On November 9, 2020 Dick passed away from complications of the terrible coronavirus and heart failure. He was 92 years old.
Dick was born January 20, 1928 in Bozeman where he grew up fishing with his dad and tearing up and down the streets in his 1938 Ford, winning every race he was challenged to.
Dick joined the Army in his teens and was sent to Korea where he was in the medics and drove to the front line to pick up the wounded. Boy are there some stories there.
When Dick got back to the states, he found his true love, Betty Gee, the girl next door. Dick and Betty married on February 7, 1948 and had three children.
After the Army, Dick was in the National Guard and worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad, Trinten Cement Plant and then Pacific Hide and Fur in Bozeman. In 1955 he moved to Helena to become Pacific’s first manager there where he worked until he retired in 2007
He made many wonderful friends and acquaintances and loads of good memories.
Thru his gruffness, Dick was a very caring man. When he was young his brother and him would take a can of food from the house and go and share it with the hobos for lunch. He enjoyed family gatherings and always had to make sure there was always enough food and drinks.
In the late 60s he bought a small ranch on the frontage road in Helena, which became his passion. He loved messing with the cows, many of which he named and would eat pellets out of his hands, and all the other aspects that came with ranching.
His passion for animals carried on to his daughter Sharon, wanting to make sure all the animals had enough to eat, including the squirrels and birds.
In earlier years, Dick taught his son, Rick, the art of hunting. This was all good until Rick Finally figured it out that he was the bird dog. Rick keeps this adventure going strong every year.
Dick loved to fish, and his fishing partner was his daughter, Barb. There was always a bet going for the first, biggest and most fish. He made sure we paid up.
Once a month, he looked forward to having lunch at the Grub Stake with friends, Ed Grady, Phil Chevallier, Gary Summers and whoever else joined the group to catch up on the latest and greatest! He loved going to auctions more or less to see old friends, especially Andy Skinner.
Dick was preceded death by his wife, Betty; father, Fred; mother, Nona; brother, Bob and sister in law Elsie; half-brother; Keith and great great grandson, Graysen Clark.
Dick is survived by his daughter Sharon (Dan Kaberline) Heigh; son, Rick (Bonnie) Baker; daughter Barb (Kevin) Crabtree and half-sister, Linda Manning of Billings; four grandchildren, Tammy Heigh, Chuck (Randi) Heigh, Brook (Shane) Feist and Heather (Mike) Parmer. Six great grandchildren; Alex Heigh, Riley Stevens, Kayleigh and Lauren Feist and Auston and Emmalee Parmer; three great great grandchildren, Easton Clark, Remi Trussel and Zamyia Stevens and many furry friends, especially Kena Marie.
Special thank you go out to Dr. Emery, nurse Carrisa and the staff of St. Peter’s emergency room for being so kind and thoughtful. Also, special thanks to Chuck and Val Opperman for all the special food they made for Dick.
A meet and greet with the family will be on Friday, November 13th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Per Dick’s request, there will be no funeral service, but a celebration of life will be held after the pandemic calms down.
Donations in Dick’s name to Pad for Paws, PO Box, 287, Helena, MT 59624 are suggested. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Dick.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday November 13, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday November 13, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Karen Hardy-Farrow says
Barb, Rick, and the whole family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. He was such an incredible man.. He will be missed greatly.
Love to all
Karen Farrow
Thomas Juhl says
My condolences to Dick’s Family Sharon, Rick and Barb..What a great man, loved going in to Pacific Steel, always a smile on his face and sometimes a wise crack or two……I will miss you Dick…..R.I.P.
Donna Skogen says
Dick will always hold a special place in my heart. I will never forget his mischievous grin. It was a pleasure working with him. Once a Scrapper always a Scrapper!! Sending thoughts and Prayers to all.
wayne kovick says
RICK,BONNIE,AND FAMILY,SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I NEVER SAW DICK WITHOUT A SMILE ON HIS FACE.HE WAS A GOOD BUSINESS MAN . PACIFIC WAS BETTER BECAUSE OF HIM.RIP DICK
Mike and susan Ryan says
I’m so sorry Rick, barb , and family , a tremendous loss, what a great human being, just loved haggling with Dick, never did get ahead of him, this community will miss him
Priss Leslie says
Barob, Rick, I’m so sorry to read this.
Prayers to you and your families.
Clay Pipinich says
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad My prayers are with you.
Neal & Deb Lloyd says
Barb & Rick and families. We are so sorry to hear of Dicks passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Tom and Patti Russ says
Barb, Rick and family. Tom and I were saddenwd to hear of your father’s passing. He was a great man. Prayers and blessings to all of you.
