Thomas Clifford Baker

Thomas C. Baker is “on the road” again to where only the “good ones” go and has found peace and comfort now. Tom (68) passed away from brain cancer on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at home with his loved ones in Billings, MT. Tom was diagnosed with metastatic small cell cancer in Jan 2014 while living at his home in Estrella Mtn. Ranch in Goodyear, Az. Tom took on the fight of his life to extend his life as long as possible with aggressive treatment. In Aug. Tom and Linda moved back to Billings to be with family after being gone for 26 years. Tom was born in Billings and spent his first 5 years on the Cashion Ranch where his dad was foreman. His dad then built hospitals and schools around the state of Mt. with Tom attending 18 schools before his family moved back to Billings his 9th grade year  to attend Lockwood Jr High. Tom worked at Wong Village all through high school. He graduated from Billings Senior High in 1965 and then enrolled at Eastern Mt College. Tom enlisted in the Marine Corp Reserve in 1966 and was honorably discharged in 1972 as a Lance Corporal. Upon returning to Billings in 1967 he met Linda Johnson and fell in love. He ‘courted’ Linda when it was old fashioned to do so in the 60’s. Tom was Linda’s white knight and James Dean. He was her best friend and lover. He was silly funny, outrageously irreverently funny about his impending demise.  He made all of us laugh instead of cry. He gave Linda so much fun and joy in their life together. Tom and Linda were together for 48 ½ years. Tom and family moved from Billings to Colstrip in 1981 to 1984 where he worked on Mt. Power units 3 and 4 until completion and then returned to Billings. Tom worked for various construction contractors from the late 60’s to the late 80’s. Tom was a proud union local 11 Boilermaker and loved that adrenaline rush of being a rigger welder walking the “high iron”. Tom could no longer work construction after numerous knee surgeries and moved to L.A. In 1988 to attend IT school. Graduating with honors and an award from the mayor of L.A. he accepted a position in the IT research and development department of First Interstate Bank in Simi Valley writing financial and credit card programs for the bank. Tom retired in 1990 after a major stroke. Tom learned to read, write and talk again and he took up golf as part of his rehab. He was hooked and played every chance he could. In 1991 Tom and Linda moved to North Phoenix and in 1999 to Estrella Mtn. Ranch in Goodyear Az.  where he continued playing golf and enjoying the retired life. Tom always tried to be the best at anything he attempted and loved learning. During his time off work from surgeries he took classes at Eastern Mt. College. He learned much later that the Sign Language class professor was showing his new students a video of Tom’s final test as how to get a perfect grade in his class. He loved the thrill of white water rapids, Jumping out of an airplane and rappelling. He taught his young daughters to rappel from the Rims one summer-“but don’t tell mom.”  The two girls loved being with daddy because he did all the “fun things”. Tom coached boys little league and senior league baseball and when his two girls started softball he coached their teams, moving up in age group as they did in Lockwood for several years. He was assistant coach of a boy’s baseball team in Buckeye, Az. He loved coaching and teaching kids. Tom was a terrific cook and taught ladies from Billings, Colstrip, L.A., Phoenix to Goodyear the art of Creole, Mexican, Italian and Chinese cooking. He always had a delicious meal ready for Linda when she arrived home from work the 24 years in Arizona. He wanted to keep the cooking duty when she retired, because he loved to create and cook. Tom loved the NY Times crossword puzzles that he did in ink and timed himself and the hard sudoku. He had to challenge his brain every day or the day wasn’t complete. Tom taught his girls to be involved in their children’s lives by being involved in their lives while growing up. He loved and adored his daughters, grandkids and great grandkids. He had a special bond and love for his two brothers Steve and Dave. He was so proud of all of them.  We loved and adored him too and he will be in our hearts forever. He loved his Miller Lite time when the days work was done even if it was only noon and he loved a good party with good friends. He hopes everyone will “lift one” to his memory. He always said “it’s been a hell of a ride and I’d do it all over again with you girl”. Tom was predeceased by his father Robert (Bob) Baker, Mother Elizabeth (Betty) Baker Little, brother Ronald (Ron) Baker, stepfather Donald (Don) Little, best friends and “family” Larry Ekle and Jerry McColley. Tom is survived by wife Linda Baker of Billings, daughter Micala (Cala) Baker of Billings (her children) grandchildren Mariah Cattaneo of Billings, William (Billy) Cattaneo of Missoula, daughter Lisa Baker of Billings (her children) grandchildren Raven Fast Horse of Billings, Justin Rock Above of Bozeman and Branden Rock Above of Billings. Great grandchildren Aveyanna and Khalil of Billings, Brothers Steve Baker (Darlene) of Renton, WA. and  Dave Baker of Billings, sister in law Shirley Baker of Missoula, Mother in law Margaret Johnson of Billings, whom Tom loved dearly,  Sister in law, Joyce Zinkowich, brother in laws, Dan Johnson of Billings and Rick Johnson of Idaho. Best friends and “family” Jerry George (Debbie) of Boulder, Douglas Sayles of Goodyear, AZ, and Tom Johnson (Maureen) of Cornville, AZ. We give our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Zafar and staff at Palo Verde Cancer Center of AZ, Dr. Lucas and her staff, Dr. McNeeley and Nicole of Frontier Cancer Center of Billings and at Riverstone Hospice, Genesis, Jessica and Shirley for their compassion and care of Tom. We are so grateful for all the help from family and friends and everyone who expressed thoughts for us and kept us in their prayers. Per Tom’s wishes there will be no funeral or services. There will be a reception for family and friends to gather in his memory with refreshments and light meal from 1:00-4:00pm at the Heights Family Funeral Home & Crematory on Sunday October 25, 2015, 733 W Wicks Lane Billings, Mt 59105 (406)259-7155. We welcome all long past friends and acquaintances that might not know we returned to Billings to join us and share memories.