Keith Edward Baker

On October 23, 2024, Keith Baker, as our Momma used to ask of all her kids, left this world a better place than when he entered it. Being the eldest of four ragged members of the Phyllis Baker clan, Keith had his hands full. Keith let us know he lived the life he wanted and had no regrets; except he was leaving sooner than he wanted because he would miss upcoming graduations and weddings. However, this is not a regret, but one last piece of wisdom and love he has shared with us. Go see your friends and family so that when it is your time to leave, you also have no regrets.

Being quick and fast, with an uncanny ability to dodge tackles on his blind side - like God gave him a third eye - (good second eye? You know what I mean) Keith was a force in high school. Excelling in athletics, academics and making lifelong friends who were with him to the end. Keith graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in education, thereby clearing the path as he often did both literally and metaphorically. Like those times Keith took the lead through the snow on our walk to school so we could complain and whine as we trudged behind in his footsteps. In the same way he was the first to seek advanced education, showing us our own possibilities through grit and perseverance. After several years of teaching and coaching Keith decided, even though he loved inspiring and teaching kids, he did not love being inside all day. Keith spent the remainder of his days outside working: throwing hay bales, fixing fences, moving cattle from the back of a horse, fixing what needed fixing, and loving it!

What’s that saying? “God broke the mold when he made you.” Keith exemplified this phrase. Gruff and rugged when needed, then sweet and a quiet listener when needed, or when you needed it, he was the friend who sat with you for a couple beers. Full of wisdom, to a lot of people’s chagrin, he was mostly right - can only give you “mostly” brother. Keith was a storyteller extraordinaire, a true entertainer with his words. A confidant and protector too many to include: His beloved but annoying (beautiful, smart, kind – oh wait, this is about Keith) little sisters left behind, Marie and Melissa; the brother he joins in Heaven, Kendall; and the many other family and family friends, Brian, Ray, Michelle, Jefferson, Aaron, Holly, Red, Brad,  (insert your name here). Keith was Papa Bear and Gamemaster to his nieces and nephews - Julius, Graysen, Alexander, Statton, Grayson, Delaney, and Penn and many who called him uncle, who he said he loved more than he could put to words (and that’s hard to do). Oh, all those stories we have shared around our own family campfires of the adventures of Cowboy Keith and the gang. Like a recent tale told, about an incident at a music festival where a young woman called out “Uncle Keith” and he was very quickly able to give her safe coverage until the trouble on her heels left, as they decided it was not worth messing with the burly cowboy.

Among Keith’s possessions, tucked away in a well-loved bible was a poem, which he deemed of great importance as it was one of the few items he took with him on his last visit to the little house. The wonderful poem was “Tomorrow’s Bridge,” by David Combs.

“ And I shall cross over – Light-hearted and free.

Like a bird on the buoyant air.

Forgive me Lord, for my fearful heart,

My anxious and foolish care.”

Knowing our Mother had the uncanny ability to send things at the exact time you needed them, we can only surmise the poem was from her. To pay homage to teacher Keith you all have the homework to read Tomorrow’s Bridge. The author himself wrote it as a “hold my beer moment” after being told he would not amount to anything after losing his vision. How appropriate is that!

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to cover the cost of publishing such a lengthy obituary, but this is Keith, would you expect anything shorter. In all seriousness, what Keith would appreciate is for each of you to grab a friend to share a beer or a cup of coffee with and tell tales about all the adventures that you lived through with him either at the helm, holding on with only one boot in the stirrups, or other crazy episodes: the ones you have not sworn to secrecy of course. If you still  feel compelled to make a donation in honor of his memory please send them to: Benefis Foundation, Gift of Life housing. The wonderful people at this organization gave so much more to Keith than a bed to sleep in during his last days. They too became loved family.

Keith’s end of life request was to be placed on a Viking ship and set afire with flaming arrows. Since we are unable legally to find such services due to Municipal health codes:

Join us at Armington Cemetery Sunday, November 10th, at 11:10 am with a reception at 2 Basset Brewery in White Sulphur Springs from 3 to 6 pm.

Mom, Kendall, Aunt Linda, as we attempt to “accept what cannot be changed,” we know our beloved Brother, Uncle, and friend is making you laugh up in heaven.