Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
BAKER, Bryan H. Jr. - Of Flint, age 84, died Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at Genesys Regional Medical Center.
The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 11am at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 706 Beach Street, Flint.
Mr. Baker will lie in state in church Saturday after 10am.
Father Frederick H. Taggart O.S.A. will preside and interment will follow in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Visiting hours are Friday 2-4pm and 6-8pm with a Rosary Friday evening at 7pm at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint.
Contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or St. Matthew Catholic Church.
Bryan, Jr. was born in Flint on December 20, 1930, the son of the late Bryan H. and Grace F. (Callahan) Baker. He was a resident of Flint all of his life. Bryan graduated from Flint Central High School, Class of 1949, and the University of Michigan School of Pharmacy in 1953. Bryan proudly served in the United States Army from 1951-54. On September 19, 1953, he married Joanne L. Weir, the love of his life. In 1953, he joined the family business, Baker Drugs, his grandfather started in 1882. When the business closed in 1991, he went to work at Rite Aid, retiring at the age of 82. Bryan was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church. He enjoyed watching Detroit sports teams and U of M games. Bryan was a devoted family man. Family came first to him and work was second.
Surviving are children, Bryan H. (Kimberly) Baker III, Frank D. (Sue) Baker, Martha J. Baker, Susan L. (Lawrence) Smiley, Elizabeth A. (Geoff) Porte, Debra L. Baker and Judith M. (Paul) Houle;
grandchildren, Bonnie J. Baker, Kaylee N. Baker, Ryan A. Baker, Brooke A. Baker, Joanne L. Metzel, Suzanne D. Metzel, Jennings D. Harper, Lennon C. Smiley, Shelby J. Smiley and Dylan W. Raysin;
great-grandchild, Samuel C. Kircher;
sisters, Martha F. Hopkins and Mary Ellen Fisher;
also several nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Joanne and son John C. Baker.
On this the anniversary of Bryan's Jr. passing, I remember working with Jr. and Sr. at Baker Drugs 1957-1962 during my high school days and at MSU. This was my first meaningful job and I learned a lot from both gentlemen. Many of life's lessons were learned here and will always remember those times. Best to all those of us who remember them at this time.
James Kessey
October 27, 2018 | Los Angeles, CA | Friend
I am saddened to hear of Mr. Baker's death. In 1968, he gave me my first job, an experience that I still treasure. He was incredibly kind to me, and he taught me a lot - work stuff, for sure, but mostly about honesty, decency, loyalty, and integrity. I am forever grateful to have had him in my life.
Sandor (Sandy) Shoichet
March 06, 2016 | Bloomfield Hills, MI
Bryan, I'm so sorry about the loss of your dad. I remember him well from the store when my grandfather, Bruce Chatters, worked there, many years ago.
Treva Parker Kayler
October 28, 2015 | Lenore, ID
You're in my thoughts and prayers as you mourn the sudden loss of your Dad. May his memory be a blessing.
Elly McCue
October 26, 2015
Martha and family,
words can not express the saddness I feel for your loss.Your dad was a quiet caring man always with a smile and a kind word.My prayers are with you.
Jerry Killian
October 26, 2015 | Louisa, KY
Our condolences to the family.our mother really enjoyed working with him and the family.sorry for your loss.
Cindy Armstrong
October 25, 2015 | Swartz Creek
KBrian worked for me for several years at the East Side Pharmacy. He was an excellent pharmacist and a pleasure to work with.
Calvin Lazar
Calvin Lazar
October 23, 2015 | Burton, Michigan
Dad it was my honor to spend the last 2 1/2 years with you! Now who's going to make me laugh everyday?? You were my bestest buddy in the whole world!!! I will always miss you and forever cherish your words of wisdom!!! I love you so much Dad!!! Tell Mom and John I said hi!
Debra Baker
October 22, 2015 | Flint, MI
I remember the bakers iwent intheir store down towmn every day for2 years they was nice to me my condelencres to thefamily
rene deroche
October 22, 2015 | Grandblanc, MI
