Gerald Paul Baker

Gerald Paul Baker completed his final test and passed away at his home on November 8, 2023.  He was born on April 20, 1950, the second son of Floyd Lester and Bess Nielson Baker in Richfield, Utah.  When Paul was 14, his family moved to Price, Utah.  He graduated from Carbon High School and attended the College of Eastern Utah for a year.  He was called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and labored in the Philippine Island mission, when it was just one mission.  He loved to tell stories from his mission experiences to anyone who would listen.

Paul was attending the University of Utah when he ran into one of his mission companions.  The companion invited Paul to his house for dinner, and he met his future wife.  Paul would often tell the story about his wife being his “dream girl”.  Paul and Margaret Jenson Baker were married on September 7, 1973.  Together they built their home in West Valley City, Utah, and welcomed four children into their lives.  They just celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

Paul received his degree in Architecture from Utah Technical College (Salt Lake Community College).  He went to work in the irrigation industry designing and installing sprinkler systems.  This eventually evolved into opening his own company, North Star Marketing, which specialized in selling, installing and maintaining the irrigation pump stations on golf courses.  He served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Intermountain Golf Course Superintendents Association for many years.

Paul was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in numerous positions.  His favorite positions were Bishop, High Councilor, Stake Young Mens President, Scout Master/Varsity Coach and Sunday School teacher.  He loved working with the youth.  He is best known for being the candy man, as he always had a pocket full of Life Savers to pass out to the youth as they shook his hand.  He and Margaret served an Inner City Mission in the Pioneer Park area of Salt Lake City and worked closely with the youth in that area as well.  After he was released as Bishop, Paul and Margaret put in their request to be temple workers.  Together they served for five years in the Jordan River Temple, and then Paul served alone for another five years.  He loved the temple and doing the Lord’s work and experienced many miracles and tender mercies along the way.

Paul often found joy in nature especially when fishing and camping, and was always quick to share a good fish story. 

Paul is survived by his loving wife Margaret, and their four children - Chad Gerald (Angela) Baker, Deborah (William) Whetstone, April Baker, and LeAnne (Daniel) Blair.  Grandchildren are Kevin Baker, Eleanor Baker, Michael Baker, Lillie Baker, Alyssa (Jordan) Griffith, Jocelyn (Masen) Petersen, Kennedy Whetstone, Addison Whetstone, Andrew Blair, Lindy Blair, Megan Blair, and Jeremiah Blair.  Paul and Margaret also just welcomed their first great grandson Kye Petersen.  Paul is also survived by his brothers Jim (Michelle) Baker, Don Baker and Robert Baker, and his sister Janene Openshaw as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday November 14, 2023 at the Hunter Central Stake Center, 3930 South 6000 West, West Valley City, Utah at 11:00 am.  A viewing for friends and family will be November 13, 2023 at the Hunter Central Stake Center, from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm and on Tuesday morning at the Hunter Central Stake Center prior to the funeral services from 9:30 am until 10:30 am. 

The family would like to thank Symbii Home Health and Hospice for their tender and loving care for the last six months.  They have been wonderful.

Funeral services will be streamed, please contact a family member for the link.