Unexpected death of Kevin Baker left us in need

Kevin Baker died suddenly and unexpectedly just over a week after his 52nd birthday. He left me, Ashley, his wife of 20 years, and our 18 year old daughter, Chloe, devastated and floundering.

(Kevin with Chloe, ages 38 and 4)





Kevin had a good, full life before our life together, but the part since I've known him is mine to tell. He loved to hike and backpack, to do woodworking and to read book after book. He told wonderfully bad puns with an infectious hilarity at how bad they were, even before he was a dad. He cherished animals, especially our pets (every animal at the zoo or on television reminded him of one of our cats or dog somehow). He was a fantastic cook, and all we had to do was mention that we would enjoy some special thing to eat, and next thing you know he would be preparing it. He loved to travel, and savored every moment and every memory of what we did on trips and adventures. Whenever he was on an excursion where plants were present, he ended up taking gorgeous photos of them, just for his own pleasure. He was goofy and wise, kind and whip-smart, hilarious and observant.

(one of Kevin's plant photos)

He was a deeply giving soul: if we went to the beach with a group of friends, he would turn out to have packed sandwiches for everyone, and if someone forgot their gloves during a winter activity he always turned out to have brought extras just in case. I never knew him to say anything that hurt anyone's feelings - not ever. He adored our daughter Chloe from the beginning, and treasured the times - early in her life and again recently - when he was a stay-at-home dad (a sentimental guy, he would get misty-eyed when he talked about how lucky he was to have gotten to spend so much time with her). He had some hard times and down times, but those he held dear always felt fully and completely loved.


Before Kevin died, he had been unemployed because his position had been eliminated, so money was already beyond tight. My work providing life enrichment at an assisted living community is important, but does not earn enough to get this suddenly smaller family through the crisis. We are expecting large medical bills, funeral home expenses, and unexpected costs along the way.

Kevin handled our financial affairs, so I am overwhelmed and struggling to get everything under control. He also did all the grocery shopping and cooking, so we will have to learn to bargain hunt and cook healthy foods to feed both ourselves and our pets. Chloe suffers from a chronic illness which requires medical care and a special diet, and she will be starting college next year, with the many associated expenses. I have some medical conditions that require ongoing treatment as well. 


We have also had to face that bitterly soon we will probably have to give up our house, full of many wonderful memories but also so many unfulfilled hopes and wishes. At the moment, we are at a loss as to what this will cost us both monetarily and emotionally.

Finally, we are hoping to be able to travel to Kevin's family's home, half a country away, to share grief and have a memorial service honoring him. 

In the meantime, his obituary can be found here ; we welcome any comments, there or here, especially stories or remembrances about Kevin. We have been sharing so many treasured memories and feel that is the best way to keep his spirit alive in those who loved him.

We hope that his giving spirit is echoed in others, and that we will be able to keep our now much smaller family together through this tough time. Thank you so much for your time and generosity.

Chloe and Ashley (in better times)