George "Mike" Baker

George Michael Baker, 58

Mike Baker, age 58, passed away on December 10, 2014.

Born in Chicago, IL on April 14, 1956, he is survived by his Parents, Ralph and Betty Baker; Siblings, Ruth (Bill) Kaye, Carole (Wesley) Mitts, Jami Baker (Dean Berens), Maree Baker, Jim Baker, Amy (Bill) Embil, his longtime girlfriend Tracy Achterhof, Nieces and Nephews, Karen, Jason, Brandy, Scott, Amber, Ashley, Lance, Rachel, Ryan, Jesus, Bill, Meahgan, Sofia and Georgina. Aunts, Phyllis Rastall and Betty Baker. Cousins, Betty, Bev, Rita, Renie, Dave, Bob, Sue, Merle, Pat, Jackie, Kathy and Jack. Many more great nieces/nephews, cousins and friends than we can count, and his faithful companion and fellow golf cart rider, Oscar, his cat.

He was preceded in death by Grandparents, George H & Ruth Baker, Mary Baker, George & Ruth Merwin, Siblings, Ralph Jr, Donna and Scott, Aunt, Shirley Kouw, Uncles, George H Jr, Harry Baker, Bert Rastall and Jack Kouw.

Mike lived his life in the Saugatuck/Holland area and graduated from Saugatuck High School. He created and ran Baker Landscaping & Nursery from Baker's Paradise Acres Farm which has been in the family for 3 generations.

His passions in life were writing music and playing one of his many guitars. He was a life long Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. You could find him in his lazyboy every Sunday watching his games, usually with his phone turned off! Mike was one of SHS's basketball stars and continued to play well into his adult years on recreation leagues. Sharing his father and brother's passion for racing, Mike joined them and spent many successful years on the track. Mike felt “one with the earth” when he was creating or tending to his many, amazing garden creations. Mike was a quiet, gentle soul with a huge heart. "Peace and Love" was a motto he lived by. Mike was proud of his accomplishments but never bragged about them. Two of his recent goals he reached are copywriting many of his songs and reaching over 600 varieties of daylilies in his garden. His passing has created an unreal emptiness and he will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.

Following Mike's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held January 10, 2015 from 5pm–10pm at The Red Barn Event Center, 3657 63rd St., Saugatuck. The family will also host a special Celebration of Life in June or July at Paradise Acres (during peak blooming) for everyone to enjoy the peace and beauty of Mike’s creations.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Baker Landscaping to help with funeral costs.

Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Homes Inc, Holland. For more information please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com