Press-Republican

Friday

December 3, 2010

Gary L. Baker

Press-Republican

BEEKMANTOWN — Gary L. Baker, 69, of the Duquette Road, passed away Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010, at his home under the care of Hospice of the North Country and surrounded by his family.

Gary was born on June 21, 1941, to Thelma Cumm and George Mashtaire. He grew up on the family farm in West Chazy sharing many adventures and misadventures with his brother, Gerald.

At the age of 17, Gary joined the U.S. Army. While stationed in Germany, he began a pen pal correspondence with Patricia Carley. He asked her to marry him before they even met in person. They married in Denver, Colo., on July 1, 1966. They had 44 years together filled with love and laughter.

Two months after their marriage, Gary left for Vietnam where he served for one year as a medic. Upon his return, Gary and Patricia were stationed throughout the United States. While in Colorado, Gary received his license to practice as a licensed practical nurse. They returned to Beekmantown in 1973 to help care for his mother and grandmother.

In 1983, Gary left his position as a technician in the CVPH operating room to begin his career at the Kidney Dialysis Unit, where he worked as a technician and later as an LPN. He was loved by the patients and staff for his warmth of spirit and good humor.

Gary retired from the military in 2001 after 26 years of active and reserve service at the rank of sergeant, first class. He left the hospital in 2003 and spent his time in retirement traveling with his family and gardening.

Gary is survived by his wife, Patricia; their daughter, Aimée Baker and her husband, Jaramy Conners; his brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Patricia Baker; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Keith and Kathy Spriggs; and many adoring nieces and nephews.

Calling hours to celebrate Gary's life will be held on Sunday, Dec. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph's Cemetery in West Chazy.

Gary believed strongly in the power of education. A scholarship fund, Facing North, 7731 Route 22, West Chazy, NY 12992, has been created in his honor to help low income students in the Beekmantown Central School District.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that Gary be honored by making donations to this fund.

Online condolences may be made at www.rwwalkerfh.com.

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