Dr. Charles William Baker

Dr. Charles William Baker 1937 - 2011 Dr. Charles William Baker, passed away peacefully April 23, 2011, at St. Luke's Hospital, Boise, ID, surrounded by his family. Dr. Baker, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, professor, neighbor, and friend, touched many lives with his kind and gentle spirit, generosity, love of nature, and passion for teaching. Charles was born February 3, 1937, in Lovelock, NV. After graduating from Pershing County High School, he attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where he received his Bachelors and Masters of Science degrees in Biology. He received his Doctorate in Entomology from Oregon State University in 1966 then taught biology at California State Polytechnic College (Cal Poly) in San Louis Obispo, CA. It was at Cal Poly that Charles met Elizabeth Florang, his best friend and wife of over 42 years. They married June 22,1968, at the Mission in San Louis Obispo, and settled in Boise, ID. Charles became a professor at Boise State University, and enjoyed a teaching career that spanned 32 wonderful years. Dr. Baker was a distinguished professor who shared his passion about biology and life with students and colleagues. He always challenged his students to excel in their coursework and to expand their understanding of the natural world. He helped shape many lives and careers with words of advice, encouragement, and compassion. He took an immense amount of pride in the success of his students. The love he had for teaching and entomology extended into retirement. He identified insects at the Idaho Botanical Garden's annual Bug Day and made presentations to civic groups about insects and parasites entitled "Baker's Dirty Dozen". The local media and community often tapped him to identify insects. He enjoyed active membership and fellowship in the Idaho Entomology Group. Charles, an avid outdoorsman and master gardener, was often found fishing on the banks of local reservoirs or working in his yard. He loved feeding and watching the quail, ducks, hummingbirds, and other animals that visited his home. An accomplished fisherman, he often "out-fished" his friends. However, he was the first to share his catch or teach others his skills. Charles' giving spirit led him to help and care for others. He was a Meals on Wheels driver and volunteered at the Corpus Christi House. He often shared the bounty of his garden and his delicious cinnamon rolls with others. He made friends easily with his outgoing, talkative nature and never missed a chance to play pool with friends, socialize at emeritus functions, or chat with neighbors. Charles enjoyed traveling with his wife Liz and took trips to Costa Rica, Peru, Australia, and New Zealand. A loving family man, he adored visiting his children and grandchildren and reveled in their accomplishments. Charles was an active member of the Catholic Church. His faith gave him great solace during his sudden illness and in his passing. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Frances Baker; brother-in-law, Noel Parkhurst; and nephew, Bruce Parkhurst. Charles is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; daughter, Tamsen Profit and her husband Bryan Profit; daughter, Meggan Hamm and her husband Ralph Hamm III; grandsons, Kaden Profit, Liam Profit, Ralph (River) Hamm IV, and Charles Hamm; sister, Ann Parkhurst; and nieces and nephew, Susan Wehrkamp, Teresa Parkhurst, and Jamie Parkhurst, and their families. A mass to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 30, 2011, at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 1500 E. Wright St., Boise, ID. A reception will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Charles and Elizabeth Baker Biology Scholarship, Boise State University, 2225 University Dr., Boise, ID, 83706.