Fishers Island, N.Y. — Richard Baker passed away peacefully on Oct. 21, 2017, with his three children and family members at his side. He was known as Dick Baker to all of his friends and family. Dick lived his entire life on Fishers Island and loved every aspect of island life. He attended his church, the Union Chapel, just the previous Sunday before his passing.
Dick was born and raised on Fishers Island by his parents, Harold and Gladys Baker. His wife, Pat Baker, passed away 10 years ago. He is survived by his daughter Penny Columbus; sons, Rick and Jim Baker; son-in-law, Tim Columbus; daughters-in-law, Susan and Diane Baker; and eight grandchildren, Alex Columbus (Charton) and Ben Columbus. Molly Baker (Houser), Tripp Baker, Lilly Baker, Teddy Baker (the four children of Richard Baker), as well as Carolyn Baker (Selwood) and Kristina Baker (children of James Baker). He also had two great-grandchildren, Jack Charton and Madelaine Baker.
Dick was a past president of the Fishers Island Utility Company, as well as past general manager of Fishers Island Development Company, and also was deeply involved as a leader in the Fishers Island community that he and Pat loved so much. He was a long standing member of the Fishers Island Fire Department with over 50 years of service, as well as treasurer of the Union Chapel during the same time period. He was involved in many charities, a member of the local school board, and an integral member of the HL Ferguson Museum. Dick received his BA in engineering from the University of Rhode Island. From there he served in the U.S. Army and was in active duty in Europe during WWII.
His hobbies included fishing, particularly from his boat the Egret, hunting waterfowl, bird watching and collecting antique decoys. He was actively involved in raising money for Ducks Unlimited which supports the protection of waterfowl and their habitats.
The service for Dick will be held at 1 p.m. on November 4, 2017 at Fishers Island Union Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Fishers Island Fire Department, PO Box 123, or the Island Health Project, PO Box 344 (or www.islandhealthproject.com), both at Fishers Island, NY 06390
Dad loved Fishers Island and, if islands could reciprocate, Fishers Island loved him. His life and legacy will be part of Fishers Island forever.
~ The Baker Family
