Richard A. Baker

Richard A. Baker, (Dick) age 73, of Bainbridge Township. Beloved husband to Mary Lou (nee Matilo) of 51 years; loving father of Richard E. (Christina), Jennifer Kilbury (Rodney), Jonathan (Abbey); devoted grandfather of Jake, Kate, Jack, Jeff, Maddie, Maggie, Ben, and Annie; brother to Harland and Ronald, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 11, 2017 following a brief illness. A lifelong resident of the Cleveland area, Dick graduated from Brush High School in 1961 and Ohio University in 1965.  After marrying his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou, Dick proudly served his country as a Lieutenant in the US Navy as crash and salvage officer aboard the USS Intrepid during the Vietnam War. For the past 47 years they have lived in Bainbridge Township where they raised their family. Dick was part-owner of Baker Vehicle Systems in Macedonia and spent his 52 year career growing and leading the company’s industrial equipment business started by his father in 1940. As an active individual, Dick ran several marathons, including multiple Cleveland Revco Marathons, the Boston Marathon and the Skyline International Marathon; more recently Dick would be seen walking in local parks around Cleveland including River Road Park and Frohring Meadows in Bainbridge. Everything Dick did was well thought out and planned. His woodworking skills paid tribute to his creativity, patience and articulation. As a hobby Dick had designed and constructed many beautiful pieces of furniture for his family over the years. Dick would often share his profound happiness with others through the “Happy” Birds he would carve from carefully selected tree branches. He received much pleasure in sharing them with others. The greatest gifts Dick has left for all he met were his determination, great sense of humor, positive attitude, thoughtfulness and love for his family. Visitation will be Friday, April 21, 2017 from 2-4 pm and from 6-8 pm at Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home, 95 South Franklin Street, Chagrin Falls with a Celebration of Life Service, Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 11 am at The Federated Church, 76 Bell Street, Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44110

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