Celebrating the life of
Anthony "Tony" Howe Baker
August 22, 1937 - April 04, 2013
Anthony "Tony" Howe Baker
Tony Baker, 75, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 4th, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. At his side was his loving wife, Kathy. Tony graduated from Cornell University in 1959, served in the U.S. Navy on the USS William V. Pratt during the Cuban Missile Crisis, retired as an Executive after over 36 years from a very successful career with IBM Corporation where he participated in taking Intellectual Property Licensing to a $1 B+ business. He met and married the love of his life, Kathy on one of her first days at IBM. Tony's career at IBM moved them from coast to coast and to Tokyo, Japan where at every stop they made lifelong friendships that they cherish to this day. He is preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Carl Baker and his sister Barbara Johnson.
Surviving are his loving wife Kathy of 43 years and his daughter and son-in-law, Kristen and Timothy Tim Weeden of Atlanta, Georgia, grandchildren, Abigail and Baker Weeden, his sister, Joanna Baker, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Nancy and Dick Maas, brother-in-law, Donald Johnson and nephews, Phillip and Matthew Johnson.
Tony and Kathy moved to Savannah in 2001 from Wilton, CT where they built their dream retirement home at The Landings. They felt there was no greater place on earth and are forever grateful for the wonderful friendships they have made. In his retirement he continued to stay very active in the community. He enjoyed tutoring young students at their local elementary school, Hesse School, and serving in numerous board positions at The Landings. Since 2001, Tony was also a valued member and spokesperson of Kiwanis. During his tenure, he made significant contributions as Club Treasurer, Club Auditor, and Chair of the Pancake Breakfast and as an active volunteer. He was truly honored and touched by being the recent recipient of the Hixson Award, Named after George F. Hixson, the first President of Kiwanis International. Tony never met a stranger and shared his life with an incredible group of loyal friends. He was a loving and adored husband, father and grandfather and a person of stellar character and integrity. His family meant the world to him. We will forever miss Tony's warmth, emails, strong opinions and passion for excellence. The world has lost a truly great man.
A Memorial Service will be held Monday, April 8th, 1:00 pm at Skidaway Island United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers we ask that a donation be made to Hospice Savannah, Hospice Savannah Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416 or Online: www.HospiceSavannah.org/HelpbyDonating.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Tony was a remarkable person. He was loved, respected, and a cherished friend to all who were lucky to be in is life. He will be greatly missed but he will always remain in our hearts as a very wonderful special person. God speed Tony, please know how loved you were and how you will be missed. Love to you and your wonderful family. Susie
- Susan Helman, Hilton Head Island, SC
It was a privilege to know him. One of the finest people I have ever met.
- Harvey and Cathy Lynn, Savannah, GA
Goodbye to a wonderful person.
- Ruth and Tom McMullin, Savannah, GA
Dear Kathy, Tony will always be remembered for his enthusiasm for life, his generous spirit, and his dedication to his beliefs. He will continue to be an inspiration to us. We are so grateful for his friendship and yours as well. Much Love, Dick and Louise Wratten
- Dick and Louise Wratten, San Francisco,, CA
Kathy and Kristen, my heart is so heavy knowing what you've been through. Tony was a wonderful man and will be missed by so many. I have a smile on my face though knowing he's with Wade. They will have so much fun in their immortal life. They are whole again, no more pain and suffering. They are smiling down upon us, still protecting us. That thought comforts me as I hope it will for you
- Cathy Stewart, Atlanta, GA
Dear Kathy and Family, A dear man that will be missed by all of his neighbors and friends! We hope that loving memories will fill the pain in your hearts. Our deepest condolences. Sheree and Larry Zaslavsky
- Sheree & Larry Zaslavsky, Savannah, GA
Dear Kathy and Kristen, You had a wonderful husband and dad which we had the pleasure of knowing and enjoying his company and wit over the years. He was an outstanding executive at IBM and after retiring he carried over his skills in the Savannah community. He will be missed and be in our prayers. Our deepest sympathy.
- Barbara and Greg Flemming, Fleetwood, PA
Dear Kathy, We are sorry for your loss. Tony was always a good friend to us. Ernie and Maureen
- Ernie and Maureen Ranft, Savannah, GA USA, GA
Dear Kathy, Our thoughts are with you, I am sure Tony is now at peace and watching us all closely - we are here for you, Dick and Shirley Cassidy
- dick and shirley cassidy, , GA
We wish it could have been possible for everyone at The Landings to have known Tony, for he brightened and enriched the lives of everyone he met. He was an honorary member of the 'Nyack contingent' here at The Landings, and it was OUR honor to have him.
- Brian & Georgene Zevnik, savannah, GA
Joe and I did not know Tony very well, but we did enjoy how vibrant a person and so personable he was to us. We will always remember his voice- always knew he was around. We share your grief at his passing, but know he is at peace and will be remembered by all of us. Our kind regards to you, Kathy, and hope your memories will help you to be accepting in your discomfort.
- Joe & Maureen Delmonte, Savannah, GA
Dear Kathy, You are in our prayers. Tony is in a better place now and will be missed by all of his friends.. Sincerely, Sybil and Mark
- Sybil and Mark Lasker, Savannah, GA
Dear Kathy, We will miss his smile and chat, but will always remember Tony as a great man. You, Kristen and your terrific grandchildren will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Marilyn and Terry
- Terry and Marilyn Overton, Savannah, GA
Tony was a classmate of mine at Cornell. We went through Navy ROTC together. Our Monday golf group will not be the same without him. May he rest in peace with God.
