Born in Warsaw, NY to Sara & Albert Baker, where, as the youngest of five children, he grew up on the family dairy farm learning skills that would serve him well throughout his lifetime.
Growing up on a dairy farm was hard work and, from a young age, Norm helped out in many areas of the farm, from tending chickens and cows, weeding the large garden, harvesting hay and helping with the yearly tapping of Sugar Maple trees that resulted in the most delicious maple syrup.
Living in a small, up-state town on a dairy farm also meant he enjoyed many adventures. Norm and his pup, Boy, hunted all over the property for woodchuck and fox. He proudly won an award in a statewide contest with the largest fox pelt in his division/age group. Long before getting a legal driver's license, Norman could be found driving the International Harvester Farmall H tractor out to visit his best pal, Tom, and their buddies. He was a Boy Scout and spent much of his free time outside. As a teenager, he loved riding his quarter horse, Beauty, over the acres of farmland he knew so well.
In high school, Norm was an active member of the National Honor Society and participated in various sports, his favorite being wrestling. He really liked to sing and, along with some buddies, formed a Barbershop Quartet. He graduated from Warsaw Central School in 1954. Education was very important in the Baker family and Norman was expected to graduate from high school and then go on to University to earn a college degree. Originally, thinking he wanted to study chemical engineering, he realized it was not what he wanted to pursue. Attending Syracuse University, Norman enrolled in ROTC, reaching the rank of 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation. Norm followed his passion for the outdoors, graduating from Syracuse University's College of Forestry with a Bachelor of Science Degree.
Norm was planning on grad school but made the decision to accept a job with U.S. Plywood instead. Fate stepped in the day Dad walked into U.S. Plywood in his military uniform and caught the attention of Joan Seppe. Norman and Joan, a city girl from Rochester, were married November 3, 1962. The following year, they packed up the Rambler and headed west, to Oregon where Norm started his life-long career in the timber industry. First working for Weyerhaeuser, the job brought Norm, Joan and their young family to Washington State where they ended up putting down roots and making many wonderful, lasting friendships. Many years later, Norm moved on from Weyerhaeuser and took a position as a timber appraiser with the Internal Revenue Service. The career move resulted in a physical move to the east coast, where Norman worked at the Federal Building In Washington DC. Happily, being on the east coast meant that Norm, Joan and the kids were closer to family in up-state New York and Maryland. Despite living closer to extended family, Norm and Joan packed up after a couple of years and went home to The Pacific Northwest. Norm continued his work for the IRS as a Forest Engineer Group Manager until his retirement in 1998.
In addition to Norm's successful career in many areas of forestry and logging operations, he also continued his military service, advancing through the ranks of the United States Army Reserve. He retired in 1989 after decades of service, proudly earning the distinguished rank and title of Colonel Baker.
Norm became a dad, first in 1965 when Mark was born and again in 1967 when Lynn was born. Like his parents, Norman instilled an expectation in his kids that they attend college and earn a degree. Traveling around much of the western United States by car was another form of education that Norm and Joan shared with Mark and Lynn, who felt fortunate to have seen and experienced places like Yellowstone, the Redwoods, the Grand Canyon, Washington DC and Mount Rushmore. He also taught his kids how to work hard. As a do-it-yourselfer, Norm rarely hired outside help and tackled pretty much every job himself. Mark and Lynn were usually helpers, and while they grumbled about it at the time, they both now realize what a gift it was to be taught how to work hard, problem solve and fix things independently. Skills that serve them well to this day.
Norm's family grew when Mark married Holly Inch in 1995 and again when Lynn married Joe Maloney in 1997. Fresh from the Pike Place Market, Norm spoiled the family with a huge seafood feast every Christmas, and always made sure no one left the table hungry. In 2002, Norman and Joan became Papa and Nana. Their granddaughters were the "lights of their lives" and Janelle and Jolene adored their Papa and Nana. Papa was always thinking of fun things to do with the girls and could be found giving them rides on the riding lawn mower, raking up huge piles of leaves for them to jump into or reading books together. He built them a playhouse and a sandbox that kept the girls happily playing for hours. Papa and Nana rarely missed an event or an opportunity to spend time with their granddaughters and the girls always knew how much they were loved.
