Bruce Baker's Obituary
Bruce Baker, age 76, of Grand Haven passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2025. He was born June 28, 1949, in Grand Haven to John Douglas and Katharine (Hall) Baker. Bruce attended Spring Lake schools, graduated High School from Culver Military Academy in 1967, and graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1971. He married Christine Campbell on January 16, 1986.
Bruce was retired from his family business, Baker Lumber, that he and his brother Dick successfully ran together for over 40 years. A proud owner of a historical lumberyard in Grand Haven, he spent much of his life researching his family ancestry and guiding the business into its next generation of ownership. He was devoted to his family, and cherished their dinners together, game and movie nights, and family vacations Up North. Bruce was always busy pursuing his interests and hobbies in our community. He coached youth sports, played volleyball and softball into his 50s, and could always be found in the crowd at his loved ones' games, concerts, plays, or anything worth witnessing and celebrating. He and his wife, Christine, would spend evenings at the symphony, the theater, or playing trivia with friends. He was active with Central Park Players on and off stage, served on the City Parks Board and the Tri-Cities Kids League Board, and volunteered on the playground at Lake Hills Elementary every day so he could see his granddaughter. He was an avid reader, great storyteller, enjoyed music and festivals, and collected postcards, records, and stamps. His love of Mexican culture took him to Ajijic, Mexico for several winters during the month of February, where he also involved himself in local theatre and community life. He loved his family and will be greatly missed by them and by the community that was so important to him.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years Christine; twin children, Annie and Dan Baker; three grandchildren: Jameson, Lila, and Olivia; sisters, Rachel Calderon, and Virginia (Larry) McFadden; sisters-in-law, Cindy Baker and Linda Miller; brothers-in-law James and Michael Campbell; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Doug and Kathy; daughter, Sarah Wrinkles; brother, Dick Baker; brother-in-law Walter Foote; and sister-in-law Susan Hill.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 2-5 pm at Central Park Place in Grand Haven, Macatawa Room. Memorial contributions in memory of Bruce may be given to the Douglas and Katharine Baker Family Fund held at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, and/or to Central Park Players. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services.
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