In Memory of Michael Baker, Electrical Apprenticeship Instructor

Michael Byron Baker, 71, passed away on December 6th, 2023, in Oregon City, OR surrounded by his wife and children after a long battle with cancer.

Michael was born on September 9th, 1952 in Portland, OR, to Byron Baker and Dorothy Baker. Michael graduated from Gresham High in 1970 and went on to earn an Associate degree from Mount Hood Community College in 1972. He served in the United States Navy from 1972-1978. After completing the Machinist Mate Second Class at the Navy Nuclear Power school. Then he served on the USS Halibut SSN-587. Upon leaving the Navy he started his career as an Electrician and Fire Protection Engineering Technician and trainer. Michael spent the latter part of his career presenting fire protection, fire code, and building code seminars across the USA and Canada. Ending his career at Clackamas Community College as an Oregon Electrical Apprenticeship Teacher and with Jet Industries as a trainer.

Michael married Cynthia Baker on September 1st, 1996 in Gladstone OR. The couple shared their six children from their previous marriages; Adam Baker, Andrew Baker, Adrian Baker, Sarah Rollins, Mike Baker, and Samantha Kretschmer. Michael was a beacon of light and humor for his family. Usually found wearing a Hawaiian shirt and sandals, regardless of the weather or occasion. A lifelong baseball fan, he spent March to October watching and talking about baseball. An avid reader, who loved science fiction and all things fantastical. He had a passion for technology that informed both his hobbies and career. His love of computers and science fulfilled his needs to tinker and endlessly expand his knowledge of the world. Above all his greatest joy was his family. A loving father to his sons and step-daughters, he joked that having kids was the only way to become a Papa of his ten beautiful grandchildren; April, Adrianne Lynn, Brenna, Branden, Ayden, Marleigh, Sawyer, Victoria, Ethan, and Autumn. He lived all year long in anticipation of the yearly week-long family camping trips. Additionally, Michael and Cynthia lived for the opportunity to join their children in Disneyland, one of his favorite places on earth. He will be missed dearly by his friends and family.

Michael is preceded in death by his son Matthew Baker, and his parents Byron Baker and Dorothy Baker. Michael is survived by his wife Cynthia and his six children and their spouses, as well as his ten grandchildren and siblings Dave Baker and Mary Turner, and numerous cousins, nephews, and friends.

Memorial donations can be made in Michael's name to Clackamas Community College Foundation to benefit the Electrical Apprenticeship Program.

  • Online gifts may be made below.
  • Checks made payable to the "CCC Foundation." Indicate gift designation in memo. Address: CCC Foundation, 19600 Molalla Ave., Oregon City, OR 97045

 

Michael Baker Michael Baker