Eugene Louis Baker, 59

Eugene Louis Baker, son of Victor and Madelaine Baker of Kalispell, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home in Breckenridge, Colo., on April 9, 2009. Born Oct. 28, 1949, Gene attended Kalispell schools, graduating from Flathead High School in 1967. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalispell.

Gene was a 1972 graduate of the Montana State University School of Architecture in Bozeman. He founded Baker, Hogan and Houx Architecture Planning, now known as BHH Partners, in 1976. He and his partners crafted one of the pre-eminent architectural firms in Summit County, Colo., designing 2,020 projects in the past 33 years. Gene's passion for architecture played an important role in forming the entire Summit County area, with contributions ranging from structures on Main Street to the Breckenridge Ski Resort, including the first detachable chairlift in 1981. He was the lead architect for the Breckenridge Sanitation District's million Water Reclamation Facility, which has won numerous national design awards.

Baker cared deeply about his community and gave generously of his time to make it a better place for all to enjoy. He served on the Breckenridge Economic Development Advisory Committee and the Neighborhood Preservation Task Force.

Gene's love for his wife and his children was an inspiration for all who knew him. A wonderful husband and fantastic father, his family always came first, and he enjoyed sharing their accomplishments with pride. He never forgot to have fun — sharing his zest for skiing, hiking, travel and sports with family and friends.

A memorial service celebrating Gene's life was held April 15 in Breckenridge.

Surviving him are his wife, Missy, and children, Emily, John and Kimi, all of the family home; his parents, Victor and Madelaine Baker, of Kalispell; his sister, Annick, and Wayne Berkoben, of Oklahoma City; his niece, Juliette, and Brent Newcomb, of Stillwater, Okla.; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins both in the United States and France.

Donations in memory of Gene may be made to: The Gene Baker Architectural Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o The Summit Foundation, P.O. Box 4000, Breckenridge, CO 80424.