William L. Baker

He was always very kind and helpful to all he met. Bill was just a wonderfull fellow. The world is better because he was in it.

Thanks to the Baker Family for hosting the Memorial to Bill. In this way, we had the experience of sharing our memories of Bill and collectively realizing what a unique person he was.
Personally, I loved the "Roots" pictures as I can identify in that respect. For Bill to have come from that enviroment and accomplish what he did speaks to "America". No wonder, he approached his job with such fervor. He had been there in some sense. It is my wish that those who benifited from his work...

Bill was the Associate VP, UW Office of Minority Affairs, when I joined the unit in 1991. It didn't take long for me to realize that I was working with a real-life hero. Bill didn't just talk the talk, he most certainly walked the walk. Not that the talking and writing part lacked substance...far from it. Bill was forthright and eloquent; every letter he wrote for the students we served achieved its purpose: scholarships, internships, successful appeals for additional financial aid for...

I am so sad that I will never see Bill again. He was such a great friend to the Kelly family, and especially to my late husband, Dr. Sam. Bill could always be counted on for his unwavering support and crucial insights to the problems at hand during the tumultuous years of building the UW's EOP/OMA. More than that, Bill was one of the finest and brightest people I've ever known, and certainly the best writer.
Bill's firm and gentle presence will never be forgotten by the Kelly family.

What a tremendous loss to our world. Bill was one of the most caring spirits around and certainly one of the good guys. He was always there to help, support and nurture. He never turned his back on students, he went the extra mile every time he could. He was dedicated and one of the champions of diversity. He will be missed.

Bill was a wonderful mentor and friend. He helped to sneak me in to the UW when I didn't exactly meet all the requirements for admission. Since that experience ultimately led to a fulfilling life in teaching and ultimately a college presidency, I have a lot to thank him for. Over the years of our friendship I was so impressed by his deep commitment to social justice and his quiet advocacy for people who needed a hand up. His love of history, particularly the history of the Nez Perce tribe,...

Bill was a wonderful man, and a good friend. More than 40 years ago, we hiked the Cascades together, and worked some together too. The memory is fresh to me as his gentle smile, which was present in his voice to the end.

Bill was a kind and gentle man. He was a wonderful mentor and guide. He had an easy smile and a twinkle in his eyes; his words and deeds were always supportive. I will miss our lunches and his wise counsel.

Bill was my boss for 26 years and we developed a close professional relationship which grew into a deep personal friendship. Bill really cared about the students he helped; it's hard to put into words the respect and admiration that I felt for him.

Bill was a good person and, most of all, he was a true friend. He was always there to listen, to help, and offer advice. He was deeply committed to the idea of equality of opportunity for all and many students were successful because of...