ROBERT A BAKER Obituary (1920

Robert A. Baker, 95, formerly of Brewster, Wenatchee and Quincy, WA resident passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 in Libby, MT. He was born on March 29, 1920 in Spokane, WA to Brooks O. and Edythe (Jensen) Baker. He grew up in Spokane attending school in Spokane and attending Yakima Valley Academy where he graduated in 1939. Bob married his high school sweetheart Edna M. Wilson on July 26, 1942 at Paso Robles, CA. He entered the United States Army in April, 1942 serving until his honorable discharge in August, 1945. Following his military service they moved to Portland, OR and later to Forest Grove, OR where in 1948 where he attended Pacific University graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 1953 he further his education and in 1954 he graduated from Pacific University with a degree as Doctor of Optometry. Bob and Edna and their two young daughters moved to Brewster, WA in 1955 where they started their optometric practice in both Brewster and Grand Coulee. They lived and worked in Brewster until 1973 when they sold their practices and became missionaries for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Tamuning, Guam, they also served in Palau and Malawi, Africa until 1986. They returned to the United States in 1986 settling in Quincy, WA for a short time where Bob worked part-time as an Optometrist. In 1987 they moved to Wenatchee and he worked for Sear's Optical Department in East Wenatchee retiring in July, 1997. Edna passed away in Wenatchee on September 4, 1997. Bob moved to Quincy in 1998 to be closer to daughter Jeannie and family. In November, 2000 Bob moved to Salem, OR and on December 2, 2000 he married Doris Bond in Salem she passed away in November, 2014. Bob was a life member of the Seventh-day Adventist church; he held many responsibilities in the Brewster, Guam and Palau churches. He served as president of the North Central Society of Washington Optometric Association, was president of the National Association of Seventh-Day Adventist Optometrist, he was also president of the Brewster Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club. While living and working in Guam he worked with the governor of Guam in writing and passing the optometric by-laws for Guam. He enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, traveling and water skiing. He never met a person he didn't like and everyone liked him, he always had smile on his face. Bob is survived by his, children, Donna Rae and Jay Riddel of Libby, MT, Jeannie and Mike Scharbach of Quincy, WA, grandchildren, Scott Riddel and Joel and Joni Riddel of Libby, MT., Mary and Adam Gelhausen of Spokane,WA, Ben and Xannie Riddel of Libby, MT, Jason and Cassie Scharbach of Spokane, WA Jennie Bickel of Sandpoint, ID, Nicole Joslin of Quincy, WA. 11 Great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by one brother and one sister. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, December 7, 2015 at Locust Grove Cemetery, Brewster, WA. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.