Richard George Baker

RICHARD GEORGE BAKER Richard George Baker of Dolores passed away Monday, December 6, 2010 at Southwest Memorial Hospital in Cortez after a prolonged illness. He was 77. Richard was born September 23, 1933 in Kingston, New York, the son of Richard W. and Beatrice (Dunham) Baker. After growing up in New York, Richard spent most of his professional career as a safety engineer for major construction projects across the country and as far away as the Dominican Republic. In New York he established the Margaretville Memorial Hospital Ambulance Corps in his home town and was the ambulance squad captain. In 1982, Richard moved to Dolores as the safety engineer for the McPhee Dam construction project, fell in love with the area and settled permanently. He served terms on the Dolores Town Board and the Dolores Fire Department. Richard married June Hough Bollan on August 8, 1992 at the Lincoln Mountain Property on the Dolores River. They enjoyed hunting and fishing and just being together. He was a lover of animals and his beloved cat Siams was always by his side. Richard served in the Army during the Korean War era, rising to the rank of Tech Sergeant. His tours of duty included a stint in Japan. Throughout his life, Richard remained active in military and veterans organizations, serving as Post Commander of Ute Mountain American Legion Post 75 and Adjutant of the Dolores VFW. Until his death Richard volunteered as coordinator for the DAV van transport service which provides transportation for disabled veterans to medical and other necessary activities. Richard is survived by his loving and caring wife June Baker of Dolores. He is also survived by his son Jim Baker of Fleischmanns, NY; his daughter Diana Briggs and husband Mike of Prattsville, NY; his daughter JoAnn Ferreira of Modesto, CA; and by his stepchildren Charlene Tatum and husband John of Denver, CO; Marlene Bishop and husband Nathan of Plainview, AR; Gary Bollan and wife Becky of Russellville, AR; and Rocky Bollan of Plainview, AR; and his grandchildren and step-grandchildren. Military graveside services were December 8, 2010 at Summit Ridge Cemetery under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home. For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section. Memorial contributions may be made in Richard's memory to the Dolores VFW Post 6068, PO Box 553, Dolores, CO 81323.