Arthur Joseph Baker

A face that is ever before us, a voice that we cannot forget, a smile that will linger forever, we honor:

Arthur Joseph Baker

March 13, 1947-Sept. 12, 2007

Arthur Joseph Baker — AKA — "Art," "Pa", "Baker," "Tooty," "Brother," "Uncle Brother"

Art Baker, beloved husband, father, and brother passed away at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Tulsa, Okla., on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 60 years old.

Art leaves his wife and best friend of 34 years, Janice Baker of Sandpoint, Idaho; a beloved son, Jason of Tacoma, Wash.; a sister, Donna Cusson, and her husband, Roland, of Soldotna, Alaska; four nieces; two nephews; 12 grandnieces and four grandnephews. He also leaves his devoted companion and ball playing friend — Thai Baker — his 2-year-old black lab.

Art's hobbies included fishing; his motorcycle; playing with Thai and watching his favorite movie — "Groundhog Day" — over and over again. He enjoyed a long career as a printer for Cummings Printing in Hooksett, N.H., until moving from Londonderry, N.H., to Sandpoint into the home he lovingly built for his family.

After building this home, he worked for Rokstad Ford in Ponderay, Idaho, for the past two years and in that short time fostered many new friendships at work and in the community.

Art's most cherished career, however, was his family. They were always his number one priority in life and even when facing the news that he had only a few days to live, Art spent most of the time he had left making sure his family would be OK.

This extraordinary man was an unselfishly giving soul, with a dry wit and a rousing sense of humor that could turn a roomful of tears to a roomful of laughter. He faced his disease with strength, resolve and determination and never gave up even through the most aggressive of treatments. Anytime Art was asked how he was doing he would immediately give a beaming smile and reply with a hearty, "I'm great."

In lieu of flowers, cards and donations, we wish to honor this exceptional man's life and beautiful spirit by carrying on his mantra for life:

Do something nice for someone.

Make someone smile each and every day.

Don't waste time looking back and regretting.

Only look forward and each day say

"No matter what happens tomorrow, it doesn't matter because I am happy now!"

Arthur Joseph Baker, March 13, 1947-Sept. 12, 2007