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George R. Baker

FUNERAL HOME

Aycock Funeral Home

505 South Federal Highway

Stuart, Florida

George Baker Obituary

GEORGE R. (BOB) BAKER George R. (Bob) Baker, 87, died at his home in Palm City, Tuesday, May 31st. He was born in Olney, IL and recently moved to Palm City from Midland, MI where he has a winter home. He retired from Dow Chemical where he served as President of Dow Chemical Japan Ltd and Dow Lepetit Japan Ltd in Japan from 1971 to 1983. Before leaving Japan he was awarded the 2nd Class Order of Merit of the Sacred Treasure by H.I.M.,the Emperor of Japan and Japan Government. He also received the US/Japan Fulbright 50th Anniversary Award on May 26, 2002. He was President of The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan in 1979. In 1984 he formed his Advisory/Consulting Business, Baker International Assoc., Inc., in Palm City. He graduated from Lawrenceville IL, high school. Attended University of Wyoming and University of Michigan where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. He is a life member of the U of M M-Club and Alumni Association. While at Dow Chemical he participated in the company's independent basketball team and as a pitcher on the Dow AC softball team, which won two world's titles and was famous for his "pretzel pitch". He was an avid golfer and belonged to Piper's Landing C.C., Hawk's Nest Golf Club in Vero Beach, Midland C.C., American Seniors, International Seniors, Michigan Seniors, Senior Masters, US Golf Assoc and The World Seniors and an active sponsor of the Fulbright Charity Golf Tournament in Japan, which started in 1982. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy of 68 years, a brother Frank and a sister. He is survived by his companion Shirley Bellas, a nephew Harold Baker. A Memorial Service will be held July 7th under the direction of Aycock Funeral Home in Stuart . Visitation will be 6 – 7 PM followed by the service. A guest book is available at www.aycockfuneral home.net. There will be another service on July 14th at Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home in Midland Michigan. In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity. Paid Obituary

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Published by TC Palm on Jun. 9, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for George Baker

18 Entries

Naomi Pelc(Korehisa)

June 3, 2020

I miss you so much...

George Maruyama

July 12, 2011

I have known Bob for more than 40 years and have many fond memories of our time spent together.
As I was one year younger than Bob, he always referred to me as his “younger brother” and I respected him as if he truly was family. Some people even mentioned that we really did resemble each other as brothers.

Bob was, from the bottom of his heart, extremely fond of Japan and understood Japanese culture and business practices. With his love of Japan and its people he even went as far as inviting young Japanese golfers and students to America, all out of his own pocket. He was truly a very generous and kind-hearted man.

Bob was a regular guest at the hotel which I used to manage and would without fail visit me in my office in the morning. He would again visit me in the evening which more often than not would lead to a few drinks of his favorite drink; scotch. I would then take Bob out for sushi and I will never forget how he used to always place an order for “tako” (octopus).

I have lost a great friend who will always have a special place in my heart and soul.

Hideji Muramatsu

July 11, 2011

When received the mail telling the death of Mr.Baker,Inwas so shocked and lost words to say anithing.
Indeed, he had devoed his energy to promort for better relation between USA and Japan.
Pleasant memories shared together for business and playng golf vividly remain in my heart.
May his soul rest in peace with Mrs. Baker. H. Muramatsu

July 11, 2011

When received the mail telling the death of Mr.Baker, I was so shocked and lost word to say anything.
Indeed, he had devoted his energy to promote for the better re-lation between US and Japan.
Pleasant memories spent together with him on busuness and plsying golf remains vividly in my heart.
May his soul rest in peace with Mrs.Baker. H.Muramatsu

Tad Inaoka

July 10, 2011

July 10, 2011

Mr.Baker has left us with an abundance of unforgettable guiding remarks for life.

He is known by a spirit of solid perseverance,as symbolized by his favorite words:"This too shall pass."

He will be remembered as a man of innovative business ideas and commendable generosity for use by others:"Ideas belong to those who implement them."

Above all, we will remember him for his profound sympathy with Japanese people and culture:"In Japan, everybody is a winner."

