Neil Francis Baker, age 71, of Helena, passed away in the presence of family and friends from a short bout of cancer on August 16th, 2015.
Neil was born to Wesley and Ellen Baker on July 19, 1944 on the day of his parents’ wedding anniversary at St James Hospital. He grew up in Helena and attended St. Helena’s School, and graduated from Helena High School in 1966. He joined the Navy and was stationed on the Coral Sea, working radar for operation intelligence. After the Navy, Neil moved to Washington DC area working for the Riggs Bank and worked for MaBell installing phones. From DC he moved to Colorado where he attended UNC in Greeley, earning a degree in business along with a teaching certificate. After graduation, Neil began working for Elars Bio Research labs.
In 1976, Neil married Ranae Troester, a nurse from Iowa. Their first daughter, Michelle Marie was born April 1978 shortly before the family moved back to Helena when Neil purchased the RB Drive In, which he owned until 2003. Jennifer Ranae their second daughter was born January 1980.
After the sale of the Drive In, Neil and business partner purchased High Country Toppers. From there he invested in commercial and residential rental properties which he managed to semi-retirement.
He loved winters at his home in Arizona where he always welcomed friends and family. He spent summers entertaining all on his boat at the Gates of the Mountains.
Neil is survived by his wife, Ranae of 39 years; daughter, Michelle (Roger) and grandson, Hudson of Denver; daughter, Jennifer (Ronald) and grandsons, Connor and Owen from Seattle; sister, Eileen (Dr. Kenneth Larson); and brother, Dr. Terrance (Margaret); sister-in law, Sandra (Keith Herman); brothers-in-law, Craig Troester (Nancy) and Joel Troester (Joannie); and his many beloved nieces and nephews in addition to his mother-in-law, Arlene Troester.
Neil always said he had the best friend and family in the world. We will always miss Neil’s smile, helping hand and an answer for everything.
A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Thursday, August 20th, 2015 at the Cathedral of St. Helena with a reception to follow the Mass in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral. Burial with Military Honors will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Neil’s name are suggested to the Hospice of St. Peter’s.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Neil.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 20, 2015
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Thursday August 20, 2015
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
After the Reception
Thursday August 20, 2015
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 20, 2015
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Mass
Thursday August 20, 2015
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
After the Reception
Thursday August 20, 2015
Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Dick and Carol Paulsen says
So sorry to hear about losing Neil. He was a good friend and neighbor and a really great guy. He brought a lot to Helena in so many ways. We all will miss him.
Jack Horner says
Our condolences to the family. Neil was a great friend and neighbor.
He will be missed by everyone.
The Horner Family
Mark and Julia Viergutz says
Ranae and family, our greatest condolences on Neil’s much too early passing over. We always enjoyed a visit with Neil. His infectious smile always created one in return. Our sympathy also goes out to all his real estate buddies who we know will miss him dearly. The upper west neighborhood has lost a friend.
Jon and Robyn Nickel says
We are so sorry to hear about Neil. We both loved him and will miss his joyous laughter.
Sister Lynn Casey, SCL says
My prayers and condolences to all of you. Neil was such a wonderful person and I know you will miss his presence.
Paul & Pam Friskopp says
Neil was a very special person with a positive attitude and a great smile. He was upbeat and a friend to everyone. We are sorry to live so far away but you are all in our thoughts & prayers.
Renee Bishop (Schafer) says
Sending all my love to your beautiful family. I am so heartbroken over your loss. My childhood visits with your family were always a highlight of the summer. Love and prayers to all of you.
Marlene Longfellow says
Neill was big inspiration to my daughter Tobi Longfellow when she worked for him during high school at the RB, she would also babysit the girls, she loved her job. May God Bless you at this time of loss.
Judy Kuhl says
Ranae, when I saw you at Gerry’s vigil, I had no idea that Neil was sick until after I spoke with Kathleen. You are in my thoughts and prayers. My sincere sympathies for your loss. Love, Judy
John and Katie Baker says
Ranae and Family: I am at a loss for words. I met Neil shortly after he got out of the Navy in Washington, DC. We were roommates for several years. He was one of the most fun and happy people I have ever known. We talked on the phone, sometimes after years of no contact and it was like no time had passed at all. I will miss him! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Darlene, Kevin, & Chad Carlson says
So very sorry to hear about Neil. Kevin and Chad have such great memories of you and Neil. Our thoughts are with you.
Margie Vollmer Rabdau says
Eileen and Terry:
I was saddened to hear of Neil’s death. He was such a delightful and gracious person. My prayers are with you and his family.
