Kenneth Baker

Aiken- Kenneth J. Baker, 69, died suddenly Wednesday afternoon on January 2, 2008. Ken was born in Whitinsville, MA to the late Cecil and Flora Opperwall Baker. He graduated from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY and received his Masters degree from North Adams State College in North Adams, MA. He taught physical education and coached in East Greenbush, Hoosick Falls and Cambridge, NY. He was inducted into the NY State Football Hall of Fame as well as the Section Two Wrestling Hall of Fame. He enjoyed his retirement winters in Aiken, SC and summers in Hoosick Falls, NY following area football teams, visiting with family and friends, and golfing. Ken will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, an adoring father and grandfather, and a caring and helpful friend. He was a man of strong principals who held his athletes and students to high standards, and was always there for them when they needed him. He was a role model, mentor, and father figure to countless young men. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to family and friends who have sustained them through this difficult time. Survivors include his loving wife, Ann Houghton Baker and beloved children, Brian (Joelle) Baker, Randolph, NJ, Bonnie Baker Fautua, Norfolk, VA, and Brett (Kristen) Baker, Atlanta, GA. Other survivors include his grandchildren, Christopher Baker, Andrew Baker, Samantha Fautua, Lucas Fautua , Regan Baker , Peyton Baker; and a brother, John (Helen) Baker, Rockingham, NC. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 Sunday, Jan. 6, at Shellhouse Funeral Home Chapel, 924 Hayne Ave., Aiken, SC. Those wishing to gather with Ken’s friends and family after the service may meet at Houndslake Country Club for refreshments. A memorial service will be held in upstate NY sometime in June. Details will be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a scholarship fund in honor of Ken Baker at Hoosick Falls High School, River Rd., Hoosick Falls, NY 12090 or to Cambridge Central School, 24 South Park St., Cambridge, NY 12816. Please visit and sign Mr. online guest book at http://shellhousefuneralhome.com. Shellhouse Funeral Home, Inc., 924 Hayne Ave., Aiken, SC To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kenneth Baker, please visit our flower store.