Douglas Matthew Baker

I am stunned by this loss. I haven´t stopped thinking about Doug since I learned of his passing just days ago. Your son was one of my favorite people in my adult life. Our professional paths crossed many times. Both reporters at the same time in small Central Ohio towns for papers owned by the same company, we each made the leap into school PR within mere weeks of one another in neighboring districts. We took turns organizing regular luncheons with our colleagues in the Columbus area, him teasingly lamenting he would have to assume the role permanently when I (what turned out to be briefly) left public school public relations. Upon my return less than a year and a half-later, it was as a consultant for him for at least the next seven years. As my first client in what would be a 10-year stint as a solo practitioner, we would extol the power our little Dream Team and how much we could/would accomplish. But more than a colleague, he was my friend. He talked about his boys, their trips to Disney, coaching basketball, his forever aching back, and how we felt our "youth" slipping away as the years passed. I knew about you, his parents and (super smart) sisters. He knew my four children by name and we shared stories of parenting similar-aged children. On the subject of politics we held similar opinions and texted back and forth about election results. As former "serious" newspaper reporters, we had plenty of commentary about the feigned gravity of some television news stories, often letting one another know when weather reports of Armageddon began flying in. Neither of us understood the virtues of curling, the sport, and were shocked when the stone became an emoji for text messaging. And, anytime I read a story about The Boss on some fluff entertainment site, I would send the scoop his way. Phone nearly always in his hand, he would reply within seconds/minutes to any message, text or email. There was a breaking news story just recently we would have talked about-- dissecting what was shared with the media and what we would have done/not done. I never dreamt we one day wouldn't be able to do that. Family Baker, please know your son and father, brother and (fun)cle Doug is missed. I am deeply sorry for your loss. His memory will forever be held dear in my heart. With grief and love.

To Tom, Linda and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss
You are in our thoughts and prayers!
We have good memories of Doug during our years at USHS, and the many years of my work at USHS.
Sincerely,
Sharon and Bob Mooney
Mark and Dawn (Soule) McQuown
Walt and Jodi (Soule) Stuermer

I´m so very sorry to hear of the loss of your son. My prayers are with you and his entire family at this time. Robin Binkley

My heart goes out to the Baker family. I remember Doug well from our days at TUCC.

Amy,
Many caring thoughts and prayers are with you and your loving family. Wishing you comfort and peace today and the days ahead. With deepest sympathy as you honor and remember your brother.

So very sorry for your loss. I worked with Doug at Dublin City Schools for the past 17 years, and briefly for him when his assistant resigned many years ago. He was a great guy and worked harder than anyone I know. My heart goes out to his family and especially his sons. Rest In Peace Doug.

To the family: I'm so sorry. Doug was always kind and professional. He had a wealth of knowledge about the community and was so helpful when I'd call. It was a pleasure to work with him. I pray for your peace.

Sending prayers for strength, love, and peace for the entire family. Our arms surround you with compassion and a virtual hug.

Dear Tom and Linda, I am so sorry to hear of Doug's passing. Please remember all the good times you had with him.

Deepest sympathies to Doug´s family. Always will remember running into him and his family at various sporting events that our children competed in. May your memories be blessings.

My deepest sympathy to Doug's family. He was a wonderful colleague in Dublin City Schools - and a great friend. I enjoyed his humor, dedication, and tremendous work ethic.

Our hearts and love go out to you all. May you feel the arms of Jesus surround you everyday on this journey... our strength comes only from Him. Bless you all. Rest in trust.

This is such a loss for the Dublin City Schools community. I will always remember Doug as an outstanding professional and a caring friend. My sincere condolences to Doug's family, especially to Jack and Sam, who were at the center of many of the conversations Doug and I had.

In all my 19 years of working with Dublin City Schools, Doug was a rock. We worked on levies, PTO Presidents, Key Communicators, fund raisers and the list keeps going. He handled people, situations and questions with the utmost tact and grace. I enjoyed his wry humor and ability to convey a thought with just a look...answering, not answering. My heart goes out to his boys and his family. We are so very sorry for your loss.

My deepest condolences and prayers go out to your family.

Deepest sympathy to the family! Doug was a great person !Eastsider of UpperSandusky played all kind of sports backyard n regular! He Was my quarterback and punter in high school!

Please accept our deepest condolences and prayers for your comfort.

My condolences to all of you who knew and loved Doug. I had many occasions to interact with him when we was PR Director for the Dublin Schools, and I was on the "Key Communicators Committee" for the Superintendent. He was always so good at his job, that when he left it I told him I would gladly serve as a reference if he needed it. Doug was smart, articulate and caring, My heart goes out to all of you.

Sending prayers and sympathy to the entire Baker family. Doug and I worked closely together in my role as high school principal in DCS and I appreciated him as a colleague and as a person. He had a good sense of humor and was so proud of his family. I am so sorry for your loss. - Cathy

OMG, we are so very sorry for your loss. May Doug rest in peace and may the Angels watch over all of you . Prayers

My condolences to the Baker family and all who loved him.

Very sorry to hear this. Doug was a good dude and had a nonchalant way about him. Condolences to the family. Rest in peace sir.

My deepest sympathy to the Baker Family may you find comfort in this most trying time. I worked for Doug at DCS. One thing for sure was his love for his boys. He will be missed by many. Hoping beautiful memories will bring you comfort.

Doug and I spent many years working together as we built up the Dublin City Schools Alumni Association. Doug did so many great things for DCS and the families and staff. Definitely a top-notch guy who will be missed by many!!!
Rest In Peace good sir!!

Sending many hugs and prayers to the whole family.. Il will be praying for all of the family in hopes that they may find peace.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. This has to be heartbreaking in so many ways for all of you. I will be praying for healing and strength in the coming days.

Doug was a good man and did a lot to help others. My family being one of them. Condolences to you all.

I was so sorry to hear about the news. Doug was a very special person and a good friend to many. He always had the perfect answer for any situation. I loved how he guided us through naming new Dublin school buildings, yearly school calendars, and several successful levies. Also, he did a wonderful job helping to grow PERC over the years. Dublin was so lucky to have him. Thanks to his family for sharing him with all of us.