Norm and Joan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2012, surrounded by family and friends. Joan passed away September of 2018, shortly before they would have celebrated their 56th year of marriage.
Year round, Norm could usually be found outdoors working on a project. Whether it was cutting down, planting, digging, repairing, the list goes on and on. In his down time, Norm spent hours building tank models, enjoyed reading military nonfiction & suspense novels while snacking on crackers, candy and Pepsi.
Mostly, Norm will be remembered as a helper to all. He was a problem solver and take-action kind of guy. Friends, neighbors & family always knew they could call Norm for help with pretty much anything. Be it a tow, tree cutting or a tax question, Norm could be counted on to lend a hand.
Aging was not something Norm embraced. He wanted to be remembered as active, strong, intelligent and helpful. At his request, no memorial service will be held. Dad will join Mom and baby Leah at the Sumner Cemetery in Sumner, WA. As a practical man, Norm would request, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in his memory to: Alzheimer's Association, Seattle Children's Hospital, Crohn's/Colitis Foundation or the charitable organization of choice.
Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Baker; granddaughter, Leah Maloney; parents, Albert & Sara Baker; siblings, Ellsworth, Evelyn, Lois & Alice. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mark & Holly Baker; daughter and son-in-law, Lynn & Joe Maloney; twin granddaughters, Janelle & Jolene Maloney and many nephews, nieces and cousins.
Mark, Holly, Lynn, Joe, Jolene & Janelle want to sincerely thank Norm's care staff at Cedar Ridge Assisted Living. They helped make a difficult adjustment manageable for him and provided him with a safe, caring environment. Also, thank you to the friends and family that reached out to Norm over the past few years. His declining health prevented him from visiting as much as he would have liked, but he always welcomed hearing from folks. We are thankful that Dad is free from the physical pain and cognitive struggle that he fought with daily. We are sure he is already razzing Mom up there in heaven and is visiting with all the friends and family that passed before him. Dad will be missed.
Growing up on a dairy farm was hard work and, from a young age, Norm helped out in many areas of the farm, from tending chickens and cows, weeding the large garden, harvesting hay and helping with the yearly tapping of Sugar Maple trees that resulted in the most delicious maple syrup.
Living in a small, up-state town on a dairy farm also meant he enjoyed many adventures. Norm and his pup, Boy, hunted all over the property for woodchuck and fox. He proudly won an award in a statewide contest with the largest fox pelt in his division/age group. Long before getting a legal driver's license, Norman could be found driving the International Harvester Farmall H tractor out to visit his best pal, Tom, and their buddies. He was a Boy Scout and spent much of his free time outside. As a teenager, he loved riding his quarter horse, Beauty, over the acres of farmland he knew so well.
In high school, Norm was an active member of the National Honor Society and participated in various sports, his favorite being wrestling. He really liked to sing and, along with some buddies, formed a Barbershop Quartet. He graduated from Warsaw Central School in 1954. Education was very important in the Baker family and Norman was expected to graduate from high school and then go on to University to earn a college degree. Originally, thinking he wanted to study chemical engineering, he realized it was not what he wanted to pursue. Attending Syracuse University, Norman enrolled in ROTC, reaching the rank of 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation. Norm followed his passion for the outdoors, graduating from Syracuse University's College of Forestry with a Bachelor of Science Degree.
Norm was planning on grad school but made the decision to accept a job with U.S. Plywood instead. Fate stepped in the day Dad walked into U.S. Plywood in his military uniform and caught the attention of Joan Seppe. Norman and Joan, a city girl from Rochester, were married November 3, 1962. The following year, they packed up the Rambler and headed west, to Oregon where Norm started his life-long career in the timber industry. First working for Weyerhaeuser, the job brought Norm, Joan and their young family to Washington State where they ended up putting down roots and making many wonderful, lasting friendships. Many years later, Norm moved on from Weyerhaeuser and took a position as a timber appraiser with the Internal Revenue Service. The career move resulted in a physical move to the east coast, where Norman worked at the Federal Building In Washington DC. Happily, being on the east coast meant that Norm, Joan and the kids were closer to family in up-state New York and Maryland. Despite living closer to extended family, Norm and Joan packed up after a couple of years and went home to The Pacific Northwest. Norm continued his work for the IRS as a Forest Engineer Group Manager until his retirement in 1998.
