Lester D Baker

Lester (Les) David Baker passed away at his home on the farm on January 11, 2024 after 7 years with Vascular Dementia.

Les was born on January 23, 1943 in Erickson, Manitoba, Canada to his parents, Sidney J. and Delores Baker. In 1958, along with his dad, Les became a United States Citizen. The family settled in Independence.

Les married Janet (Jan) Mae Olsson 61 years ago. Les and Jan lived on a beef cattle and hay farm where they lovingly raised their three children; Shawn, Shelli and Eric (Janeen). He had six grandchildren: Evyn Baker, Henry Baker, Kasey Eames, Kelsey Huber, Ryan Eames, Bryar Eames and one beloved great-grandson, Jerek.

Les worked at the Holt Foundry from 1963-64. One of the most known items he made were all the steel washers (engraved “HOLT INDEP ORE“) for the Astoria-Megler Bridge.

In 1964, Les received his certification in autobody repair. He worked at various shops in Woodburn, Salem, Dallas, Independence and Monmouth. From 1970 to 1975, Les owned Monmouth Autobody and Painting on Warren St. He did a lot of painting on Monmouth’s fire trucks and medic units. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Monmouth Fire Department and earned a "Fireman of the Year" award in 1974.

After buying the farm, he sold the Monmouth business and went to work for Roberson Motors in 1976 where they were located first between the two bridges in Salem, and then at their new location off Mission Street in 1988. He retired as the body shop foreman in 1994 after 18 years.

Les loved living on the farm and enjoyed "playing" with all of the farm equipment. Anyone that knows Les knew of his deep love of all animals from cattle to cats, dogs and (a large population) of turkeys! Some may even have had encounters with his "Guard" banty rooster.

Les taught a very popular night class for Chemeketa Community College in basic autobody repair. He taught students how to restore and repair their own vehicles. If students were ready for paint work, Les would invite them to his shop at the farm for additional lessons. He taught one or two classes per term for 30 years. He enjoyed being a teacher of his craft and was a mentor to many.

After retiring from Roberson’s, he stayed busy with his farming life and continued to repair and paint vehicles at his shop on Bakers Acres. He even managed to complete full restorations on more than 12 classic cars that were his true love. A fine example of this would be his second-owner 1966 Chrysler Imperial Crown Coup 2-door hardtop that he purchased from the original owner, who had bought it from Roberson’s. She sold it to Les for one dollar since he took care it for her the entire time she had it. Because of his desire to always help people and his love for cars, he touched so many people in his 81 years. You can say that he never met a stranger.
Les’s family would like to thank Dr. Gina Remington for her care of Les through the years and the great hospice care of Willamette Vital Health. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Willamette Vital Health 1015 3rd St. NW Salem.

There will be no funeral service. A celebration of life for all family and friends is being planned for March 30th from 1-4 pm at Bakers Acres.