Karl Baker
October 8, 1929 – January 16, 2022
Arroyo Grande, California – After a lifetime of love, fun, adventure, friendship and success, Charles M. Baker passed away on January 16, 2022 at the age of 92 in Arroyo Grande, California. In his final days, he was comforted by his wife Kathy Baker, son Cameron, daughters Tish, Kim (Miles), Cathi and granddaughter Kaitlyn.
Chuck was born in Santa Monica, California to parents Josephine and Marion Baker. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley and graduated from Van Nuys High School. Chuck leaves his beloved wife, whom he loved for 43 years, to cherish his memories; Kathy Baker and daughters; Tish Pryor and her son Dillon Pryor (Avila Beach) and Kim Noble (Miles) and their children; Skylar Noble and Paige Lynch (Kyle) (Lincoln, CA). Chuck is also survived by his four children; Cathi Bales (Tom) and her children Logan Van Diepen, Kaitlyn Agajanian (Alex), Mason Bales and Julian Bales (Reno); Cameron Baker (Jocelyn) and her children Stella and Drake (Truckee); Caren Baker and children Joanne and Bethanie (Virginia); and Clinton Baker (Lulu) (Reno); Chuck is also survived by his sister Julie McKenna (Dave) (Nipomo) and their children Ron McKenna (Heather) (Nipomo); Wendy McKenna (Keith); Dave McKenna, Jr.; Chuck McKenna (Lori). Chuck was very close to his brother Bill Baker, who died racing at Laguna Seca aged just 47. Chuck also survived his sister Jo Thompson (Roland) (Camarillo).
After graduating from art school, he began working for Lockheed Martin as a sketch artist, drawing secret military equipment and defense prototypes. He later became a land developer. He built, owned and managed the Cal Poly college dorm in San Luis Obispo, Tropicana and Valencia. There was a cafeteria at the Tropicana where he and his brother Bill cooked breakfast for the students. He also managed to locate and use a double-decker bus used for student transportation to and from Cal Poly. Other project successes included the Falcon Ridge and Centurion Estates, Temettate Ridge and Highland Hills. Higuera Commerce Park and Berry Gardens as well as numerous others. He also owned the Rural Water Company and Cypress Ridge Sewer in Arroyo Grande.
When Chuck wasn’t working, he was loving the great outdoors! He was an avid backpacker and fisherman. His frequent and favorite destination was the Sierras. Some of his fishing trips have been to Canada, Mexico and Alaska annually. Other activities he enjoyed were snorkeling or diving for lobster and abalone. In his playing years he was an avid pilot and loved to fly his plane.
One of his true passions was art. He was truly a gifted artist and rich in beautiful oil and watercolor paintings. Many were displayed at Sycamore Mineral Springs. In his later years he drew thousands of portraits of people and domestic animals. When in town, he often offered to draw people or their pets.
His wife, Kathy Baker, always felt that he was “the wind beneath their wings.” Chuck was loved, admired and respected by so many. He was a brilliant man in many ways, he was extremely kind, generous, creative and funny. Chuck was almost always the smartest person in the room, but also the most unpretentious at the same time. He was very accepting of others and liked almost everyone. He was generous with his time, vast knowledge, and resources to his family and friends. He has helped so many find homes, start or build businesses, or simply lend a helping hand in a time of need.
Those who ended up caring and helping were Graceful Living, Dignity Home Health, and Central Coast Home Health and Hospice. Please give all donations in his memory to the hospice.
Please attend the celebration of life at the Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel on February 26, 2022 at 10:00 am. Address: 1239 Longbranch Ave. Grover Beach, CA 93433
Published by & from 23 to 29 January 2022.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315ATo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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