Steven Lee Baker

Steven Lee Baker, 70, passed away July 15, 2021, in Madras, Oregon. He was born March 24, 1951, in Portland, Oregon, to Donald and Lorraine Baker, who were living at Dahl-Pine, a logging camp on the Warm Springs Reservation.

Steve's childhood was spent in Sisters, growing up with his younger brother, Kenny and sister, Connie. The family moved to Madras in 1967, where Steve graduated from high school in 1969. A standout athlete in football, wrestling, and track, Steve was offered a scholarship to Idaho State, but instead chose to follow his dad out to the big woods working his way up from a knot-bumper to a timberfalling contractor on the Warm Springs Reservation for Alfred Smith Jr.for over 35 years.

In 1975, he met Jenny Risland, a loggers daughter from Mitchell, at the Timber Carnival in Prineville. They were married on February 12, 1977. From that moment on, it was "Get in, sit down, and hang on, it's gonna be a wild ride!"

Steve helped the production crew from the Japanese series "From Oregon with Love" in 1985 with the timber falling scenes while they were filming on the Warm Springs Reservation.

An avid outdoorsman, Steve loved fishing (Spring Chinook on the Deschutes at Sherars Bridge and the Umpqua, Crappie on the Snake River, Kokanee at Round Butte and Wickiup and charter fishing on the Betty Kay on the coast), big game hunting ( elk, deer, antelope, and even some wild boar).

"I will never forget dad taking us on rafting trips down the Deschutes River. For me, these trips are some of the best memories in my life. We will be forever grateful for having a father like him and appreciate all we have learned from him." Shannon Romero Baker

"Being a loggers daughter was a one of a kind experience! My dad gave me a strong sense of adventure with all of the amazing trips we took over the years. My fondest memory is catching over 100 crappie at the Snake River and out fishing him! That's one story that never gets old. He taught me how to live and have fun." Jaime Lynn Baker

Steve was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2007, at the age of 56, which forced an early retirement from logging in 2012. He never knew a stranger and enjoyed many life long friendships, and we are grateful for the support he received.

Steve is survived by his wife, Jenny; daughters, Shannon (Alain) of Portland, and Jaime Baker of Fairbanks, Alaska; mother, Lorraine Baker; sister, Connie (Rick) Herbst; brother, Kenny Baker; and grandson, Alexander Scott.

Per Steve's wishes, no public services will be held. A private family gathering to scatter his ashes at his favorite spots will happen later.

"It's been a wonderful ride Steve, I'm glad I hopped in!"

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Steven Lee Baker, please visit our floral store.