Neil Baker Obituary

It is now over four years since I lost you, my love. I write this to digitize and to memorialize our love and marriage in perpetuity. Nothing is ever lost on line just as nothing will ever dim my love for you. Just as I know the shell may be gone your energy has returned to that finite amount of energy which inhabits the universe. I hope someday all that energy coalesces and becomes one again with this earth. If that one becomes someone like you, the world will become that much a better place. You were the love of my life and the biggest pain in the ass I ever met. You will always inhabit a major part of my memory, heart and life. I still hear your footsteps and the sound of your voice calling hello as you returned from you "10,000 step," daily walk. I never knew how much I loved you until you were gone.

Your family has been tremendously strong during this trying time. My heart goes out to you. Your family is being supported in thoughts and hopes by many whom you've never even met. When you touch lives and matter to other people that's what happens.

Dear Judith & Family,

Please accept my deepest sympathy on your great loss. Neil was a warm, caring, wonderful person. I worked for him in the Construction Dept. when I started at Perkins & Will in Sept. 1969. He was a field representative and became the Construction Dept. Head when Stan Tursman left. I remember later on he was in a car accident, I believe it was in April, during a freak snow storm while driving downstate to a jobsite. He was lucky to have survived it, if my memory serves me correctly. We females in the dept. nicknamed him "the silver fox" (although I don't think he ever knew) because of his silver hair and good looks. He always had a way of making you feel at ease. I can see him now sitting in his chair with his leg crossed horizontally across the other and his pipe in his hand, listening to what you had to say. Sorry to be rambling on but the memories are flooding back, all good. The world was a better place for having Neil in it. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Judy and Family,

Words cannot express our sadness on hearing of Neil's passing. Our heartfelt sympathy is with you during this difficult time. We love you.

Dear Judith and family

I worked on many University of Illinois projects with Neil. We shared many good times together. He was a good friend and good man. I have one of his paintings in my living room which will carry my fond memories of him for years to come.

Tim Kerestes - University of Illinois

Judith,

I want you to know that the world is a better place today because of Neil. Just the mention of his name would bring a smile to everyone's face. He was always positive and made sunshine out of a cloudy day. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Bonnie Lipp

Dear Judy,

Sorry to hear about Neil. You are in my prayers.