In addition to Norm's successful career in many areas of forestry and logging operations, he also continued his military service, advancing through the ranks of the United States Army Reserve. He retired in 1989 after decades of service, proudly earning the distinguished rank and title of Colonel Baker.
Norm became a dad, first in 1965 when Mark was born and again in 1967 when Lynn was born. Like his parents, Norman instilled an expectation in his kids that they attend college and earn a degree. Traveling around much of the western United States by car was another form of education that Norm and Joan shared with Mark and Lynn, who felt fortunate to have seen and experienced places like Yellowstone, the Redwoods, the Grand Canyon, Washington DC and Mount Rushmore. He also taught his kids how to work hard. As a do-it-yourselfer, Norm rarely hired outside help and tackled pretty much every job himself. Mark and Lynn were usually helpers, and while they grumbled about it at the time, they both now realize what a gift it was to be taught how to work hard, problem solve and fix things independently. Skills that serve them well to this day.
Norm's family grew when Mark married Holly Inch in 1995 and again when Lynn married Joe Maloney in 1997. Fresh from the Pike Place Market, Norm spoiled the family with a huge seafood feast every Christmas, and always made sure no one left the table hungry. In 2002, Norman and Joan became Papa and Nana. Their granddaughters were the "lights of their lives" and Janelle and Jolene adored their Papa and Nana. Papa was always thinking of fun things to do with the girls and could be found giving them rides on the riding lawn mower, raking up huge piles of leaves for them to jump into or reading books together. He built them a playhouse and a sandbox that kept the girls happily playing for hours. Papa and Nana rarely missed an event or an opportunity to spend time with their granddaughters and the girls always knew how much they were loved.
Norm and Joan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2012, surrounded by family and friends. Joan passed away September of 2018, shortly before they would have celebrated their 56th year of marriage.
Year round, Norm could usually be found outdoors working on a project. Whether it was cutting down, planting, digging, repairing, the list goes on and on. In his down time, Norm spent hours building tank models, enjoyed reading military nonfiction & suspense novels while snacking on crackers, candy and Pepsi.
Mostly, Norm will be remembered as a helper to all. He was a problem solver and take-action kind of guy. Friends, neighbors & family always knew they could call Norm for help with pretty much anything. Be it a tow, tree cutting or a tax question, Norm could be counted on to lend a hand.
Aging was not something Norm embraced. He wanted to be remembered as active, strong, intelligent and helpful. At his request, no memorial service will be held. Dad will join Mom and baby Leah at the Sumner Cemetery in Sumner, WA. As a practical man, Norm would request, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in his memory to: Alzheimer's Association, Seattle Children's Hospital, Crohn's/Colitis Foundation or the charitable organization of choice.
Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Baker; granddaughter, Leah Maloney; parents, Albert & Sara Baker; siblings, Ellsworth, Evelyn, Lois & Alice. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mark & Holly Baker; daughter and son-in-law, Lynn & Joe Maloney; twin granddaughters, Janelle & Jolene Maloney and many nephews, nieces and cousins.
Mark, Holly, Lynn, Joe, Jolene & Janelle want to sincerely thank Norm's care staff at Cedar Ridge Assisted Living. They helped make a difficult adjustment manageable for him and provided him with a safe, caring environment. Also, thank you to the friends and family that reached out to Norm over the past few years. His declining health prevented him from visiting as much as he would have liked, but he always welcomed hearing from folks. We are thankful that Dad is free from the physical pain and cognitive struggle that he fought with daily. We are sure he is already razzing Mom up there in heaven and is visiting with all the friends and family that passed before him. Dad will be missed.
