Arnold Baker

1929 - 2018

Arnold Webster Baker

February 2, 1929 - February 2, 2018

Arnold Webster Baker, a lifelong equal rights advocate and a United States Army veteran who attained the rank of Brigadier General, died on February 2, 2018, in San Francisco. The cause of death was cardiac arrest. He was 89 years old.

Born in Pontiac, Michigan to Montgomery George Baker and Lazette Baker, Arnold Baker was one of eight siblings. He enlisted in the Army after high school, later graduating from Officers Candidate School in 1949.

A series of military postings ensued until his honorable discharge from active service in 1955. Mr. Baker thereafter served for over 25 years in the United States Army Reserve, last assigned to the Presidio of San Francisco. His military service earned him numerous commendations and medals, including the Bronze Star Medal for Valor.

While a member of the Army Reserve, Mr. Baker began his long career in public service to the City and County of San Francisco. Beginning in 1961 and continuing to 2000, he served in various leadership roles, including as Chief of Staff for the Public Transportation Department. He received several awards for his public service, including the Distinguished Service in Civil Rights Award from the American Public Transit Association.

A classical music lover and patron of various charitable causes, Mr. Baker is survived by his three sons—W. Lamont Baker, retired; Lamar W. Baker, a California Court of Appeal Associate Justice; and Joshua A. Warner, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Pennsylvania—and grandchildren Avanna, Monty, and Cady. They, and other family and friends, mourn his death and celebrate a life well lived.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Dominic's Catholic Church, 2390 Bush Street, on February 23, 2018, at 2:00 p.m.