Matthew Baker

(07/29/2003) Matthew Baker, 33, of Austin, Texas, formerly of Schenectady, NY, and Mechanicsburg, PA, died suddenly at his home as the result of a homicide stemming from a dispute with a neighbor. He was born July 16, 1970, and was the son of Clayton Baker of Arkansas and Terry (Wielt) King and John King of Mechanicsburg, PA. Mr. Baker was a 1988 graduate of Mechanicsburg High School in PA. He then received his BS in Political Science from Dickinson College in 1992, followed by a MS in Political Science from American University in 1994. Matthew was chief political analyst for Stratfor (Strategic Forcasting, Inc.) in Austin, Texas. Stratfor is a local private intelligence service which studies geopolitics for corporate customers. Throughout his career, he had become an expert in international politics and conflict. He was photographed in Time magazine in 1999 for his work with Stratfor. Stratfor Vice President Aaric Eisenstein was recently quoted in the Austin- American Statesman for saying ``...he had an encyclopedic knowledge of world events. He knew everything about everything-just an amazing brain.'' Mr. Baker's interests included car racing, and woodworking. He had also recently taken an interest in ``simplifying his life.'' He had tried to rid himself of many of the extra conveniences that our society has become accustomed to. In addition to his parents, Mr. Baker is survived by two brothers; Rodger A. Baker of Austin, TX and Stephen L. Baker of New York City He is also survived by a sister, Maranda Price of Gravett, AK as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and a nephew. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at the Barter-Andrew Funeral Home, 1867 State Street in Schenectady, NY. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Wednesday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Interment will be at Memory's Garden in Colonie, NY In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been set up at his alma mater. Please make donations to the Matthew S. Baker Memorial Fund C/O Dickinson College, P.O. Box 1773, Carlisle, PA 17013.