Born in Warsaw, NY to Sara & Albert Baker, where, as the youngest of five children, he grew up on the family dairy farm learning skills that would serve him well throughout his lifetime.
Growing up on a dairy farm was hard work and, from a young age, Norm helped out in many areas of the farm, from tending chickens and cows, weeding the large garden, harvesting hay and helping with the yearly tapping of Sugar Maple trees that resulted in the most delicious maple syrup.
Living in a small, up-state town on a dairy farm also meant he enjoyed many adventures. Norm and his pup, Boy, hunted all over the property for woodchuck and fox. He proudly won an award in a statewide contest with the largest fox pelt in his division/age group. Long before getting a legal driver's license, Norman could be found driving the International Harvester Farmall H tractor out to visit his best pal, Tom, and their buddies. He was a Boy Scout and spent much of his free time outside. As a teenager, he loved riding his quarter horse, Beauty, over the acres of farmland he knew so well.
In high school, Norm was an active member of the National Honor Society and participated in various sports, his favorite being wrestling. He really liked to sing and, along with some buddies, formed a Barbershop Quartet. He graduated from Warsaw Central School in 1954. Education was very important in the Baker family and Norman was expected to graduate from high school and then go on to University to earn a college degree. Originally, thinking he wanted to study chemical engineering, he realized it was not what he wanted to pursue. Attending Syracuse University, Norman enrolled in ROTC, reaching the rank of 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation. Norm followed his passion for the outdoors, graduating from Syracuse University's College of Forestry with a Bachelor of Science Degree.
Norm was planning on grad school but made the decision to accept a job with U.S. Plywood instead. Fate stepped in the day Dad walked into U.S. Plywood in his military uniform and caught the attention of Joan Seppe. Norman and Joan, a city girl from Rochester, were married November 3, 1962. The following year, they packed up the Rambler and headed west, to Oregon where Norm started his life-long career in the timber industry. First working for Weyerhaeuser, the job brought Norm, Joan and their young family to Washington State where they ended up putting down roots and making many wonderful, lasting friendships. Many years later, Norm moved on from Weyerhaeuser and took a position as a timber appraiser with the Internal Revenue Service. The career move resulted in a physical move to the east coast, where Norman worked at the Federal Building In Washington DC. Happily, being on the east coast meant that Norm, Joan and the kids were closer to family in up-state New York and Maryland. Despite living closer to extended family, Norm and Joan packed up after a couple of years and went home to The Pacific Northwest. Norm continued his work for the IRS as a Forest Engineer Group Manager until his retirement in 1998.
In addition to Norm's successful career in many areas of forestry and logging operations, he also continued his military service, advancing through the ranks of the United States Army Reserve. He retired in 1989 after decades of service, proudly earning the distinguished rank and title of Colonel Baker.
Norm became a dad, first in 1965 when Mark was born and again in 1967 when Lynn was born. Like his parents, Norman instilled an expectation in his kids that they attend college and earn a degree. Traveling around much of the western United States by car was another form of education that Norm and Joan shared with Mark and Lynn, who felt fortunate to have seen and experienced places like Yellowstone, the Redwoods, the Grand Canyon, Washington DC and Mount Rushmore. He also taught his kids how to work hard. As a do-it-yourselfer, Norm rarely hired outside help and tackled pretty much every job himself. Mark and Lynn were usually helpers, and while they grumbled about it at the time, they both now realize what a gift it was to be taught how to work hard, problem solve and fix things independently. Skills that serve them well to this day.
Norm's family grew when Mark married Holly Inch in 1995 and again when Lynn married Joe Maloney in 1997. Fresh from the Pike Place Market, Norm spoiled the family with a huge seafood feast every Christmas, and always made sure no one left the table hungry. In 2002, Norman and Joan became Papa and Nana. Their granddaughters were the "lights of their lives" and Janelle and Jolene adored their Papa and Nana. Papa was always thinking of fun things to do with the girls and could be found giving them rides on the riding lawn mower, raking up huge piles of leaves for them to jump into or reading books together. He built them a playhouse and a sandbox that kept the girls happily playing for hours. Papa and Nana rarely missed an event or an opportunity to spend time with their granddaughters and the girls always knew how much they were loved.