Michigan Bradfords Mike, Debbie, Meghan says
Dear Ranae and family,
Please accept our condolences on your loss of Neil. We will keep all of you in our prayers as you pass through this difficult time. Neil was a most generous and kind man and a lot of fun to be around. Every thought and memory of him brings smiles to our faces.
Lauren Murphy says
In all my years at Rossiter, Neil and Ranae were some of the best parents I ever had. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ranae, Michelle and Jennifer. Neil was a great guy!
Carol Story says
I am so, so sorry to hear of Neil’s death. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences and know your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
With love and sympathy,
Carol Story and family
Walter and Irene Woods says
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Neil’s passing, we know that his suffering is now over, and the rest of us will miss him even though it has been quite a while since we last saw him in Helena since we moved to Salt Lake City. Out deepest condolences go out to the family, and we will always have fond memories of Neil, as we were growing up across the street from each other on 9th Avenue and the times we saw him at the RB. RIP Neil.
All our best to the family,
Walter (Butch) and Irene Woods.
Ashby Jones says
So sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Ashby Jones
John and Crystal Lynch says
Neil Baker was one of our first landlords on Cannon Street many years ago. He was the kindest, sweetest and most understanding manager we’ve ever had. Very sorry to hear that he has passed. Our condolences to his family and friends. You are in our prayers.
Bill & Babs Leaphart says
Ranae, Michelle & Jenny- I was very saddened to read of Neil’s passing. We always enjoyed encountering him walking on the boulevard- ever cheerful. He was my first friend when we moved to Helena in 1950. My parents always said that he had great CEO potential because when we would play sandlot baseball at the little triangle park on 9th Ave- Neil, being the elder statesman, would get to bat first. And, if he got a hit, he would sit down to rest and make his dog run the bases. Due to a medical appointment, I won’t be able to attend the services, but you are all in my thoughts. Bill Leaphart
Steve & Maureen says
We always looked forward to visiting with Neil and all the fun that would follow. He was a wonderful man, generous in every way, and with such a delightful manner and sense of humor. We loved him and will miss him.
Ranae, Michelle, and Jenni, You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our love always.
Jane and Doug says
Neil, you will be missed by so many. Thank you for the sparkle in your eye, and a fine sense of humor and humanity, and so much that you brought to this plain of existence. Ranae, we are nearby and please, do not hesitate to stop in, call, lean, laugh and love with your ‘hood. We love you so. The mass was so nice, and with beautiful music throughout, which we found so comforting. The Monsignor said such good words of Neil and much heart and soul went into his choice of words.
with love, jane and doug
Susan Mattson says
So sad. My condolences Renae.
Jon Soderlind says
Ranae,
My sincerest apologies go out to you, Jennifer and Michelle with the loss of Neil.
Some of my fondest memories of childhood involve Neil. He had an energy and kindness about him that is rarely seen anymore. He was always willing to help the people around him and his spirit I have no doubt will be with us all forever.
I hope Gods blessings are with you all in this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Penney Eathorne Sey says
We grew up in the “hood” together so I knew Neil many, many years ago. Our parents worked at Anderson Motors as well as being neighbors. He was a great friend who grew into a great man. I will miss that infectious smile and sense of humor.
Lena Coleman-Meyer and Frank Coleman says
He has a great family and will be missed for sure. Rest in peace Neil knowing that you were so loved.
Steve Barry says
laura and my condolences go out to all the Baker family. I always got a smile on my face when I saw Neil as I knew I’d be in for a good joke or story. I was unaware of his illness and will hold him and all of you in my prayers.
Shari Grover adams says
I worked at RB drive in and still to this day(and I’m 44) I have not had a boss as wonderful as Neil.He truely cared about everyone of his employees. He went above and beyond of being the owner. I came to work one day and I had slipped and fell into barbwire and cut under my eye. He took one look at me and would not take no for an answer.I was scared to go and I was one of those kids that was stubborn
Neil loaded me up in his truck took me to the hospital,stayed with me the whole time and brought me back to work.what kind of a boss does that????Neil Baker does! He will be greatly missed.
Tony Holley says
I know many of you on here may not know me, my name is Tony Holley and i am at a loss for words as Neil was my boss at the RB Drive In as i attended high school and came in to my class and taught employee skills and did video practice interviews every now and then. He was was the best employer i ever had and i miss him greatly. I was working my butt off at my current job here in Great Falls when he passed away. I had no idea til a friend of mine told me the other day. Neil, if you can see this, i thank you for all the wisdom and encouragement you’ve given me. You were a great person to me in and out of the Drive In. Thank you so much Neil. I never met you Renae that i recall, but if you would like to know more about me my number is 406 468 5377. I’m home around 5pm. I’d be happy to tell you more.