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Stephen Baker Obituary

Stephen Ralph Baker "The Conductor" 3/22/1954~12/20/2007 The son of Ralph Baker and Vera Rose Park Baker. Steve was a gifted musician. At age 6 he could listen to a tune on the radio, sit at a piano and play the entire song by memory. Stephen's life revolved around his music, family and his many talented and loyal friends. His musical instrument of choice was the violin. For many years, he played first violinist for Murray Symphony and other local orchestras.In 1989 Ralph and Stephen Baker formed the West Valley Symphony with Robert Lentz as conductor and Steve as associate conductor. In a few years, Steve took over the number one spot and that's where he is today. Survived by brother Paul (Mary Ann) Baker, brother-in-law Brent Thornberg, nephew and nieces Rick Baker, Macey Ann Baker Morris, Cindy Lee Adams and Lori Lyn Wood. Preceded in death by his parents and sister Suzanne-Suzie. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the West Valley Symphony at First Utah Bank, West Valley location. Steve was the leader of the band. It will go on thanks to the orchestra members. Please attend concerts. Stephen donated his life to this classical endeavor. The family wants to give special thanks to Larry Wadsworth, Sterling Poulsen, Donny Gilbert, Ryan Van Liere, Randy Maw and Virginia Duke for the care they gave Stephen at the time of his need. A memorial gathering will be held, Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at Redwood Memorial Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, from 6-8 p.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News from Dec. 23 to Dec. 25, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Baker

Not sure what to say?





Randy Abeyta

December 18, 2017

Great Friend. Steve was loved by all.

John Kunz

January 17, 2008

Steve how do i say this im sorry i was'nt there to say goodbye you were a dad to me you tought me so much. you were my friend my dad my teacher always the one i could go to no matter what. you brought me in when no one would we talked for hours and drove even more you tought me to drive. i remember laughing about brea when we asked her what the van was and she said it was a caboos. but you laughed and said its been called many things but that one is about the most correct. we shared tears together jokes,memories, and most of all the love of music. I remember going to movies and we would be the last ones in the theater waiting to hear the music during the credits you would start conducting as if you were really in front of that symphony and we would make bets on who wrote the score and what symphony recoreded it. You brought me in to your family as if i were and all i can say is im sorry i was'nt there more. you are my best friend steve the world has lost the most giving person, the most selfless, sharing, caring, friend. you tought me that no matter what keep smiling give everybody a chance and you will make a great friend. everthing about you was simple your midnight moves to the couch because you could not sleep. your many nights of no sleep because you were worring about the symphony and how you could do more. you welcomed old and young shared a hug with all and really cared about all.
steve you gave me a great gift of knowing you and letting me in to share your life. thank you for careing for me and most of all being the dad that i needed. i will miss your laugh your smile and your guidence.
I love you steve there is a peice of me missing now. i sit here and cry knowing i will never get another hug another smile another love ya
but now your in a place you can really look over all the ones you love.
goodbye dad

Tri Tran

January 2, 2008

I joined the WVS in 1991 soon after I had graduated from high school and entering my studies at the U. When I thought my playing days are over, Steve brought me on and gave me the opportunity to really explore and develop my talents and become the principal timpanist. I've been on leave to raise my family and was at least able to perform one more time with him at the Angel Tree. I hope his dream will continue to thrive as I hope to return some time soon. Please let me know the status of the symphony. His encouragement and enthusiasm will be sorely missed but not as much as his friendship. Thank you Maestro Baker, rest in peace (and harmony).

Sharlene Platt

December 27, 2007

I knew Steve since playing with him in the Murray Symphony. I ran in to him a few yrs later in Valley Fair Mall and he invited me to join him in a new endeavor, The West Valley Symphony. Not many communities are lucky enough to have a Steve and Ralph Baker who love their community enough to put their heart, soul and money into such a gift to the community as a symphony orchestra of its own. I have long admired Steve for his dedication to both his community and his orchestra and the orchestra was truely his.

Doug Clyde

December 27, 2007

Thank you for believing in me and allowing me to perform in ways I never thought I was capable of. We will all miss you!

Kyle Reed

December 26, 2007

Thank You Steve for all the magic.

Debbye Boe

December 25, 2007

The Angel Tree Benefit Concert has become a grand yearly success largely due to the efforts of Steve Baker and the addition of his West Valley Symphony. I have enjoyed the friendship and talent of this unassuming man during the time he has been associated with the Choral Arts Society of Utah. I am sure the association of the two music organizations will continue, and that Steve's spirit will be there to support that. Steve, you will be greatly missed!! My deepest condolences to Steve's family.

Ronald Stephens

December 25, 2007

Steve had two passions music and aviation. He satisfied both one as the conductor of the West Valley Symphony the other by his many years of service working in the public imformation booth at the S.L.C International Airport.There he became a familar figure and acuired many friends. Steve was a gifted and unique human being, he had a comanding yet gentle presence, he was well informed and had a vast knowledge of many things. He was a true friend in every sense of the word.
He has surely left a void in the lives of all who knew him.
Mortality is now over for you. You passwed though it well my friend, you passed through it well.

Blaine Hall

December 25, 2007

I knew Steve when we played with the Murray Symphony with Mr. Lentz. Steve was absolutlely dedicated to music. He was a man of many talents. May those he leaves behind take comfort in the memories of a life lived well.

