Kelly James Baker, 53, of Albany passed away Saturday, May 23rd.
Kelly was born in Lebanon to Larry Baker and Judith (Pruitt) Baker-Tilley. He attended school in Jefferson, graduating from Jefferson High School in 1980. After graduation, he moved to Alaska to work in construction with his father. He moved back to Jefferson in 1985 and established his own business, Kelly Baker Construction. He married Robin Reineccius on December 30, 1989. Together they built their dream home in Albany where the family still lives. They have two children, Brittany Baker, 20, of Corvallis and Brendan Baker, 17, of Albany. He continued his successful business until the time of his death. He and his wife, Robin, also owned and managed Jefferson Self Storage and many rental homes in the area.
Kelly was an avid outdoorsman. He spent many weekends sturgeon fishing on the Columbia River and hunting in Eastern Oregon. He also cherished many trips to Alaska, fishing with his brother, Rick.
Kelly was preceded in death by his father, Larry Baker.
He is survived by his loving wife Robin, daughter Brittany, son Brendan, mother Judy Baker-Tilley and husband Glen of Jefferson, brothers Rick and wife Leslie of Kodiak, Alaska, Cory Baker and wife Lisa of Jefferson, Monte Baker and wife Jodi of Salem, and step-mother Elizabeth DeFant of Albany. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, May 29th at 3:00pm at AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Safe Haven Humane Society.
AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements ( www.aasum-dufour.com_ .