Robert Alvin Baker, 85,  went to meet with the Supreme Architect of the Universe on May 17, 2024.

For the last several years, he had served as the devoted caretaker of his wife, Rosalie Mae Baker, and was grieving her death only a month earlier.

Robert was born at Emmett, ID to Ira A. and Bessie J. Baker on May 2, 1939 and spent his early years there.  He started working for Idaho Power Company, first as a laborer, then advancing to powder man, equipment operator, and finally journeyman electrical lineman, when a birth defect was found in his lower back and he was forced to stop climbing the poles.

After trying different occupations, he studied at Utah's Weltech Institute and received his AA, Computer Sciences, and was hired by International Business Machines (IBM). He thrived at IBM and worked as a test engineer in New York, working on the Mod 40 and 50 computers. He was transferred to Colorado, and worked as test engineer and developer of the 2420 high speed tape drive, specializing in motor control and testing. He was the liaison to National Security Administration (NSA), and other large firms as lead troubleshooter for the tape products, including the 3850 large tape library storage unit. After another transfer to California, he worked with Quality Control and field reporting, as well as with the American Society of Quality Control (ASQC) as a member assigned to help develop standards to be used in the industry.  In that capacity, he was also a contributing member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Robert spent his last 15 years with IBM in Arizona as the Controller of Computer Systems for the site of 6,500 employees, and would retire after 30 years of service in 1995.

Robert was a life-long serial entrepreneur and had many businesses: B&L Automotive Supply in Idaho, R&R Automotive Supply, A to Z Auction Company, and OK Tire Store in Colorado, Colonial Clocks in California, RR Enterprises and Many Nations in Arizona and New Mexico.

He was also a member of the National Auctioneers Association, National Watch and Clock Collectors as a master horologist, and the IBM Quarter Century Club as a retired advisor.

Robert was proud to be an active member of the Silver City Masonic Lodge #8 and served most recently as the lodge's Junior Warden.  He was Past Master in the Silver City lodge and also served as Past Master in the Hurley Lodge #55 in 2014, and he was instrumental in arranging the merger of the two lodges.  He was proud to have been awarded his 60-year Masonic service pin in 2023.

For three years, Robert served as a representative to the Grand Lodge of New Mexico for Masonic Charities.  He also served as Worthy Patron of the Silver City Eastern Star, with his wife Rosalie.  They also were vestries for the Silver City Good Shepherd and the Holy Trinity Anglican Churches. 

Robert and Rosalie were charter members of the National Museum of the American Indian.  Over his lifetime, Robert had served as a leader for the 4H, as counselor for the Boy Scouts of America computer group, a director for the Junior Chamber of Commerce, a certified instructor for the Youth Bowling Association and as a Rainbow Dad.  He was also a member of the American Legion (Honorable Discharge, Army 5th Infantry Division). He served as a Ward officer for the Republican Party of New Mexico.

He enjoyed racing cars in oval track Mini Stock (Imports), Figure 8 races, and with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) with his Morgan +4 roadster. He was thrilled when he and the Morgan were featured on the cover of the 1971 Rocky Mountain SCCA magazine.

Rosalie and Robert moved to Silver City in 1997.  They enjoyed traveling in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Ecuador. Robert had a good life – he enjoyed being busy, always meeting friends and people with a warm handshake and a smile.

He is survived by his sister, Sandra Baker Wallace of Boise, ID, his children: Cathy Baker of Alameda, CA, Sheryl Baker Ballard of Johnstown, CO, and James Baker of Loveland, CO and his four grandchildren: Samuel Ballard, Cassandra Ballard, Grace Baker Skelton, and Jessica Baker.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rosalie Baker, his parents Ira and Bessie Baker, and his daughter, Jobie Baker McDonald of Tucson, AZ.

Please join us for the memorial service at Silver City Masonic Lodge, 11 Ridge Road on June 6, 2024 at 10:30 am.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Shriners Hospital.

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trust care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .