janesville, Wisconsin. He graduated from Niles High School in 1954 and continued his studies at Michigan State University.

On November 3, 1956, Reg married Germaine "Gerry" O’Brien at a service in Niles. The union brought Reg and Gerry four children: Patrick, Pamela, Timothy, Terrence.

In the 1970’s, many boys in the small town of Niles knew Reg as their “Coach”. His summers were spent with the boys in FOP, Babe Ruth and American Legion League.  The boys and their families became Reg’s lifelong friends.  He was a Die Hard Chicago Cubs and Michigan State Spartans football fan.

Reg enjoyed being outdoors and the beauty of nature, whether playing a round of golf, mushroom hunting, car day tripping just to ‘see what’s there’, or fishing, especially at his beloved cottage “up north” in Bitly, Michigan. Known as the ‘Green Thumb’, he tended his beautiful garden, often wearing the iconic green Spartans shirt and shorts uniform. “Go Green!”  Reg was proud of his Irish heritage including the food, beverage and music. He loved classic movies and classic cars, including his prized ’57 Chevy Belaire.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Germaine “Gerry” Baker; brother, Gary Gene Baker; and his eldest son, Patrick Baker.

Reg is remembered fondly by his children, Tim (Rhonda) Baker of Niles, Terry (Marty) Baker of Elkhart, Indiana, Dr. Pamela Baker  (Tom Marr) of Estero Florida; his ‘Soul Mate’ Linda Lenox of Niles; grandchildren Kathleen, Kristen; Michael, and Andrew; two great- grandsons, Gage and Lamani; sisters in -law Bonnie and Marg, several nieces and nephews and countless friends, including Linda’s family Stephanie, Josh and Seth, and the special granddaughter Annabella. 

Funeral services for Reg Baker will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with visitation beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Reg’s memory to the Brian Parker Foundation 2469 Lone Elm Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.

Photos, condolences, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.