COLUMBUS
Peter James Baker came into our world six weeks early on June 2, 1982 and left us all too early Tuesday, May 18 when his loving heart failed.
Peter graduated from Columbus North in 2000 and spent his four years there running many, many miles on the Cross Country team. He studied for a time at Indiana University with special interest in biological and horticultural sciences. Peter constantly added to his knowledge of growing things and completed the Purdue Master Gardener course in 2016. He liked orchids and nurtured dozens into bloom.
He found success as a certificated Le Cordon Bleu Chef after graduating from Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon. Peter had an adventurous heart and this took him to work in beautiful places – San Francisco, Mendocino, Kauai and Portland. He had worked as a chef in Bloomington and here in Columbus as well.
He loved being outdoors to hike, kayak and bike until 2018 when a near fatal heart attack left him unable to do so. Knowing Peter was knowing a prolific reader. Interested in all things, he was curious and would read everything he could find on a topic. History was his favorite. When no longer able to work, he found a new interest in composing music using the electronic synthesizer.
Peter will always be remembered by his family who love him dearly. His parents: William and Emily of Columbus, with whom he made his home his last few years, and his younger brother Neil of Angel Fire, New Mexico. Aunts and Uncles living to share his memory are Scott Knopp, Paul and Wanda Feder, George Baker and Sandy Koskie, Rick and Helen Lash and Jane Baker. Several cousins also survive and Peter had many happy memories of camping trips with them, flying kites on the beach and diving in the waves of Lake Michigan. His grandparents, James and Florence Baker, John and Helen Knopp and an aunt, Cathy Knopp have passed away.
Given Peter’s love of cooking and feeding others, memorial contributions may be made in his name to a food bank.
In keeping with the family’s request, cremation will take place. Peter’s family will welcome friends to call from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Friday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street. A service of remembrance will begin at 3:00 p.m. Please come with a memory to share of our beloved Peter.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Baker family at barkesweaverglick.com.
