Gary Wayne Baker

Gary Wayne Baker was born on November 7, 1980 in Durango, Colorado. He lived an exciting adventurous life full of mountain biking, hiking (conquered Mount Hesperus several times), playing sports, and hunting. When he was not outdoors he would spend his time with his family, friends and his mountain yorkie Louie. Gary cherished the people in his life and was the kindest, gentle hearted person you could ever have in your life. In his younger years Gary could often be found on the basketball courts in Mancos, Colorado with his two brothers (Bill and Paul) and closest friends Raymond, Cory, Chad and Scotty. These three brothers were known as the "baker boys" as they made a name for themselves for being exceptional in playing sports. Gary continued playing sports throughout his high school years and even set the track record in Mancos High in the 4x4 relay up until 2016 when this record was recently broken. Gary graduated from his home town high school in 2000. After Gary's brother Bill graduated from Mancos in 2001 the two boys moved to Arizona where he started his career as a sever at a high end resort. This move didn't last long as the mountains were calling these boys back to Colorado. The two boys returned back to Colorado after being in AZ for four years. Gary become a snow bird for a couple of years as the winters in Arizona allowed him to continue to be outdoors all year around. Gary continued his work as a server up until it was discovered he had a brain tumor in November 2014. This brain tumor was successfully removed in December of 2014 and he spent the next 19 months recovering. During this time Gary had a fantastic support group to include his brother Bill, sister Brandi, his brother from another mother Raymond, The Hallam family, The William Family, The DeCabooter Family, The Henderson Family, The Weaver Family, The Yeomans Family, The Russells family, many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and the Mancos community. Gary passed away unexpectedly at his residence on September 19, 2016 in Mancos Colorado. He is proceeded in death by mother Debra Sue (Dean) Baker, brother Paul Baker, and grandfather Paul Dean. He is survived by his father Doug Baker of Dolores, Colorado; brother Bill Baker of Mancos, Colorado; sister Brandi Bundy of Mancos, Colorado; mountain yorkie Louie of Mancos, Colorado; his Gma of Cortez, Colorado; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. A piece of all of our hearts is now in heaven with three of Gary's favorite people. Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means we will miss you until we meet again. We will miss you Monkey. A service will be held on Saturday September, 24, 2016 at 10 A.M at Cedar Grove cemetery. A memorial service will be held in July during Mancos Days 2017 to celebrate Gary Baker's life. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions may be made at the Dolores State Bank in William Baker's name or Gary's Go Fund Me account.