Celebration of Life Planned for Charles Frederick “Joe” Baker

LIVERMORE, CA — Charles Frederick “Joe” Baker, 77, died on January 5, 2017 in Livermore. Joe was born at Fort Hayes Army Base in Columbus, Ohio on April 13, 1939. As the son of a military father, his childhood was spent traveling and moving throughout the U.S and abroad where he spent a year in Germany and learned to speak the language. He graduated from Shaw High School in East Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Georgia Tech in 1964 with a B.S in Civil Engineering.

With degree in hand and wife Pat at his side, they loaded up a VW bug and a U-haul trailer that outsized the car and headed to San Francisco. There, Joe began work for the California Highway Department and daughter Jane was born. In 1966 Joe joined the California Bridge Department where he oversaw bridge design and construction throughout the state. During this time he became a Registered Civil Engineer and he and Pat welcomed their second daughter, Patty, while living in Monterey.

In 1970, the family moved to Livermore, where daughter Carol was born, and Joe joined the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory/University of California where he worked until retirement in 1999. He was proud of the revitalization of Site 300 as well as his work for the Contained Firing Facility. Joe also was also self-employed as an expert witness and consulting engineer.

Throughout his life, Joe loved to travel: family trips to Lake Shasta for house-boating, backpacking in the Sierras with the girls and road trips to Alabama to visit family during summer breaks. Joe loved nothing more than planning and researching his adventures with Pat to many countries in Asia, most of Europe, along with Australia and New Zealand. He never missed an opportunity to visit a historical site – he was the type of traveler to read every single word on every single plaque.

Joe was also an avid athlete, participating in college basketball, football and wrestling. He coached the undefeated Green Roses soccer team and when he wasn’t playing something himself, he loved watching his girls swim, play basketball, volleyball and soccer.

Joe was a big man with a big personality and a laugh to match. He lived life on his own terms. He was an extraordinary man and a steadfast friend, husband and father. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Pat, their children Jane, Patty and Carol and son-in- law Robert, and four grandchildren Abby, Spencer and Amanda (Jane), and Sutton (Carol).

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Joe will be held Saturday, January 21 st at 3:00 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church in Livermore. Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Joe by donating to one of the following charities:

HOPE HOSPICE

• The team at Hope Hospice provided immeasurable care, support and comfort to Joe as well as our whole family. (925) 829-8770 or click here.

ALZHEIMER'S FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

• Providing education, support and research to find a cure for Alzheimer's.

Announcement, photo submitted by Carol Hoffman