Eldon Lee "Buck" BAKER

06/07/1935 - 11/01/2013

BAKER, Eldon Lee "Buck" June 7, 1935 - November 1, 2013 Eldon was born June 7, 1935 in Spokane to James and Florence Baker. As a young boy he worked for farmers in the Colbert and Greenbluff areas picking strawberries, digging potatoes and working in the hayfields. At Mead High School he played basketball and ran track. He trained for track by running 8 miles to school everyday. He took 1st place at Omak in 1953, Chewelah Dist Track Meet in 1954, Moses Lake Relays in 1954, Omak in 1954 and Spokane City Meet in 1954 running the mile in 4:48. He set a new record mile at the Spokane County Track Meet taking 1st in 1953 with a time of 4:47:5. Eldon went to work for Kaiser in 1954 and retired in 1986. He then went to work for his brother, logging. His passions in life were his family and working in the woods. He was loved dearly by his family, friends and neighbors. Eldon was preceded in death by his parents and step-father, Pete Kryns; sister, Dona White and brother, Gary Baker. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Beverly, whom he adored; and his beloved daughters, Pam Baker, Linda Haase (Brian) and Julie Baker; sister, Kay Brown; grandsons, Preston Whitman (Melissa) and Jesse Baker Parker; granddaughter, Randi Oien (Justin) and great grandson, Blake Whitman. There will be no funeral at Eldon's request. Any donations may be made to Hospice of Spokane.