R. Tom Baker, 74, died at his Bainbridge Island home on July 8, after a long battle with Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis.

He was born Dec. 28, 1928 in Tacoma to Lucille and Russell Baker. He graduated from Stadium High School in 1946, playing varsity football, wrestling and baseball.

He attended Washington State College, where he played varsity football and wrestled for four years.

After graduating from WSC, he served as a lieutenant in the army during the Korean War and played football with the Fort Ord Warriors and the 8th Cavalry Regiment in Hokaido, Japan.

He was discharged in 1953 and entered the University of Washington, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.

He played semi-pro football with the Seattle Ramblers in 1953 and worked in Venezuela 1955-59 in oil fields on Lake Maraca Ibo.

From 1959-1996, he was a partner with MBA Consulting Engineers in Anchorage Alaska. He learned to fly, had a floatplane and enjoyed the great hunting and fishing Alaska had to offer. He retired in 1991, moving to Bainbridge in 1996.

A member of Wing Point Golf Club, he enjoyed golf, his piano, bridge and crossword puzzles.

He is survived by his brothers, Dick and Jan Baker, Kent; Bob and Judy Baker, Washougal; Paul and Abby Baker, Anchorage, Alaska; and his wife, Carol Lee Baker, Bainbridge Island and her family.

His wife Lois Baker preceded him in death in 1995.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. July 14 at the Wing Point clubhouse. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Kitsap County, P.0. Box 3416, Silverdale, WA 98383.

Arrangements are by Kass Funeral Home, Bainbridge Island.