"It has taken me awhile to figure what to write . We moved up to the Hudson Valley In 87 just to Find out later on that I was suppose to live up Here after I lost my parents at the age of 8, but life took me in another direction. So surreal finding this area while traveling & fell in love . Can?t help to think I would have gone to school with one of the Bakers!.. small world.!! Raymond was a our neighbor on the left of us David Neals was in the right when we built our first home on Little Mountain in West Shokan . Hey you two take care of each .. ! From there I learned and grew with there stories while we all began raising children together . Too many memories Ray ! Even through changes that life brings us we always made sure we gathered with friends ,laughed and enjoyed time together. I?m truly going to miss one of the most genuine kindest man I?ve met and so blessed to have him as my dear friend .. gonna miss ya Ray !! Xoxo Dusty & Bill Stack"
In loving memory of
Raymond E Baker
August 10, 1953 - March 20, 2020
Raymond E. Baker, 66, of West Shokan, NY, passed away unexpectedly on March 20, 2020 at his residence. Ray was born on August 10, 1953 in Kingston, and was the son of the late Earl "Bucky" and Rita Baker.
Ray was a beloved father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He grew up in West Hurley and graduated from Onteora High School. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Union Local 825 for many years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and gardening. He was a lover of nature and at his happiest outdoors. Ray will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Ray is survived by his daughter, Angelina Baker, six siblings: Billy Baker, Diane Baker, Rita Kosonen, Kathy King, Rudie Baker, and Michele Baker, his best friend, Kirk Kleine, and seven nieces and nephews: Jasmine Wood, Lauren Kosonen, Belinda Baker, Kaitlyn King, Halle King, Wyatt Baker, and Acarya Baker. He is predeceased by three brothers, Johnny, Earl, and Tommy Baker.
In the interest of public safety and in accordance with New York State's Executive Order in response to the Corona virus, the family is postponing the celebration of Ray's life until such time and date when it is safe to gather and remember Ray's life as a community of family and friends.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of the Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave.
Ray's cremation will take place privately at Wiltwyck Cemetery. To leave an expression of sympathy, please visit www.KeyserFuneralService.com
Tributes
"I had not seen you in a very long time, but the memories I have are of you are of laughter and love. You were such a kind man who touched so many lives. You made a mark on so many peoples hearts. Heaven has a beautiful angel. "
"So sorry to hear about Ray. He was always a good soul and great to talk to. We became good friends over the years. He will surely be missed. Our prayers go out to the family. Sincerely, Mark & Annie Hoffstatter"
"On behalf of the Tucker Family, I extend our condolences to all. "
"Our Deepest Sympathy to the Baker Family,Ray was a fun guy he always made me laugh when he visited the chiropractor, Rest in Peace Dear Friend Sherry and Ken Tubby "
"My heart is broken learning of the passing of Ray. My deepest sympathy to the entire Baker Family. May you rest in Peace Ray. You will be missed. "
"Our deepest sympathy to all of the Baker family. Ray was a great guy and one of the hardest working people that I have ever met. I worked with Ray on different jobs since he was a young man. He was always the one that would be the hardest worker on the job and always had a smile even when the work was severely tough. Rest In Peace Ray, you will be missed by all who knew you."
"My deepest condolences to the Baker family. "
"My very first encounter with Ray was at twin ponds in Kingston. Think it was my first week with Baker Brothers in 1995. Ray was always trying to do me in with that dang Gradall. Pinned me up against a catch basin With the bucket . Backed over the front of the truck I was driving. Lmao . He always told me ?stick with me kid , you will be wearing diamonds.? Ray would work any one I new including myself to the bone. We gave him the nick name half a day Ray as you worked 7am to 7pm. One time when we were doing the medical arts building across from Kingston Hosp. It was like 630 , 7 in the evening and we were just finishing up and I had to follow Ray with his Gradall back to the shop. Well after 10 min or so of waiting on ray in my truck next thing I know I?m waking up in parking lot pitch black out to Ray calling for me on are two way radio ?Mike I?m almost to the shop where are you? lol I was sound asleep. That reminds me of all the time we would go to pick his daughter up and I would always be sleeping as Ray wore me out . So he always told her my name was sleepy Mike. Ray thought me many things from how to use a shovel correct to how to operate equipment, not to mention how to fix the things we broke lol and that list was long. Have to say the most valuable is he gave me his work ethic . I could go on and on about our work experiences. Ray was my boss, teacher, friend,and brother. He had one of the biggest hearts of anyone. May You Rest in piece Brother see you on the other side. Hell never got them diamonds but did get a life time of memories with him. Which is worth more then anything. "
"RIP Ray. I will always remember your smile, humor, and the hugs. My thoughts and prayers are with his family"
"I have known Raymond since I was a little girl, friends with sister Kathleen. He has an infectious smile and was always happy to see you. A big hug was always at hand when you did! RIP Ray. We will miss you!!! I hope you are happy being reunited with your Mom, Dad and brothers!! ????????"
"Ray you will be missed you left this world leaving behind a great memory of you and we will do our best to keep your memory alive my deepest sympathy goes put to my niece and his daughter along with the rays entire family. And close friends we miss you already Ray baker love your forever sister in law Lou"
"So sorry to hear of Raymond's passing. He will now to get to see his good friend Tommy Tucker and my sister Nancy Tucker. My thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends. Love from Bettyann Burger Clark"