Larry Gale Baker, 69

Larry Gale Baker, 69, passed away Thursday, May 17, 2018, after a valiant fight with COPD, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. He was surrounded by his loved ones.

Larry was born July 5, 1948, in Kalispell to Verne Moses “Smokey” and Eunice Olive (Holcomb) Baker. He was the middle child of five boys. Larry grew up in the valley and attended Flathead High School. He graduated in 1966. He worked for a short period of time at Stoltz Lumber.

He then enlisted in the United States Army. On March 4, 1968, he was sent to Fort Lewis, Washington, for Basic Training. From there, he went on to Fort Sam, Houston, for medical training. From Fort Sam, he got his orders to ship to the Republic of Vietnam with Bravo Co. 1/52 198th Light Infantry Brigade of the Americal Division, headquarters at Cho Lai, Vietnam. Larry was a decorated soldier. During his time of service, he received the following medals: the Combat Medical Badge, Purple Heart, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal W/2 Bronze Service Stars, Bronze Service Medal 2 0/5 bars and Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 device. On March 27, 1970, he was honorably discharged from the United States Army.

Shortly after he returned home from his service, Larry married Linda Tordale on May 9, 1970, in Kalispell. They had four children, Terena, Tacia, Larry and Chad Baker. Larry and Linda later divorced on May 17, 1989.

Larry worked numerous labor jobs throughout his life including Stoltz, Plum Creek, and C & C Plywood. He went through the C.E.T.A. (Comprehensive Employment and Training Act) program and became a police utility worker, which later led to a supervisor position for the City of Columbia Falls Water Department. Unfortunately, due to health problems he was unable to stay in his position with the city. He later attended Flathead Valley Community College, where he received two Associate degrees, in arts and in health recreation.

Larry enjoyed growing up in the beautiful Flathead Valley. He was an avid outdoorsman. You would find him fishing at any creek or river, with Pleasant Valley and Ashley Creek being a couple of his favorites. Picking huckleberries, mushrooms, and camping with family and friends was always the highlight of his summers. He became known for his many cherry and huckleberry stands throughout the valley. He started up Santa’s Treeland and every year would donate a portion of his proceeds to Coats for Kids, and numerous other organizations. Larry loved to give, and never missed an opportunity to do so. Larry was a member of the VVA Chapter 1087 and the Combat Veterans Group. He enjoyed his monthly meetings with his brother, Terry, up until his health made it impossible for him to attend.

Larry was preceded in death by his father Verne Baker, mother Eunice Baker, and brothers Del Baker, James Baker and Ricky Baker.

Larry is survived by youngest brother, Terry (Pat) Baker; children, Terena McCormick (Jay) of Bremerton, Washington, Tacia (Hugh) Gladeau, Larry “Tiger” (Kayla) Baker, and Chad (Kirstin) Baker, all of the Flathead Valley. Larry leaves behind numerous grandchildren, Nicole Winters, Brock McCormick, Hugh Jr., and Haley Gladeau, Kenzie, Ryleigh, Ethan and Brody Baker. He leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews, and countless friends.

Larry touched the lives of many people. He was a very giving man. To know him was to love him. Aside from his family, he took on many other children as his own, and was a “dad” to them as well. He will forever be remembered for his giving spirit, contagious smile and loving heart.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on May 29 at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Burial is to follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. A potluck reception will follow immediately at Lawrence Park in Kalispell. Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com, to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.