- Kenneth R. Rand Jr., Savannah, GA
Tony will always be remembered as a wonderful friend. Kathy you remain in our prayers. With affection, Bill & Charmaine
- Bill & Charmaine West, , GA
Tony was my friend. We shared many great and not so great moments on the golf course. He sure could put. I personally contributed significant amount of money to his wealth by loosing number of games on the golf course. Knowing Tony he probably declared his winnings to the IRS. He was always full of laugh, good cheer, great wit and totally unflappable. He enthusiastically fallowed the details of my trip to Siberia with a possibility of making the journey himself. Tony is one of those people that will remain in our memory for many years to come and I am grateful to have known him. Our condolences to Kathy and Kristen and the rest of the family.
- Andrew and Kim Boguszewski, Savannah, GA
Dear Kathy, Words do little if anything to comfort during times of great loss like you are suffering now. I pray that Tony is now at peace with God and that you know his love is with you now and always. May God's grace be with you and your family now and in years to come. Patti Turner
- Patti Turner, Savannah, GA
Tony was a remarkable person. He was loved, respected, and a cherished friend to all who were lucky to be in is life. He will be greatly missed but he will always remain in our hearts as a very wonderful special person. God speed Tony, please know how loved you were and how you will be missed. Love to you and your wonderful family. Susie
- Susan Helman, Hilton Head Island, SC
It was a privilege to know him. One of the finest people I have ever met.
- Harvey and Cathy Lynn, Savannah, GA
Goodbye to a wonderful person.
- Ruth and Tom McMullin, Savannah, GA
Dear Kathy, Tony will always be remembered for his enthusiasm for life, his generous spirit, and his dedication to his beliefs. He will continue to be an inspiration to us. We are so grateful for his friendship and yours as well. Much Love, Dick and Louise Wratten
- Dick and Louise Wratten, San Francisco,, CA
Kathy and Kristen, my heart is so heavy knowing what you've been through. Tony was a wonderful man and will be missed by so many. I have a smile on my face though knowing he's with Wade. They will have so much fun in their immortal life. They are whole again, no more pain and suffering. They are smiling down upon us, still protecting us. That thought comforts me as I hope it will for you
- Cathy Stewart, Atlanta, GA
Dear Kathy and Family, A dear man that will be missed by all of his neighbors and friends! We hope that loving memories will fill the pain in your hearts. Our deepest condolences. Sheree and Larry Zaslavsky
- Sheree & Larry Zaslavsky, Savannah, GA
Dear Kathy and Kristen, You had a wonderful husband and dad which we had the pleasure of knowing and enjoying his company and wit over the years. He was an outstanding executive at IBM and after retiring he carried over his skills in the Savannah community. He will be missed and be in our prayers. Our deepest sympathy.
- Barbara and Greg Flemming, Fleetwood, PA
Dear Kathy, We are sorry for your loss. Tony was always a good friend to us. Ernie and Maureen
- Ernie and Maureen Ranft, Savannah, GA USA, GA
Dear Kathy, Our thoughts are with you, I am sure Tony is now at peace and watching us all closely - we are here for you, Dick and Shirley Cassidy
- dick and shirley cassidy, , GA
We wish it could have been possible for everyone at The Landings to have known Tony, for he brightened and enriched the lives of everyone he met. He was an honorary member of the 'Nyack contingent' here at The Landings, and it was OUR honor to have him.
- Brian & Georgene Zevnik, savannah, GA
Joe and I did not know Tony very well, but we did enjoy how vibrant a person and so personable he was to us. We will always remember his voice- always knew he was around. We share your grief at his passing, but know he is at peace and will be remembered by all of us. Our kind regards to you, Kathy, and hope your memories will help you to be accepting in your discomfort.
- Joe & Maureen Delmonte, Savannah, GA
Dear Kathy, You are in our prayers. Tony is in a better place now and will be missed by all of his friends.. Sincerely, Sybil and Mark
- Sybil and Mark Lasker, Savannah, GA
Dear Kathy, We will miss his smile and chat, but will always remember Tony as a great man. You, Kristen and your terrific grandchildren will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Marilyn and Terry
- Terry and Marilyn Overton, Savannah, GA
Tony was a classmate of mine at Cornell. We went through Navy ROTC together. Our Monday golf group will not be the same without him. May he rest in peace with God.
- Kenneth R. Rand Jr., Savannah, GA
Tony will always be remembered as a wonderful friend. Kathy you remain in our prayers. With affection, Bill & Charmaine
- Bill & Charmaine West, , GA
Tony was my friend. We shared many great and not so great moments on the golf course. He sure could put. I personally contributed significant amount of money to his wealth by loosing number of games on the golf course. Knowing Tony he probably declared his winnings to the IRS. He was always full of laugh, good cheer, great wit and totally unflappable. He enthusiastically fallowed the details of my trip to Siberia with a possibility of making the journey himself. Tony is one of those people that will remain in our memory for many years to come and I am grateful to have known him. Our condolences to Kathy and Kristen and the rest of the family.
- Andrew and Kim Boguszewski, Savannah, GA
Dear Kathy, Words do little if anything to comfort during times of great loss like you are suffering now. I pray that Tony is now at peace with God and that you know his love is with you now and always. May God's grace be with you and your family now and in years to come. Patti Turner
- Patti Turner, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