Yasuhiko Watanabe

June 30, 2011

We have shared many memorable and great experiences with Baker-san over more than 40 years. He always told me to take care - stay healthy - keep all thoughts positive - and remain active, forever ! Yes, I'll do that

Emiko Inoue

June 26, 2011

Mr. Baker and my husband Mike who has passed on as well were very close friends. Thank you so much for all of the wonderful memories which are coming back to me during this time. Have you met up with Mike in Heaven yet? Please have a good time together for me, my prayers are with you both.

Hisanori Korehisa

June 26, 2011

I am shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Mr. Baker's passing. I will always treasure the friendship we had since Bob came to the Totsuka Country Club, and am grateful for all of the great times we shared together.

Yukie Ishizaka

June 23, 2011

We remeber Bob's charming pictures...You are our respected guest. Love always from Apartment Hotel Kitano Arms Tokyo

Naomi Pelc

June 22, 2011

When I was about go to the States Mr. Baker personally handpicked all of the families which I would be spending time with and who would look after me. My fondest memory is the time I won the U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Golf Tournament with Mr. Baker by my side as my caddie. This definitely is one of the most important events of my life. I am eternally grateful to him for all he has done for me over the years, he was and still remains in my heart as a fatherlike figure. My prayers are with you, and I look forward to seeing you again some day.

Dow Japan Alumni (Dow Japan Retirees Club)

June 20, 2011

We remember Mr. Bob Baker as a great leader for Dow in Japan. Mr. Baker arrived Japan as a general manager of Dow Chemical International Japan Branch, which was a small trading organization and not well known. Through his matchless business as well as a diplomatic talents, he built strong relationships with the industry and made great contributions to the society, which helped build for what we are now. He was instrumental for Dow Chemical to list Dow in Tokyo Stock Exchange as one of the first foreign companies, and to establish a legal entity of Dow Chemical Japan Limited, for which he became the first president. He also played critical roles in the investment decisions for Dow growth in Japan. Gotemba R&D Laboratory and the first manufacturing site at Kinu-Ura are only a few to mention. He also served as a president of American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. We like to send our sincere concordance to his family with the great memories of his remarkable leadership and contributions .

With our deepest sympathy,

David Satterwhite

June 15, 2011

We at the Japan-US Educational Commission (Fulbright Japan) are eternally grateful to the warmth, smile, great humor, and steadfast support Bob showed over the years, including a period on the Fulbright Commission (Board), 1981-83. We miss him dearly.
David H. Satterwhite, Ph.D., Executive Director, Fulbright Japan

Amy Carey Russll

June 14, 2011

have great memories of Bob and Dottie, whether it was in Midland, Charlevoix or Florida. I grew up with them living across the street and would spend many hours at their house. Bob had a special way with people. He always made you feel so important when you spoke with him, listening to every detail and hanging onto every word you said. My parents had wanted a boy when I was born and it was a standing joke that because I was a girl, I belonged to Bob & Dottie. May you both now rest in peace together.

Bill Marko

June 13, 2011

Bob was truly a very special person. He influenced me as a person. And as long as I live, his legacy will continue to evolve on this earth.

Sam Shepherd

June 13, 2011

I have known Bob since 1994 when he participated in the Japan Fulbright Charity Golf Tournament. He continued to attend the Tournament at the Totuska Country club through last year. I enjoyed every minute I spent with Bob. He was always so supportive; always full of compliments. What an extraordinary human being! I will miss him sorely. Sam Shepherd (ED, Fubright Japan '94 - '04)

Eric Crawford

June 13, 2011

Growing up in Sanford I knew Bob as a friend of many. And later in life I met him again as a fellow member of Piper's Landing for many years. There simply is no other great fellow like Bob Baker. I shall remember him until my time comes as well.

Bill Coleman

June 13, 2011

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Jim Carmody

June 13, 2011

Bob was a good friend for more than a decade and a highly creative entrepreneur to the very end of his life. Even during his own illness, he seemed most concerned about the business and personal needs of others. I will miss Bob a lot.

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