Earl John Baker

Earl John Baker, age 77, of Blaine passed away at his home, Wednesday, March 27, 2013 surrounded by his family. Earl was born March 24, 1936 in New Boston, Illinois to parents Leonard George and Mary Margaret (Koehler) Baker. He graduated from Rock Island, Illinois High School in the class of 1954 and went directly into the United States Navy serving 4 years and was discharged as a Torpedo Man’s Mate 3. He moved to Washington State in 1965 and was employed at Boeing as a Tool and Die Maker. Earl moved to Whatcom County in the 1970’s and lived on the Bay Road for many years. He sold Insurance for various companies retiring lastly from Aflac. Earl married the love of his life Debbie Unick in April of 1990; together they owned and operated “Pub Play Darts” in Whatcom, Skagit and Island Counties. He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife Debbie of 23 years; children, Don and his wife Brenda, Jeff and his wife Kimberly, Doug and his wife Tracey, Jim, Diana and her husband Mark Critchlow, Lance and his wife Patty; grandchildren, Emily, Dawson, Benjamin, Mystie and husband Ramon Hipolito, Caitlyn, Kyle, Amanda, Jessica, Nicole, Ava and Oliver; great grandchildren, Anayah and Erykah Hipolito; sister, Catherine and her husband Al Jochim and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. A memorial celebration of life reception will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2013, 11:30 AM at the United Church of Ferndale, 2034 Washington Street, Ferndale WA 98248 followed by a 2:00 PM, graveside service at Enterprise Cemetery with Military Honors by the Albert J. Hamilton Post #7, American Legion of Bellingham, Pastor Bobbi Virta officiating. Family suggests memorial donations to Whatcom Hospice, 2806 Douglas Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225.