Richard Baker

Richard "Dick" Baker, 88, of Longmont, CO and formerly of Montrose, CO, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, at his home. Dick was born on January 14, 1937, in Hayes, Kansas to Rev. Henry H. and Hazel Baker. Dick earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in biology from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a Master's Degree in Education from Colorado State University. He married Edith Elaine Rupar on August 20, 1961, in Glenwood Springs. He served many years in the Army National Guard. Living his faith and supporting others led Dick to become a lay speaker for the Methodist Church and officiated at numerous weddings and funerals. He was a member of Montrose First United Methodist Church for over 50 years. Dick was a career educator serving students and families as a high school and elementary teacher and principal and was awarded Colorado Teacher of the Year in 1969. Dick brought joy to everyone he knew. He loved to sing and laugh, reveling in the beauty of the outdoors especially while fly fishing the Colorado rivers. He loved meeting new people, growing fruits and vegetables in his half-acre garden, and had a passion for astronomy. A multi-sport athlete he played basketball, baseball, football, and was an avid golfer. Dick grew up with a large family and continued a close relationship with his siblings and extended family his entire life. He rarely missed a family reunion, and many vacations included visiting friends and family. He loved bringing people together and he and Elaine held many large pig roasts, vacation bible school, and church picnics at their farm in Montrose. Dick was truly kind and giving to everyone he met and always went out of his way to make them feel special. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Hazel, and siblings Virginia Martin, Shirley Bishop, Larry Baker, Paul Baker and Charles Baker. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; Children, Rebecca Johnson (Wayne) and David Baker (Jennifer); his siblings, Jamie Baker (Mabel), Clara Fay Walz (Larry), Rev. Robert Baker (Jeanne) and Dennis Baker (Judi); grandchildren, Ava Johnson, Erika Johnson, Katlyn Wood (James) and Ryan Baker, and great granddaughter, Adelaide Mae Wood. Contributions may be made to the Dick and Elaine Baker Family Scholarship at Colorado State University Foundation or the Nebraska Wesleyan Archway Fund. There will be a memorial service led by Rev. Angie Dornish and Rev. Robert Baker at the Heart of Longmont United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 19 at 1:00 PM.