Birth date: Aug 30, 1942 Death date: Dec 10, 2010
Raymond Baker left this world for another, unexpectedly, December 10, 2010 at his winter home in Mooresville, North Carolina. He was born on August 30, 1942 in Muskegon, Michigan. Ray was a graduate of Reeths-Puffer High School an Read Obituary
I am so sorry for your loss, Linda. I was unaware of what you've been going through and you have my prayers going out to you.##imported-begin##LeAnne Sowa##imported-end##
Dear Linda; I was so sorry to read of Ray's passing. I had been thinking of you often in the last few weeks, wondering how you and he were doing. I am so sorry for your pain. I remember both of you with fondness. You will be in my prayers for strength and guidance in the days and weeks to come.##imported-begin##Cyndi Casemier Johnson##imported-end##
Jeff, Joel, and Jennifer,
I am so sorry I was unable to attend visitation or the service for your father. Please know I am thinking of each of you and your families! Keeping you all in my prayers during this difficult time.
May peace be yours, Staci Nieboer(Jensen)##imported-begin##Staci Nieboer##imported-end##
Ray always had an energetic, cheerful voice and a firm handshake. He was enthusiastic about many things that he would take on. He loved to work on engines whether they were oval track, drag or marine, and he especially liked antique car engines. He also gave many people a start in the oval track engine building/parts profession, me included.
He was a Christian, and was involved in church when he lived in Spring Lake, but he could sit down and enjoy a beer and a burger, too.
He was the ultimate perfectionist and wanted engines not only to run well, but to look great and be well detailed. One story he told me was when he built the Buick V-6 for the Indy Pace Car for the Indy 500 race, he wanted to make sure everything went well, so he had built a spare short block which he brought to the race in the trunk of his car.
Another time I remember Ray going to Speed Weeks to help Jeff Purvis. Jeff ran really well in a heat race, but Ray thought he could get more out of the engine, so he leaned out the jetting. Jeff won the feature while melting some pistons as he crossed the finish line. Ray had brought spare parts and pistons with him so he rebuilt the engine while there in the trailer! He was excited to win that race, and no doubt has thousands of wins to his credit. I would be willing to bet that many professional engine builders in the 70's and 80's had their eyes opened when they would disassemble a Baker Engine.
Its sad to see him pass away at such a young age (68). I know he will be missed by his family, many friends, and acquaintances.
Mark##imported-begin##Mark Timmer##imported-end##
Ray was a true inspiration to me through out my entire career as a machinist.I enjoyed working with him on different projects.This is a very difficult time for everyone,we wonder why our lord tests us all in this way.My deepest sympathy to you all,I will miss him very much.##imported-begin##Dave Peterson##imported-end##
Dear Linda and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. I have so many memories of him during my time as your friend and employee. He was always such a kind man to all. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our love to your family. Chuck & Nita##imported-begin##Chuck & Nita Dressel##imported-end##
You will be missed. Linda you and your family will be in my prayers.##imported-begin##Kendra Postma##imported-end##
Dear Joel, Kate, Jennifer and family,
Words cannot express our deepest regret for the loss of your dad. May wonderful memories fill your thoughts and lift your hearts. Our prayers of love and support are with you.
Jeff and Julie##imported-begin##Jeff and Julie Sanford##imported-end##
Linda and Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these days and the days to come. We love all of you.##imported-begin##Fred and Coral Wenell ##imported-end##
I have so many stories, as we all do, but all I would like to say to Linda and the family is that I knew Ray for many years and he was always to me just very simply a good man.
R.I.P. Ray - you were taken from us way to early and we have added your family and friends to our prayers, asking God to keep a hand on their shoulder to help guide them through this very tough time as they try to go forward without you. You touched many lives and made many friends along the way and your reputation was the result of a lot of hard work and a great mind. I read the below and thought I would share it.
"A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands to rest;
God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best !"##imported-begin##George & Mickey Keen##imported-end##
