Delraye Vernon Baker, 66

Delraye Vernon Baker, 66, passed away on Tuesday March 20, 2007, at his home in Kalispell, as the result of a heart attack. Del was born on Nov. 7, 1940, in Kalispell, to Vernon and Eunice (Holcomb) Baker. He was raised in Oregon, Idaho and Montana. He attended schools in the Flathead Valley, where he graduated from Flathead High School. He attended Flathead Valley Community College where he studied psychology.

Del enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on Jan. 8, 1958. He was honorably discharged March 22, 1960.

He married Harriet Reidle in 1968, in Sidney. Del went to work for C and C Plywood in 1961, where he eventually worked up to becoming foreman. In 1968, he started working at Plum Creek. He worked in mills until 1983, when he went to work at Tannehill Auto Sales. He retired as Sales Manager at Rygg Ford in March of 2005.

The last two years, Del had been living his dream as a rancher, and co-owner with his wife of Diamond Heart Paints and Quarter Horses. He was a certified auctioneer, and throughout his life he did many auctions for benefits and fundraisers.

He was deeply involved with his family and horses. He enjoyed selling cherries, and fireworks during the summer. When he could find time, he enjoyed going to and having fun at horse races and rodeos. All of his free time was spent entertaining his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vern M. and Eunice Holcomb Baker; and two brothers, Rick and Jim Baker.

He is survived by his wife and soul mate of 38 wonderful years, Harriet Baker; children, Justin Baker of Priest River, Idaho, Jeff Baker and his wife, Jessica, of Kalispell Laurie Baker of Kalispell, and Shawn Baker and his wife, Suzanne, of Kalispell; two brothers, Larry Baker, and Terry Baker and his wife, Pat, all of Kalispell; grandchildren, Josh, Brad, Matt, Colt, Brady, Courtney, Desiree and Alyssa; great-grandchildren, Anthony Ray and Madison; aunt, Norma Johnson, of North Dakota; Jerry and Leola Fredrieks of Kalispell; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A Celebration of Del's Life will be held at 3 p.m. Burial will follow the service at C.E. Conrad Cemetery with the United Veterans of Flathead doing military honors. A reception will follow the interment at the Outlaw Inn, in the Stage Coach Room.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.