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Paul Baker Obituary
Dr. Paul Baker, a research immunologist and beloved family man, passed away from complications during heart surgery last Thursday in Seattle. He was 67.
A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Baker earned his BS and MS in Biology from the University of Missouri and his PhD from the University of Connecticut in Pathobiology. He completed his postdoctoral research at Dartmouth Medical School before working for Montana State University in Bozeman-where he loved the fly-fishing and the great outdoors-and for the Seattle biotech firm Immunex. He later owned the Cascade BMW motorcycle dealership in Kirkland, before returning to research at the University of Washington's Health Sciences Department.
Known for his gregarious sense of humor and his enormous lust for life, Dr. Baker touched all who knew him with his keen intelligence, his unquenchable curiosity and his boundless generosity. He is survived by his twin children, Katie and Scott, and his loving wife of 47 years, Carol. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of his research or to the American Heart Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Baker
Sponsored by The Family.
scott zashin
October 5, 2016
I was very sorry to learn of your loss. I was a Dartmouth College student and Steve Gillis was very kind to let me work in the lab under the guidance of Paul. It was a wonderful experience-he was very patient and always made me feel welcome, even though I knew very little. He had a great sense of humor and was very caring. He knew how important it was for me to get accepted to medical school and was the first one to notify me of my acceptance-before I received the letter!
I have very fond memories of Paul. Coincidentally, my family went on a trip to Seattle this summer and visited beautiful Bainbridge Island and enjoyed the wonderful gelato shop.
Sincerely
Scott Zashin
Lee
April 3, 2015
My condolences to the family. May the family find much comfort in God's word at Matt. 5:4
Paul growing up.
Thom Baker
August 17, 2014
I miss my brother very much. Our telephone conversations were laugh-a-thons except for our political discussions in which he was almost always wrong. He has always been there for me and I think of him everyday. Thom Baker
May 6, 2014
Carol
I was shocked and saddened to read about Paul's untimely passing. As you know, we had a lot of fun times joking around during the many, many years of playing bridge on the ferry. I was excited to see him show up for duplicate bridge in Indianola a few months ago, and had hoped he would begin playing regularly. Paul will be in my memories until my time comes. My sincerest condolences to your children and you.
Lee Kueckelhan
Dennis Burch
April 13, 2014
I first met Paul riding in a U.W. Van Pool where Paul and I instantly became friends. I will fondly remember many hours together in the van ,on the ferry, in my car, on a fishing trip or enjoying wonderful times with Paul and Carol while out to dinner then playing cards at their home. His lust for life, love for his family and the ability to tell stories that would lift everyone's spirit will be sincerely missed by all.
David Lynch
April 9, 2014
A man who, among other things, loved life, people, science, and motorcycles. A nurturing soul with a great sense of humor. I wish there were more people in the world like him...we are certainly the poorer with his loss.
Victor Fung
April 9, 2014
My fondest memory of Paul is when we were on a traveling team tasked to help design Helix. Paul kept the team in stitches with his humor, wit and warmth. I nearly considered buying a hog. Katie, Carole and Scott, thank you for sharing Paul with us.
Janet Rea
April 9, 2014
I heard about the legend before I got to know the man at Immunex - I wasn't a researched but an early "suit" - Paul's sense of humor, scientific passion and lust for life was inspiring. I am truly saddened by his passing - a loss for the planet. Sincere condolences to his family.
Judit Marsillach
April 8, 2014
Paul and I worked together at the UW until he retired 3 months ago. He was not only an amazing human being but also an outstanding scientist and colleague. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Anne Bannister Aumell
April 8, 2014
I worked with Paul at Immunex in the early 90s and remember him as a guy with a lot of personality! My condolences to the family.
Mike Widmer
April 8, 2014
Paul and I worked together for many years at Immunex. He was truly a special individual who put everyone at ease with his wit and gregarious manner. As a department head, he enabled and encouraged all of his employees to perform to the best of their abilities. My sincere condolences to Paul's family.
Stewart Lyman
April 8, 2014
I knew Paul from our Immunex days and always enjoyed my interactions with him. He was open to new ideas and always pleasant to be around. A meeting that Paul ran was sure to be a lively one. My condolences to his family and friends on his untimely passing.
Tim Lofton
April 8, 2014
I did not know Paul personally, but I knew of him from folks I worked with at Immunex. The early Immunex folks are a family, and the loss of this member of the family will be felt by many. My sincere condolences to the Baker family. The world was, without question, a better place with him and I hope all that knew him take some time to remember and reach out to each other during this time. Best wishes to family and friends.
April 7, 2014
My sincere sympathy to the family for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2. Again my deepest sympathy.
April 7, 2014
Paul was a wonderful, entertaining guy with a great lust for life. He was one of the earliest employees of Immunex and was integral to the rise of the "lazy i" to a place of prominence in the biotech industry. The earliest Immunoids will remember that his first role was the establishment of the operation he called the Moo, Baa, Oink Department. His life has ended at too young an age and the world will be poorer for it. God speed, Paul Baker.
Steve Duzan
Donald Hester
April 7, 2014
Paul was always a wonderful person with a warm smile. I will always remember many found memories and times with Paul and his crew.
Ann Schmierer
April 7, 2014
Paul and I were some of the first to commute to Immunex via ferry from Bainbridge Island. His most memorable quality, other than his keen intelligence, was his sense of humor. He would make us giggle or gasp prior to all out laughter--what a great legacy to have brought joy to so many people in such a personable way. We will miss his presence, but he will remain alive with fond, and hysterical, memories.
From someone know by Paul to be "Ann Schmiererererer" over the Immunex intercom
Kathy Picha
April 6, 2014
I was sorry to hear of the loss of Paul. My thoughts are with Carol, Scott and Katie. I'm so sorry for your loss. I knew Paul from a while ago, as I received my graduate degree under Paul at MSU, and we worked together for many years at Immunex. I have many fond memories of those years, and remember when he used to have "meetings" on the banks of the Madison River outside of Bozeman.
Allison Krug
April 6, 2014
Dear Carol, Katie and Scott,
I got to speak with Paul two years ago when I found out from you that he was an immunologist. Indeed, as others have mentioned, Paul was warm and generous with his time and it was fun to chat with him about our mutual research interests. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for you right now, but the legacy of 47 years of marriage is one that few are lucky enough to have shared. We will be praying for you and are standing by to help in any way we can.
Our most sincere condolences,
The Krug Family
Scott Carder
April 6, 2014
Project Paul, my brother-in-law, was an amazing man. He will be missed by all who knew and/or loved him. It was such a pleasure to interact with him & hear of his adventures from high school on. The smile, the twinkle, the intelligence, we all admired and enjoyed. We miss him very much!
Mary Kennedy
April 6, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of Paul's death. Paul was my first supervisor at Immunex, and he never failed to make me laugh. He always had a smile and kind word to share. Seeing his photo with his genuine smile and the twinkle in his eyes brings back fond memories of him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary Kennedy
Seattle
Melissa White
April 6, 2014
Carol, we are so so sorry for your loss. So glad you have your children near you during this time. We all send love and hugs to you! Don't worry about your class, we will take care of them!
Neil Kline
April 6, 2014
Pat and I had the pleasure of knowing Paul for 6 years. He was our neighbor for several years, fellow vanpool rider and friend.
Paul was always fun to be around, always had a smile on his face, told great stories and boasted a great sense of humor.
He loved life, his family and maybe most of all, fishing.
Carol, I cannot imagine what you must be going through. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Paul, you will be missed by so many people.
RIP my friend.
Neil and Pat Kline
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