Stanley Baker

OBITUARY STANLEY BAKER Passed away on Thursday, 4 November 2010 at age seventy-nine. He was born in Los Angeles, California in 1931, the second son of Saul Baker and Anna Simon. In his youth, Stan's family made many long road trips from Los Angeles to Nanuet, New York spending summer months with the Baker clan cousins. He lived to surf the Southern California beaches, building his own 12 foot board and riding the waves of Malibu. Stan served in the Korean Conflict in the United States Navy. At Camp Pendleton, CA he fell in love and married Beatrice 'Bea' Rodriguez, a Navy nurse, prior to his deployment to Korea. In Korea, Stan served as a Navy Corpsman (medic) attached to the First Marine Division. He survived the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and as a result was known as one of 'The Chosin Few'. Upon his return from the Korean Conflict, Stan began a 50 year career in the medical field. While working at City of Hope Medical Center in Duarte, CA, Stan also enjoyed a teaching career at Fullerton City College. Stan's commitment to volunteer efforts included Assistant Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America in Glendora, CA. He is survived by his grown children and their spouses: Michael Baker/Erin Baker, Diane Baker/Mike Needles, Nancy Baker/Patrick Manion; his grandchildren, Emily, Matthew, Stephanie Baker; Kristy Coy, Christopher Needles, Andrew Needles and seven great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Bea, his brother Bernard R. Baker and his sister, Roberta Baker. On Wednesday, 10 November 2010, family and friends gathered to remember Stan from 11:00am - 12 noon MTN followed by a funeral service at 12 noon MTN at Desert Hills Mortuary, 6500 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale AZ. At 1:30p MTN, formal interment with military honors took place at the National Cemetery, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sherman Home, Hospice of the Valley, 5801 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85054.4503, www.hov.org . His courage never failed him. His pride in his children and grandchildren abounded. His enduring memories of the Baker clan brought him lifetime comfort. He counted his friends as his family.