Christopher Baker

Stephentown – Chris Baker, 24 years old, of West Road, Stephentown, NY, died suddenly on June 28, 2012, in a tragic car accident. Family and friends are all greatly relieved that there was no suffering.
He was the beloved son of Nancy Petersen and Brian Baker and his grieving and adored – and adoring – sister, Emily. Some of his many survivors are his wonderful grandmother, Edith Petersen, and his late grandfather, Howard, his aunts and uncles, Lynn and Nick Kauffman, Ray Petersen, Ron and Viki Petersen and Sandy Baker Metzger and Bud, as well as numerous wonderful cousins. Chris is also survived by his elderly dog, Toby, and his dear pal, Ellie.
Chris attended the Berlin Central Schools, the LaSalle Institute, the Loomis Chaffee School and graduated from the Albany Academy. He received his Associate’s Degree in Science and Physics from Hudson Valley Community College with highest honors, and he just completed his junior year at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on the honor roll in Applied Physics.
In secondary school, Chris was an avid and successful soccer player and wrestler. He was also an outstanding snowboarder, among his many interests.
Chris, selfless to a fault and fiercely loyal to his friends and family, had just returned from an incredible trip with two close friends, Dan Van Emburgh and Richie Couch, to the Bonnaroo Festival in Tennessee. They had the time of their lives….
Chris had a gift and could talk to people from all walks of life – he made them feel comfortable and wanted.
Chris loved working on the family peony farm for years and also made many 4 am flower deliveries with his sister to the wholesalers in New York City and Boston. The saddened buyers told us, among other things, “Chris always had a kind word and a joke.” He also enjoyed working Saturdays at Meissner’s Auction House in New Lebanon, where he was loved by all and treated like family.
Chris’s time with us was sadly too short, just at the dawn of his next phase…. He lived a rich, full and adventurous life. While he was no saint, he gave of himself completely to everyone who knew him. He had a really good, solid ride, and he departed with few regrets….
Chris loved our land and fields and this Valley community. His family is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of kindness, support and caring from friends and relatives near and far. All who have shared their thoughts with us have said, “He always had a smile on his face.” Chris was a gift to his family and his friends.
Relatives and friends were invited to visitation at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY 43, Stephentown on Monday, July 2, from 3 to 8 pm. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 3, at 11 am in the Stephentown Federated Church, 1513 Garfield Road, Stephentown. Burial followed in the Garfield Cemetery.