Chester Ray Baker

Chester R. Baker (82) passed away at his Porthill area home on March 12, 2009. Chet lost his battle to an extended illness at his home in Porthill, Idaho. His wife Pam and daughter Irene were at his bedside looking out at Hall and Goat Mountains while white-tail deer grazed in the nearby fields and eagles soared in the clear blue skies. Chet was the fifth child of ten, born August 12, 1926 in Stanford, Montana to his parents Alfred and Ora Glea Baker. In 1928 the family moved from Montana and settled in Boundary County on the banks of the Kootenai River near Lucas Creek. Chet joined the Army in 1944 during the final days of World War II at the Panama Canal. After serving his country he returned to Boundary County and married Lois Cooper in 1949. They purchased land at the base of Hall Mt. and operated a small dairy farm. The couple had six children from 1950-1957. In 1978 Chet met and married his sole-mate Pam Kolbe. Their true passion was exploring the Northwest. Together they searched for hot-springs, went hunting, fishing, hiking, and boating. Chet also enjoyed ice-skating and water-skiing, he taught many neighbor kids to water ski on the Kootenai River at Porthill. Chet loved working the land and continued to farm for most of his life. He wore many hats during his lifetime. He served three, 4-year terms as a county commissioner, and fourteen years as a school bus driver. He also was a radiator repairman, ambulance driver, and served on numerous community organizational committees. His favorite hat was that of Santa Claus, which he wore many times for the students at Mt. Hall school. Chester was fond of people. He never met a stranger, and truly had the "gift of gab". Most of the community will remember him as the jovial story-teller in the striped-bid overalls, beard, and green felt hat. He was preceded in death by: parents Alfred and Ora Baker, brothers Curt, Robert, and Milo, sister Crystal, son Merl, granddaughter Heather and great¬granddaughter Rachael. Survivors include: his wife Pam, sons Boyd (Kathy) Baker, Colburn, Id., Curt (Susan) Baker, Freeland, Wa., daughters Irene (Stan) Parks, Spokane, Wa., Lorlene (Terry) Johnson, Moyie Springs, Id., and Sherlene (Randy) Johnson, Porthill, Id. Grandchildren include: Lance (Jolie) Taylor, Emma Jean Rombach, Kari (Jon) Wilson, Eldon (Crystal) Baker, Charles (Kellie) Baker, Matthew (Andrea) Baker, Reuben (Jennifer) Baker, April Allen, Billijo (Terry) Beck, Casey (Brandi) Johnson, Jacob (Julie) Johnson, Denneil Baker-Johnson (Rob Becker), Nicholas (Megan) Johnson, Marlaina (Lyle) Davy, Jolene Johnson (Ben Adams), 21 great-grandchildren, and a long list of extended family. Surviving siblings include: Eula Thompson, Sandpoint, Id., Joyce Gross, Joan Mead, Christine Jeffries, and Alva (Elva) Baker all residing in Bonners Ferry. A private grave-side service was held at the Porthill Cemetery. Open to the community, "A CELEBRATION OF LIFE" will be held Saturday, March 21 at 2:00 PM at the Copeland Hall. Please bring your favorite pot-luck dish, photo or story to share. Family and friends are invited to sign Chet’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangement are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.