Shane Warfield says
My condolences to the family, Rich and Barb sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers
Shane Warfield says
My condolences to the family, Rick and Barb sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers
Sherry Hall says
Barb, Rick & the rest of your Family,
Dick always brightened my day with his smile & humor whenever I saw him. It was so funny when my nephew was little & he would try to convince Dick to let him operate the big magnet on the crane to move scrap!. This interaction went on for years, it was great to watch Dick’s eyes sparkle & the kindness he took to make a little child feel important. It was incredible how he remembered everyone, even if it had been years since you saw him last. The expertise & customer service provided by Dick & his family was always amazing & appreciated. Pacific was never the same without Dick there. My deepest sympathy to everyone that loved Dick. He will be missed!
Joann Daly says
Dick was always so much fun at family gatherings – He will be missed by so many! He and his family are in my prayers.
Keith and Shar Stav says
To the entire Baker Clan,
We are sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. Dick was a part of our lives since we were really young and we will always smile when we think of him. Please know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Keith and Shar Stav
Laura Calkin says
Barb. I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Laura (Bird) Calkin
John L Horne says
I am sadden to hear of Dick’s passing. All of you are in my prayers and thoughts. I can remember going into Pacific when I was a little guy with my grampa. Dick always had words of advice for everyone. My favorite memory of Dick is when he told me the secret to life was to BUY LOW and SELL HIGH !!! I guess I should of paid more attention. Please know he is in a better place . John Horne
Robert Crum says
To the Baker Family ,So sorry to hear about your loss , loved to hear his story’s and Jokes, what a great man . he always asked me if I had mud flaps on my truck yet. lol God bless him. And yes I do.
Gary Marks says
Barb, Rick, and Family
I am saddened to hear of Your dad’s passing. I so enjoyed doing business with him over the years. He was one of a kind ! May he rest in peace with his dear wife in heaven
Tony Strainer says
Sharon, Barb and Rick,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Going into Pacific was always a kick when Dick was there. He was so witty. He never failed to impress with his quick math skills and not using a calculator. He will be missed. We are thinking of you all.
Winnie, Tony and Bob Strainer
Darrell Miller says
Sharon, Barb, Rick and family. Sorry to hear of your dads passing. I always enjoyed your dad when I came to Pacific. Never got the best of him but always got a fair deal and good service. He certainly was a unique individual and will be missed.
Jackie Lloyd says
Sharon, Barb and family, sorry to hear about your Dad. Rest in peace and keep all the memories .
Wanda Stout says
Rick, Barb and Family. An icon in the community will be greatly missed. I never met a man and his family greater than yours.
Robert Settle says
Great memories of your Dad, Prayers for your family..
Bob, Carol and Steven Utick says
Bob, Carol and Steven Utick
So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. He was a good man, always fair and he will be missed by all.
Tom Carey says
Sorry for your loss. I have known Dick since I was a kid. My Dad used to deal with him and I carried on. He was always great to deal with .
Amy, Steve, Mason & Luke Skains says
Barb, Brooke and family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father and Grandpa. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Dale says
A great person and a wonderful example for all to inspire to. His family has certainly followed his lead and have my utmost respect. My sincere condolences to you, and high praise for a life well lived by a one of a kind gentleman, father, grandfather, family man, rancher and friend. Truly a remarkable man.
Dan & Flo Jenkins says
Dear Barb, Rick and Family,
Dan and I are so sorry for your loss. Dick was a really great guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Pacific Steel was never the same after your dad retired. He was and is greatly missed. Sorry we won’t be able to attend your meeting with friends and family on Friday.
Tracie Kiesel says
Sharon, Rick, Barb, and Family,
So many thoughts and memories of Dick-many of which occurred during the 34 years that my dad worked at Pacific, to include getting a $2 bill, hearing “Hey Kid”, how kind both Dick and Betty had been to me and the fun we all had at the Annual summer company picnics from way back in the 60’s-70’s. Dad and I were passing the ranch just a few weeks ago and he said to me that he was wondering how Dick was doing. What a legacy of memories he leaves behind that goes so far beyond your family. We are thinking about you.
Durk Pipinich says
Sorry for your loss. Durk& Paula Pipinich
Kevin Collins says
To the family of Mr. Dick Baker I am truly sorry for your loss of Dick, We go back a long way from our first meeting, I was with my father whom had stopped to pick up Mr. Bradford at his shop then continued down to pick up (Baker as dad called him) and off to Gertie’s for coffee. Long time ago. He was a Great guy and was always happy to see me, always told me if I was looking for trouble I was at the right place!! May you rest in Peace Mr. Baker
Kevin Collins says
My brother and I dropped of some large cast iron pipe scrap off at PH&F, un beknown to me it was filled with concrete and Baker paid us and away we go, Next time in to the shop Baker crawled all over me,,, It was funny that some one got the best of him on that day!!! I tried to make it right but he said he was going to keep both eyes on me the next time…RIP
David and Celia Berg says
So sorry for your loss. Dick was a great guy and will be missed by many. Cherish all the memories and moments your shared, with those in your heart Dick will never truly be gone. My families thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Mark P. Armstrong says
A shout out to Barb and Rick. Long time. I am sorry for your loss. I often think about those days when I used to come into Pacific and trade jokes with Dick. His were almost always better but I never really minded being one-upped by him. The aura there was always friendly. You just knew he was a good man. The world is a bit smaller now. Take care.
