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Reuben Baker Obituary
Captain Baker was born in Milton on March 2, 1927, to Reuben R. Baker Sr. and his wife, the former Irene Wallen. Grandson of Captain Lorenzo Dow Baker, he spent the first 15 years of his life at Belvedere, the family plantation near Morant Bay on the island of Jamaica. In the middle of World War II, his family made its way from Jamaica back to the United States in a British-escorted convoy of fruit ships that originated in South America and landed in St. Petersburg, Fla.
At 17, he began attending the Maritime Institute in Baltimore, Md., and joined the Merchant Marines. He worked and studied his way from mess boy to captain. He served on supply ships during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. He worked in every ocean and sea in the world, including carrying sugar around the Pacific rim, moving container ships around the Atlantic, laying cable off the coast of Mexico, and tending oil rigs off Alaska and in the North Sea. One highlight of his career was his work around the world on the Lulu, Knorr and Atlantis II research vessels for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute from 1972 to 1989. He was Master of Atlantis II, the mother ship for worldwide deep-sea explorations using the submersible, Alvin, during Bob Ballard's discovery and first explorations of the Titanic in 1986.
Throughout his life, Captain Baker was an avid model-railroad builder. He was an active member of several model railroad associations, including the Nauset, Cape Cod and San Diego clubs. He was a popular speaker at schools, libraries, historical and nautical organizations, and, of course, dinner parties.
Captain Baker is survived by his sons, Reuben L. R. Baker and Sean D. Baker; six grandchildren, Caitlyn, Benjamin, Zachary, Jeremiah, Alyssa and Joseph; a sister, Irene Helmes; and four nieces and five nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Thomas H. Baker Sr. and Fredrick H. Baker Sr.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on July 27 at the United Methodist Church in Wellfleet. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Taylor's Point, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02635-3400, in memory of Captain Reuben R. Baker Jr. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Nickerson Funeral Home
508-255-0259
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5 Entries
Cord Christian Troebst
July 23, 2008
July 23rd
Reuben, dear old friend - now you are gone, but you will not be forgotten. We often talk about the fun and the good times we had in Wellfleet and at Belvernon back in the 1960s. Bon Voyage!! Chris and Ingrid Troebst, Hamburg, Germany (ansd South Wellfleet, 1960-1967)
Arlene McKenzie
July 21, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Ed Maker
July 20, 2008
Growing up a few years after Reuben I enjoyed talking to him about his varied exploits... He was an exceptional individual !
God Bless! ... Ed Maker
Felicia Steele
July 20, 2008
Reuben....rest in peace...my friend. I will miss you!!
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The Staff of Nickerson Funeral Home
July 20, 2008
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.
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