The family submitted this obituary:
John A. “Trapper John” Baker, 85, a longtime resident of Talkeetna, Alaska, died peacefully on June 21, 2018, at his farm in Talkeetna, due to complications from a prior surgery. He was born on March 19, 1933, in Spratt, Michigan, to Thelma Baker and John J. Baker.
John came to Alaska in the ’50s, following a dream. He lived the life he loved, and made a conscious effort each day to make the world around him a little bit better. He was a trapper, private pilot, welder, sheet metal worker and wood turner, and built many cabins and out-buildings. He was happiest on the seat of his tractor, or hoeing his garden. He was famous for his raspberries, and invited many people to share them.
He documented his life in Alaska with 16 mm movies, which have been digitized by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, including “Building a Log Cabin in Alaska,” available online at the Alaska Film Archives.
John was a great storyteller, and was often asked to share his story about his dog Queenie, who jumped out of an airplane, and how he went with Santa one Christmas Eve. Since the mid-70s, John chronicled his life by writing on a calendar each evening, recording the high and low temperatures, and a highlight of his day.
A potluck and Celebration of Life will be held from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at his farm among the fireweed. There will also be a celebration of his life in Michigan at a later date.In lieu of flowers, you may consider a donation in his name to the Jessica Stevens Community Foundation, P.O. Box 436, Talkeetna, AK 99676, which benefits many local non-profits, or to a charity of your choosing.
John is survived by his partner of 29 years, Grete Perkins; his brother, Tom; and sister, Barb of Ossineke, Michigan; a niece; nephews; and many cousins.
The world has lost a special man, and he was loved by many.
