George Baker

GEORGE L. BAKER

Snowmass Village, Colo.

On Friday, July 30, 2021, George L. Baker, loving husband, father, grandfather and beloved friend passed away at the age of 84.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn; his son, Michael; and his two granddaughters, Mae and Ida.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer; his son, Jonathan; and his brother, Fredrick.

George was born in Richland, Mo. He graduated from the University of Missouri and the M.U. Medical School and finished his Fellowship in Pediatrics at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. After a year's study in Medical Genetics in Sweden, he returned to the faculty at the University of Iowa Medical as a Neonatologist and later as Associate Dean. In 1985, he joined Bristol Myers Mead Johnson in Evansville, Ind., as World Wide Medical Director.

Having come to Aspen many winters to meet with other neonatologists of the Midwest, he and Marilyn came to the Institute in 1989 and bought property. Upon retiring in 2000, they moved to Snowmass Village permanently. George's love of music, history, current events and the church led him to be active in the Aspen Institute, Rotary, Aspen Music Festival and School, Christ Church and Snowmass Chapel. He loved skiing, hiking, good food, coffee and wine. He had a passion for music, especially opera, reading and was an avid marathoner and faithful leader in every church of which he was a member. He was best known for his smile, kindness, quick wit and gentle spirit. George's special gift was helping people to be all they were gifted to be. His children, grandchildren and wife were the delight of his life.

Contributions in George's memory can be made to St. Jude Hospital or Chris Klug Foundation.