Delbert “Bob” Baker, 78, of Holbrook passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, in Phoenix, where his legacy will live on forever in his family and friends. Bob was born May 19, 1939, in Dunseith, N.D., to Alfred and Elizabeth (Gillies) Baker. He was one of 12 siblings. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1957. While in the Air Force, he met and married Linda Guttery. Bob had a variety of jobs, which he loved. The majority of his work career was as a pipe fitter, retiring as a construction sewage treatment superintendent, where his friends described him as a charismatic hard worker, “who got the job done.” In 1958 they welcomed their first child, Mark Kristopher, followed by ElizaBeth Lorraine and Lisa Ann. He loved the outdoors and spent time with his family hiking and fishing, where he fished all “waters,” enjoying stream, lake, ice and the ocean. His all-time favorite fishing place is the Lewis River in Yacolt, Wash. He taught his kids at a young age, “If you are not going to eat it, don’t kill it. Preserve and respect nature.” As he began his retirement, he relocated back to Arizona where he could enjoy his favorite pastimes, gardening, and teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the art of the earth. It was nothing to find him and the grandkids cruising in his 4×4. They all adored him. The adult grandchildren nicknamed Grandpa as the Go-to-Guy. He could build and fix anything. Survivors include his daughters, ElizaBeth (Steve) Miller and Lisa (Craig) Freyou, both of Holbrook, and Wendy (Jamie) Hull of Washington, along with 11 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, including Jason (Yvonne), Alyssa and Spencer Evans, Dawn (Bodhi) Meena and Trevyn Marsh, Sharon (Jake), Blake, Jordan and Grayson Oehlerking, Jessica (Jason) James, Jason and Jesse Ramirez, Steven (Felicia) Miller, Katie (Uilliame) Rhyen, Jude and Fynn Bell, Aaron (Angela), Elizabeth, Baylee, Jessica, Arthur and Kason Baldonado, Isabell Sanchez, Linda, Arianna and Alexandra Guerrero, Robert (Sheila), Shayna and Isaac Chavez, Ayden and Chloe Freyou, Vanessa, Devonte Greer and Addysan Freyou, Alexis (Jeff) and Haley Ames; his brother, Glenn (Julie) Baker; two sisters, Beatrice DeCoteau and Tina (Michael) Payne; and lifelong friend, James (Kathleen) Gardom. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Grossmiller Baker; his son, Mark Kristopher Baker; his granddaughter, Linda Marie Guerrero; and eight siblings, Mary Younger, Dorothy Workman, Blanch DeCoteau, Bud Baker, Marvin Baker, Paul Baker, Deloris Laframboise and Daniel Baker. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Holbrook was in charge of the arrangements.
