Virgil Earl Baker

California native, Virgil Earl Baker, passed away peacefully at home on September 9, 2010. He was 86. The youngest of seven children he was born May 8, 1924 in Pepperwood, California, to William Everett Baker and Eva Luella Trine Baker. Virgil loved to tell the story of how his mother crossed the country with a wagon train but preferred to walk because the wagon rides were so rough. He spent his early childhood in rural Oregon roaming the woods and learning depression era skills. A strong work ethic, self-discipline and a stubborn streak allowed him to remain independent his entire life. He served in the Army from 1943 to 1946 stationed in the Western Pacific. Virgil met the love of his life, Betty Mae Murphy in 1949 thru mutual friends. They were married on December 2, 1950 in Reno, NV. They were together for 34 years, until her death in December 1984. In 1957 Virgil, Betty and oldest son Steven who was five at that time moved onto the acre of land given to them by Betty's parents. "Baker Acre" has been a place to go home to for over 50 years and has seen three generations of kids playing, running and laughing in its fields and creek. Virgil began work for Pacific Bell as a lineman in 1950 and retired 31 years later. A master craftsman his gifts of unique woodworks and homemade knives are treasured by his family. Blue jeans and plaid shirts covered every occasion. Country western music and old westerns. A glass of red wine and a handful of peanuts. Knives never went in the sink. The compost bucket on the stove, recycle bags by the fridge, camping at Lake Trinity, home grown veggies, bon fires and working on cars with his granddaughters. When he whistled you knew he was content. He enjoyed the goldfinches that flew in every morning, and favored the one he called "Lonesome Dove" because he had no mate. He lived to be outdoors and this love showed in his gardens, fruit trees and landscaping. He once said he could "live his forever on a 40 acre farm." No matter what their age, Virgil drew people to him like moths to a flame. His gentle manner and well rounded knowledge were the perfect formula and you just wanted to be around him. Virgil lived his life to please God. A patient man of strong faith whose steadfastness and sacrifice for what he believed in have been an inspiration to his children. He cherished the friendships and common bond he shared with his study group. He played a cutthroat game of hearts and was always the first to initiate the Baker wrestling matches with his grandchildren and great-grand children. Virgil loved to play the harmonica and had recently begun to teach one of his great grandsons how to play as well. Another great-grandson was fascinated with tools. Virgil would spend many hours answering questions about what each tool was and how it worked. He was a very loving and patient man. Virgil was thrilled to have his youngest great grandson named after him and his grandpa Eli Baker. Virgil was preceded by his wife Betty, his bride of 34 years. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Steven and Joan Baker of Santa Rosa, Gary and Vicki Baker of Wasilla, AK, Randy and Kim Baker of Santan Valley, AZ and Denise Baker of Susanville, CA; grandchildren: Angelle Holmes, Brandy Baker, Felicity Baker, Ian Baker of Santa Rosa, Amber Kinard of Petaluma, April Bennett of Kuna, ID, Lindsey Baker and Michael Baker of Wasilla, AK, Kashaela Mullinax, Chelcea Baker, Chase Baker and Kaden Baker of Santan Valley, AZ; sister Nina Pilcher of Utah nine great grandchildren and many others who considered him mentor, loved one and friend. A graveside service is planned for 10:00 a.m., Saturday September 18th at Shiloh Cemetery, Windsor. A Celebration of Life will be held at "Baker Acre", the home he lived in for over 50 years, on Sunday September 19th, between 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please bring a favorite dish to share at the potluck. In lieu of flowers donations to a favorite charity is preferred.