Norm and Joan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2012, surrounded by family and friends. Joan passed away September of 2018, shortly before they would have celebrated their 56th year of marriage.
Year round, Norm could usually be found outdoors working on a project. Whether it was cutting down, planting, digging, repairing, the list goes on and on. In his down time, Norm spent hours building tank models, enjoyed reading military nonfiction & suspense novels while snacking on crackers, candy and Pepsi.
Mostly, Norm will be remembered as a helper to all. He was a problem solver and take-action kind of guy. Friends, neighbors & family always knew they could call Norm for help with pretty much anything. Be it a tow, tree cutting or a tax question, Norm could be counted on to lend a hand.
Aging was not something Norm embraced. He wanted to be remembered as active, strong, intelligent and helpful. At his request, no memorial service will be held. Dad will join Mom and baby Leah at the Sumner Cemetery in Sumner, WA. As a practical man, Norm would request, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in his memory to: Alzheimer's Association, Seattle Children's Hospital, Crohn's/Colitis Foundation or the charitable organization of choice.
Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Baker; granddaughter, Leah Maloney; parents, Albert & Sara Baker; siblings, Ellsworth, Evelyn, Lois & Alice. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mark & Holly Baker; daughter and son-in-law, Lynn & Joe Maloney; twin granddaughters, Janelle & Jolene Maloney and many nephews, nieces and cousins.
Mark, Holly, Lynn, Joe, Jolene & Janelle want to sincerely thank Norm's care staff at Cedar Ridge Assisted Living. They helped make a difficult adjustment manageable for him and provided him with a safe, caring environment. Also, thank you to the friends and family that reached out to Norm over the past few years. His declining health prevented him from visiting as much as he would have liked, but he always welcomed hearing from folks. We are thankful that Dad is free from the physical pain and cognitive struggle that he fought with daily. We are sure he is already razzing Mom up there in heaven and is visiting with all the friends and family that passed before him. Dad will be missed.
Growing up on a dairy farm was hard work and, from a young age, Norm helped out in many areas of the farm, from tending chickens and cows, weeding the large garden, harvesting hay and helping with the yearly tapping of Sugar Maple trees that resulted in the most delicious maple syrup.
Living in a small, up-state town on a dairy farm also meant he enjoyed many adventures. Norm and his pup, Boy, hunted all over the property for woodchuck and fox. He proudly won an award in a statewide contest with the largest fox pelt in his division/age group. Long before getting a legal driver's license, Norman could be found driving the International Harvester Farmall H tractor out to visit his best pal, Tom, and their buddies. He was a Boy Scout and spent much of his free time outside. As a teenager, he loved riding his quarter horse, Beauty, over the acres of farmland he knew so well.
In high school, Norm was an active member of the National Honor Society and participated in various sports, his favorite being wrestling. He really liked to sing and, along with some buddies, formed a Barbershop Quartet. He graduated from Warsaw Central School in 1954. Education was very important in the Baker family and Norman was expected to graduate from high school and then go on to University to earn a college degree. Originally, thinking he wanted to study chemical engineering, he realized it was not what he wanted to pursue. Attending Syracuse University, Norman enrolled in ROTC, reaching the rank of 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation. Norm followed his passion for the outdoors, graduating from Syracuse University's College of Forestry with a Bachelor of Science Degree.
Norm was planning on grad school but made the decision to accept a job with U.S. Plywood instead. Fate stepped in the day Dad walked into U.S. Plywood in his military uniform and caught the attention of Joan Seppe. Norman and Joan, a city girl from Rochester, were married November 3, 1962. The following year, they packed up the Rambler and headed west, to Oregon where Norm started his life-long career in the timber industry. First working for Weyerhaeuser, the job brought Norm, Joan and their young family to Washington State where they ended up putting down roots and making many wonderful, lasting friendships. Many years later, Norm moved on from Weyerhaeuser and took a position as a timber appraiser with the Internal Revenue Service. The career move resulted in a physical move to the east coast, where Norman worked at the Federal Building In Washington DC. Happily, being on the east coast meant that Norm, Joan and the kids were closer to family in up-state New York and Maryland. Despite living closer to extended family, Norm and Joan packed up after a couple of years and went home to The Pacific Northwest. Norm continued his work for the IRS as a Forest Engineer Group Manager until his retirement in 1998.
