Harold ‘Reg’ Baker, of Niles

Published 9:04 am Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Harold Reginald (“Reg” or “Reggie”), Baker, 84, of Niles, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Father’s Day, surrounded by his loved ones following a lengthy illness on June 16, 2019,

Reg was born on June 4, 1935, to the late Harold R. and Doris (Vincent) Baker in Janesville, Wisconsin. He graduated from Niles High School in 1954 and continued his studies at Michigan State University.

On Nov. 3, 1956, Reg married Germaine “Gerry” O’Brien at a service in Niles. The union brought Reg and Gerry four children: Patrick, Pamela, Timothy, Terrence.

In the 1970’s, many boys in the small town of Niles knew Reg as their “Coach.” His summers were spent with the boys in FOP, Babe Ruth and American Legion League. The boys and their families became Reg’s lifelong friends. He was a Die-Hard Chicago Cubs and Michigan State Spartans football fan.

Reg enjoyed being outdoors and the beauty of nature, whether playing a round of golf, mushroom hunting, car day tripping just to ‘see what’s there,’ or fishing, especially at his beloved cottage “up north” in Bitly, Michigan. Known as the ‘Green Thumb’, he tended his beautiful garden, often wearing the iconic green Spartans shirt and shorts uniform. “Go Green!” Reg was proud of his Irish heritage including the food, beverage and music. He loved classic movies and classic cars, including his prized ’57 Chevy Belaire.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Germaine “Gerry” Baker; brother, Gary Gene Baker; and his eldest son, Patrick Baker.

Reg is remembered fondly by his children, Tim (Rhonda) Baker, of Niles, Terry (Marty) Baker, of Elkhart, Indiana, Dr. Pamela Baker (Tom Marr), of Estero Florida; his “Soul Mate” Linda Lenox, of Niles, grandchildren, Kathleen, Kristen; Michael, and Andrew; two great-grandsons, Gage and Lamani; sisters in-law, Bonnie and Marg, several nieces and nephews and countless friends, including Linda’s family, Stephanie, Josh and Seth, and the special granddaughter, Annabella.

Funeral services for Reg Baker will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles, with visitation beginning at 4 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Reg’s memory to the Brian Parker Foundation 2469 Lone Elm Street, Niles, MI, 49120.

Photos, condolences, and memories may be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Niles.