Bettina Giese

December 25, 2007

I played in the murray symphony with Steve, i was always impressed with the efforts he made for the wv symphony. i great community minded indovidual

Evelyn Frederick

December 25, 2007

My first and many years in the Murray Symphony was delightful, and, since Steve was the section leader, we never felt inadequate. He had the vision. I have only been proud of him. I'm sorry the West Valley Symphony lost their "rock". He was a very kind man.

Jeff Beck

December 24, 2007

The world has lost a gentle giant in the passing of my friend Steve Baker. I always looked forward to Steve working with the Choral Arts choir and hearing his latest jokes. Steve was always a complete gentleman. His family is in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss him.

Magna

December 24, 2007

Thank You Conductor Baker for sharing your talents and love of music with our community. Your music has inspired many people, especially young people. You will be missed. To his family, I am sorry for your loss. May you find peace at this time.

Leza Megerian

December 24, 2007

I will always remember Steve as the man with the heart of gold, he touched the lives of so many with such ease. His always friendly demeanor will be missed by everyone who encountered him whether it was at the airport, through the West Valley Symphony or just those of us who knew him as our family.
His time here with us was far too short but the stories we have of Steve and the memories we shared with him will forever be remembered.

May his memory be eternal

Ryan Van Liere

December 24, 2007

I joined the West Valley Symphony for the first time in October of 1996 when I was 16 years old. I had heard they were performing "The March to the Scaffold" from "Symphonie Fantastique" by Hector Berlioz, which is one of my all-time favorites. Little did I know that this decision would lead me into one of the greatest friendships I have ever had. Steve was the type of man who would take every person one at a time. I always respected the way he stood up for what he believed in, no matter the cost. He was always there for me in my darkest hours as well as my happiest. Apart from music, Steve and I both shared a love for classic cars, airplanes, and Vegas. I will miss Wednesday nights after rehearsals reminiscing with Steve about these over a beer at The Puck/Applebee's/West Valley Billiards. I will miss the Tuesday nights watching Boston Legal. I will miss our monthly trip out to the Wendover Nugget Steakhouse. I will miss the calls every other day or so, which usually started with "I got a good one for ya..." Steve loved going to Vegas every Xmas and I am honored to have been part of his final trip there. I will miss Steve the Maestro, but most of all I will miss my best friend.

LuAnn Hayes Lukenbach

December 23, 2007

I was very sad to hear of Steve's passing. I was fortunate to work with Steve while I was on the board of the Choral Arts Society. He was so proud of his orchestra, and rightfully so. Steve had such a talent and love of music. He was a gracious man and I will miss his spirit.

Michele (Barnott) McKay

December 23, 2007

I'm sad to hear that Steve has passed away. I have known him for nearly 27 years and have cherished our friendship. I hope he always knew how much he meant to my family. I know that my life has been changed for the good because of this wonderful man. God bless you Steve! We love you!!!

Robert Lee

December 23, 2007

It was a sad day to hear of your passing Steve. I have always known you to be a caring pleasant and intelligent person, always with a smile. You will be sorely missed.

Chantelle Ray

December 23, 2007

Thank you Steve for being such an incredible person! You made the West Valley Symphony a friendly place to be. I appreciate that you knew everyone's names and took the time to welcome us with a smile. You always made me feel important to the orchestra. Things won't be the same without you - I'll miss you!

Chris and Carol Bowden

December 23, 2007

It seems just the other day I was talking to Steve at the airport after coming in on a flight. We were recalling old friends and events from junior high, and had planned to get together for dinner in January. I am very sorry I will not be able to keep that dinner date. From the first day I met Steve, I was always impressed by his non-assuming view on life and people. His infectious laugh and mannerisms were classic. We have lost a true gentleman.

Corisis Deb

December 23, 2007

Steve, You will be missed. You touched many lives. I was a member of the West Valley Symphony before moving to Colorado in 1996. I still think of you, Steve, fondly and often. I believe that you are one of the friendliest and kindest people I have ever met. You always had something nice to say to everyone. Sinceely, Deb Corisis

Sandy Baker

December 23, 2007

Steve, you will never know to what depths you touched my life. When things were tough I could always count on you and the Symphony to be there. Thank you for everything!

Irene Warr

December 23, 2007

What a sad loss for our community. I have been a very modest supporter but a large fan of the West Valley Symphony for many years. I surely hope it will continue. I am out of the United States at the present time, but when I return I will make an appropriate contribution to the Symphony in memory of a fine and talented gentleman who will be missed. Thanks to Larry Wadsworth for introducing me to the Orchestra quite a few years ago. IRENE WARR

Jenny Simmons

December 23, 2007

Steve, I will miss seeing you twice a year. And will definitely miss your "stupid" jokes! The Pops concert, and Angle Tree concert, will NOT be the same with out you! Thanks for making me smile! Apparently Heaven's Symphony, needed a new conductor. Make BEAUTIFUL music my friend!
From a member of Choral Arts...

Marie Ogden

December 22, 2007

I will miss you, Steve. I hope you knew how much we all love and appreciate your hard work and dedication to the Symphony, and to me. These last 16 years I have known you have been something I will cherish forever.

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