Lynton W. Baker

Lynton W. Baker

June 27, 2025

Sacramento, California - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lynton (Lynn) Baker at his home in Sacramento this June. He was the beloved son of the late Gerald and Violet Baker. Lynn graduated from Del Mar High School in San Jose, Santa Clara University (BS, Combined Science) and California State University at San Jose (MS, Air Quality Management). He retired in 2024 after a 40-year career with the California Environmental Protection Agency's California Air Resources Board (CARB).

As a CARB Staff Air Pollution Specialist and environmental scientist, Lynn was devoted to the broader mission of California state service and worked tirelessly to improve, protect, and preserve outdoor and indoor air quality for Californians. His work at CARB paved the way for establishing a national formaldehyde emissions standard to protect all Americans in their homes. Lynn was widely respected for his unwavering ethical standards, impressive technical expertise, and thoughtful collaborative spirit. He was known as a mentor to countless colleagues and young professionals, and held a deep belief in the power of public service to improve lives. He received numerous recognitions throughout his career including CARB's Award of Excellence in 2010.

Lynn's love of the outdoors was reflected in running cross country in high school and college, hiking, bicycling, tennis, and bird watching in Sacramento, as well as during his travels throughout the United States to visit family and friends. Meteorology and astronomy were passions throughout his life. In his youth, Lynn played cello and sang in school and church choirs. For years he volunteered with the YMCA and Special Olympics.

Most of all, Lynn will be remembered as a devoted son, treasured cousin, and compassionate friend. He was quick to offer help and support to anyone in need. Lynn lived his Christian faith every day. We will miss his gentle smile, sense of humor, enthusiasm for the San Francisco Giants, encyclopedic knowledge of the great outdoors, and unwavering friendship.

Lynn fought valiantly against an aggressive recurrence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He will be greatly missed by cousins Kay Baker (Michael Meisinger), Patric Baker, Rita Turpen and Randy Colglazier (Sharon) as well as numerous dear friends including companion Leslie Watts of Sacramento.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, September 12, 2025 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Roses at Oak Hill Funeral Home in San Jose. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests donations be made in Lynn's name to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society.