In addition to Norm's successful career in many areas of forestry and logging operations, he also continued his military service, advancing through the ranks of the United States Army Reserve. He retired in 1989 after decades of service, proudly earning the distinguished rank and title of Colonel Baker.
Norm became a dad, first in 1965 when Mark was born and again in 1967 when Lynn was born. Like his parents, Norman instilled an expectation in his kids that they attend college and earn a degree. Traveling around much of the western United States by car was another form of education that Norm and Joan shared with Mark and Lynn, who felt fortunate to have seen and experienced places like Yellowstone, the Redwoods, the Grand Canyon, Washington DC and Mount Rushmore. He also taught his kids how to work hard. As a do-it-yourselfer, Norm rarely hired outside help and tackled pretty much every job himself. Mark and Lynn were usually helpers, and while they grumbled about it at the time, they both now realize what a gift it was to be taught how to work hard, problem solve and fix things independently. Skills that serve them well to this day.
Norm's family grew when Mark married Holly Inch in 1995 and again when Lynn married Joe Maloney in 1997. Fresh from the Pike Place Market, Norm spoiled the family with a huge seafood feast every Christmas, and always made sure no one left the table hungry. In 2002, Norman and Joan became Papa and Nana. Their granddaughters were the "lights of their lives" and Janelle and Jolene adored their Papa and Nana. Papa was always thinking of fun things to do with the girls and could be found giving them rides on the riding lawn mower, raking up huge piles of leaves for them to jump into or reading books together. He built them a playhouse and a sandbox that kept the girls happily playing for hours. Papa and Nana rarely missed an event or an opportunity to spend time with their granddaughters and the girls always knew how much they were loved.
Norm and Joan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2012, surrounded by family and friends. Joan passed away September of 2018, shortly before they would have celebrated their 56th year of marriage.
Year round, Norm could usually be found outdoors working on a project. Whether it was cutting down, planting, digging, repairing, the list goes on and on. In his down time, Norm spent hours building tank models, enjoyed reading military nonfiction & suspense novels while snacking on crackers, candy and Pepsi.
Mostly, Norm will be remembered as a helper to all. He was a problem solver and take-action kind of guy. Friends, neighbors & family always knew they could call Norm for help with pretty much anything. Be it a tow, tree cutting or a tax question, Norm could be counted on to lend a hand.
Aging was not something Norm embraced. He wanted to be remembered as active, strong, intelligent and helpful. At his request, no memorial service will be held. Dad will join Mom and baby Leah at the Sumner Cemetery in Sumner, WA. As a practical man, Norm would request, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in his memory to: Alzheimer's Association, Seattle Children's Hospital, Crohn's/Colitis Foundation or the charitable organization of choice.
Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Baker; granddaughter, Leah Maloney; parents, Albert & Sara Baker; siblings, Ellsworth, Evelyn, Lois & Alice. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mark & Holly Baker; daughter and son-in-law, Lynn & Joe Maloney; twin granddaughters, Janelle & Jolene Maloney and many nephews, nieces and cousins.
Mark, Holly, Lynn, Joe, Jolene & Janelle want to sincerely thank Norm's care staff at Cedar Ridge Assisted Living. They helped make a difficult adjustment manageable for him and provided him with a safe, caring environment. Also, thank you to the friends and family that reached out to Norm over the past few years. His declining health prevented him from visiting as much as he would have liked, but he always welcomed hearing from folks. We are thankful that Dad is free from the physical pain and cognitive struggle that he fought with daily. We are sure he is already razzing Mom up there in heaven and is visiting with all the friends and family that passed before him. Dad will be missed.
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