Joseph Glenwood "Glen" Baker

Joseph Glenwood "Glen" Baker

Joseph Glenwood "Glen" Baker, 79, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Richmond on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010, surrounded by his devoted family. Glen's humor and kind hearted spirit touched everyone he met. He was an extraordinary man, who battled multiple cancers with grace and great dignity. He was magnanimous: noble of mind and heart, generous and forgiving, above revenge and resentment, unselfish and gracious. Glen was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond, class of 1949. He received a degree in business administration in 1953 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and served two years as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. Glen began his career working in the welding and fabrication shop at Baker Equipment Engineering Company and held almost every position ending as Chairman of the Board for many years before giving the company to his son. A true entrepreneur, Glen turned his love of boating into a business by forming Baker Marine. Glen later formed a new company, Baker Financial Rental and Leasing, and retired as president in 2008. Glen was an avid pilot and enjoyed flying for business and pleasure. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a model train enthusiast. When Glen was not in Richmond or traveling, you could find him and his "Little One" at the "The Honey Spot" on Gwynn's Island. He was a member of the West Richmond Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow, a member of the Commonwealth Club, served as commodore of the Virginia Yacht Club, was a member of the Mathews Yacht Club, a member of the Country Club of Virginia and served a term as president of the Utility Equipment Dealers Association. Glen was also a 32nd degree mason and was a member of St. Bridget Catholic Church in Richmond and Church of Francis De Sales in Mathews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Brimmer and Gwendolyn Hatcher Baker.

Glen is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Mary Ann Cowan Baker; children, Sherryll Anne Baker Pace (David) and Joseph G. "Skip" Baker (Mary Lee); stepdaughters, Catherine C. Angel (Jamie), of Lynchburg, and Mary Jo C. Tomlin (John), of Forest; and stepsons, James B. "Jay" Cowan (Ellen), Ryan C. Cowan and Mark P. Cowan. Glen is also survived by 18 grandchildren, William, Chandler, Austin and Elizabeth Pace, Glen Baker III (Rebekah), Anne Bibee (Winston) and Adam Baker, Carter, Riley and Spenser Angel, Morgan and Erin Tomlin, Matt, Sarah and Mason Cowan, Kelsey, Haley and Taryn Cowan.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Virginia, Mature Options and many friends and family for their loving care and support. His family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Sept. 9, 2010, and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, 2010, at Bliley's-Central Chapel, 3801 Augusta Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010, at St. Bridget Catholic Church, followed by interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148; Child Fund International, 2821 Emerywood Parkway, Richmond, VA 23294; or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22538, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.