620 Washington Ave
Grand Haven, Michigan
Bruce Baker, age 76, of Grand Haven passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2025. He was born June 28, 1949, in Grand Haven to John Douglas and Katharine (Hall) Baker. Bruce attended Spring Lake schools, graduated High School from Culver Military Academy in 1967, and graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1971. He married Christine Campbell on January 16, 1986.
Bruce was retired from his family business, Baker Lumber, that he and his brother Dick successfully ran together for over 40 years. A proud owner of a historical lumberyard in Grand Haven, he spent much of his life researching his family ancestry and guiding the business into its next generation of ownership.
He was devoted to his family, and cherished their dinners together, game and movie nights, and family vacations Up North. Bruce was always busy pursuing his interests and hobbies in our community. He coached youth sports, played volleyball and softball into his 50s, and could always be found in the crowd at his loved ones' games, concerts, plays, or anything worth witnessing and celebrating.
He and his wife, Christine, would spend evenings at the symphony, the theater, or playing trivia with friends. He was active with Central Park Players on and off stage, served on the City Parks Board and the Tri-Cities Kids League Board, and volunteered on the playground at Lake Hills Elementary every day so he could see his granddaughter.
He was an avid reader, great storyteller, enjoyed music and festivals, and collected postcards, records, and stamps. His love of Mexican culture took him to Ajijic, Mexico for several winters during the month of February, where he also involved himself in local theatre and community life. He loved his family and will be greatly missed by them and by the community that was so important to him.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years Christine; twin children, Annie and Dan Baker; three grandchildren: Jameson, Lila, and Olivia; sisters, Rachel Calderon, and Virginia (Larry) McFadden; sisters-in-law, Cindy Baker and Linda Miller; brothers-in-law James and Michael Campbell; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Doug and Kathy; daughter, Sarah Wrinkles; brother, Dick Baker; brother-in-law Walter Foote; and sister-in-law Susan Hill.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 2-5 p.m. at Central Park Place in Grand Haven, Macatawa Room. Memorial contributions in memory of Bruce may be given to the Doug and Kathy Baker Family Fund held at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, and/or to Central Park Players. Please sign the family's online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Funeral services provided by:
Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The VanZantwick Chapel620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
15 Entries
Dick & Sharon Tanis
Yesterday
Our sincere sympathy to family and friends. We were saddened to learn about Bruce. Such a loss to Grand Haven. We have you in our prayers for strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Dick and Sharon
Ryan Cotton
Yesterday
Bruce was a one of those people I could count on to be clear and honest with his views. As a new city manager in a new town, I always found his views balanced, about what was best for the greater good, and reliable when we talked at the former Central School events. I further came to know Bruce as a pillar of the community as a business leader, generous with his time as a volunteer, and an overall good government supporter with a great sense of humor. I also enjoyed watching his plays --he infused a lot of his personality into his characters. I am very glad to have known him.
Michele Anders
Yesterday
Bruce was a great person and friend when I knew him at UNC so long ago. He always spoke fondly of his well loved family. He would be laughing at me now because this is the second note I am sending! I inadvertently erased the first note.
Michele Anders
Yesterday
The world has lost a wonderful man. I knew him during his years at UNC. We shared several classes and he always spoke fondly about his family and the family business. Everyone who knew him when he was at college will be saddened. My condolences to the family
Michele Anders
Yesterday
I am so sorry for the loss of all who knew and shared time with him in all aspects of his life. I knew him from UNC and liked him so much. Though it has been quite some time since I have communicated with him I know how dedicated he felt to his family and the family business. The world has lost a kind, smart and fun person. I am so sorry for the family´s loss.
Paul and Kate Peppin
October 16, 2025
Our condolences to all the Bakers on the loss of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law and uncle.
Steve and Darlene Ford
October 16, 2025
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathies
Shari Sigsby
October 16, 2025
So sorry to hear of Bruce´s passing. He always had a warm smile for everyone he met. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends.....
Steve Groters
October 16, 2025
We are so saddened to see the news as we are in Florida. Bruce was a pillar of strength and reason in our community. Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Steve and Diana Groters
Terry Blanchard
October 16, 2025
So sad to hear of Bruce passing. Always had great conversations with him at the lumber yard. Thoughts and prayers through this time.
Kim LaVallee
October 16, 2025
Chris, Dan, and Annie, I am so sorry to hear about Bruce. My thoughts are with you all.
Linda Lukasik
October 16, 2025
I will always remember Bruce with a twinkle in his eyes,a smile on his face and a ready hug.
Jill Vanderstel
October 16, 2025
Sadden to hear the passing of Bruce. He was such a wonderful man. Always helping coach baseball or supporting events for the rec department when I was director. His spirit will truly be missed in our community. Prayers and hugs to Christine and the family during this difficult time.
Anna Heistand
October 16, 2025
Bruce became a grandpa to me. We met through Theater and we´re in several plays together, each play was special because he was there, he always was encouraging, kind, and supportive. They our friendship grew outside of that, texts to check in, breakfasts to catch up, and birthday cards showing up in my mail box. Bruce showed me how to be kinder and to care for others even if your lives look different. Chris and family I am praying for you as you walk this road of grief, know that Bruce impacted my life and so many others. Love you all.
Nancy O'Neill
October 15, 2025
I send my condolences to Christine, Annie, and the rest of the Baker family and their many friends and colleagues. Decades ago, I met Bruce at Central Elementary School, when our children were in the same class, and we would wait for them outside at the end of the school day. I could tell then, by the way he greeted his children and walked home with them, how kind, protective, and good natured he was. Over the years, I have seen another talent of his, acting, most recently when he gave a strong performance as a cast member of the Central Park Players production of "The Miracle on 34th Street." I will miss his humor and good nature. We are all fortunate to have know him.
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