Edward Burney Baker, of Issaquah, passed away peacefully in his home Wednesday, April 10, 2013. He was 103 years old.
Ed was born in Seattle on Feb. 17, 1910, to Minnie and Earl Baker. He became the first son of modern special education in 1916 after the Seattle schools refused to accept him and the family moved to the welcoming Issaquah School District. Ed milked cows, raised chickens and sawed firewood on the family farm near Beaver Lake.
Edward Burney Baker
Ed was hard working and loved all things mechanical. He was creative, adventuresome, loved laughter and was a joy to be around. He will be best remembered for his passion for Legos! Ed spent his last 10 birthdays at Legoland, and on his 100th birthday, Legoland honored Ed with a small replica of himself permanently displayed in their farm scene.
For many years, Ed volunteered in the Issaquah School District, sharing his Legos with the kids. Ed also shared his father’s wisdom to “be kind to your friends, take care of the farm and do the right thing.”
He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include Mary and Jim Austin, of Sammamish, Britt Austin, of Seoul, South Korea, Jack Austin, of Edmonds, Phil Leise, of Leavenworth, Bill and Kate Dussault, of Seattle, his beloved pets Keeloch and Dippy, his good friends at EADS, the ARC of King County and the staff at the Dussault Law Group.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 18, 2013, at Flintoft’s Issaquah Funeral Home, 540 E. Sunset Way, Issaquah. Private committal will be held at Issaquah’s Hillside Cemetery.
The family suggests remembrances to a charity of your choice in honor of Ed Baker.
Friends are invited to share memories and sign the family’s online guest book at www.flintofts.com.
Arrangements are by Flintoft’s Funeral Home and Crematory.