Stan Rogers says
Barb and Rick, I am sorry for your loss. Your father always entertaining and enjoyable to see. I enjoyed him joking about how frugal my great uncle Ken was (He always said Ken probably had his first). Of course, it was enjoyable to me, because Ken always said the same thing in regards to Dick. He will be missed! Take Care!
Taylor & Rose berg says
To the baker family ,Dick was a gentle giant lots of memories he will truly be missed sending our thoughts and prayers
Shirley Forbes says
To the family of Dick Baker, the thing that always stood out to me was there was no guessing where you stood with Dick, he was a straight arrow. If he cared about you, you knew it and if he didn’t you knew that too. Dick was definitely “one of a kind”. I am glad that my genuine care for Dick was reciprocated. I will continue to smile every time I think about Dick better known to me as “Ornery” .
Tracy Dustin says
My heartfelt sympathy to Dicks loving family. A true Montana treasure! He will remain a legend to all of us who had the privilege of working with him at Pacific. RIP.
Dan Long says
To Sharon, Rick, Barb, and the entire family, Samareh and I offer our deepest condolences for the loss of your Dad. I truly feel that a Helena Institution has passed. And by many of the remembrances that I see here, I’m not the only one that feels that way. I hope you all got to enjoy many fishing trips with him over the years.
Dan
Lynn Cochran says
Barb, Kevin and the rest of the family: Bruce and I are so sorry about Dick’s passing. He was an interesting man, full of surprises too! We really enjoyed camping with Dick and Betty and you two up in Augusta. He will be missed. Prayers to you all. Take care. Lynn Cochran & Bruce Block
Michael Glueckert says
So very sorry about your loss barb and Rick and entire family. Dick was good and kind to me and just a wonderful person and a man of character. Once again I’m sorry folks you all in my evening thoughts and prayers
Bob Wilson says
Barb and I were both saddened to hear of the loss of Dick. Rick and Barb please know your in our Prayers and Thoughts. He will be missed! And what a great life he had and made so many others lives so much better as well. Rest in Peace Dick.
Dave Nardinger says
Barb and family, Helena has lost a truly unique and wonderful character in “Baker”. Dick always kept us on our toes when coming into Pacific. I remember once picking up a bent up trombone horn on the counter that Dick had modified so that one pipe would point back at the players face… of course he had filled the horn with flower which changed our complexion when we blew. He was fair, funny, interesting and a Helena institution. He will be dearly missed.
Jerome Fah says
So sorry to hear of Dicks passing. I had a love for that old coot. I’m sorry I missed the memorial. Please accept my deepest condolences. They certainly broke the mold when he came to us. Love to all.
Roy Moreno says
Barb Rick & family so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing I remember his smile when I ise to bring cans in he once said you drink a lot of pop no there from my work my sincere condolences & prayers
Scott St. Clair says
Barb, Rick & Family My thoughts are with you. I always respected Dick, you always knew where you stood with him (I think). As a businessman, he was always fair with me. He supported many families over his career. I will miss running into him at the Mother Lode. RIP my Friend.
Scott St. Clair
Sandy Bradford says
To the Baker Family – heartfelt sympathies in the loss of your Dad. You well know the many years of friendship between Dick and William Bradford, Sr. and the business relationship they enjoyed. With special caring to each of you. Bill, Sandy & Chris Bradford
Elmer Osborne says
Barb,Rick And family in the loss of your Dad th was a good man.
God bliss the whole family Elmer Osborne
McHugh Family says
Very sorry for your loss.
Ralph Beer says
Really sorry to see this news, Barb and Rick. I always enjoyed coming into PHF and being hassled (in a good way) by your Dad. He was a good one and I enjoyed the back and forth a lot with the three of you.
Kathy & Tim Royston says
Sharon, Rick/Bonnie & Barb/Kevin
We are very sorry for the loss of your dad. Our thoughts are with your family.
John Ulberg says
Dick was a very unique individual, and always dealt from his own deck of cards, but fairly. He helped me out
when I needed to do a plumbing project in the 70’s, loaning me a tool I had no money to buy.
A good man, there was only one Dick Baker.
May his family know solidly that he left a good trail thru the hearts of those of us fortunate to have known him. God bless you all.