Stanley Brian Baker
February 27, 1967 ~ October 26, 2007
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
STANLEY B. BAKER
Stanley Brian Baker, 40, of 8 Stewart Street, Asheville, died unexpectedly Friday, October 26, 2007.
Mr. Baker was born in Nashville, TN. He was a graduate of Enka High School and UNC-Asheville. He was an avid outdoorsman and NC Lifetime Sportsman. He was a Realtor associated with Realty World Market Place.
Surviving are his wife, Betty Reichard Baker; one son, Graydon Charles Baker; his parents, Charles E. and Jane Baker of Asheville; one sister, Denise Morton and her husband, Nick, of Marshall; one brother, Douglas Baker of Maui, HI; and three nephews, Kevin, Brett, and Clint Morton.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by the Rev. Fr. John M. Pagel at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 768 Asbury Road, Candler.
The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the Mass.
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To the entire Baker family: Our deepest regrets and sympathies go out to you. This was disturbing news when I heard about my high school/college friend passing away. I have fond memories of our fly fishing trips together and the fun we had. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers in this most difficult time.
Keith Lindsay
Looking at all who attended Stan’s memorial service, it touched my heart deeply to see how many people one person’s kindness can touch. Stan’s big smile and willingness to go the extra mile, or three! will be an indelible inspiration for me always. Stan, I will think of you many times, deeply sad that you are not with us on this earthly plane, but knowing you are happy, helping others in other places; knowing that we will all be brought together in unimaginable joy again.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Betty, I can’t even begin to express the emotions I felt this morning when Elizabeth Wrightson told me of your loss in the very same email that informed me of your marriage and the joyful arrival of Graydon. Although I haven’t seen you since our 20th CS reunion a few years ago, the memories of that night are as fresh and happy as if it had just been last week. Please accept my family’s most sincere condolences, and please know that we would love nothing more than to see you and meet Graydon the next time you make it up to the Shore. Call, write, or email any time. You and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers, Betty.
With love,
Leigh
Leigh, Andrew, & Hannah Blackwood
214 Surrey lane
Queenstown, MD 21658
410-827-0496
ektb1970@gmail.com
Betty – I just received photos of the birth from Debbie Gosser this afternoon and now this terrible news this evening. I will pray for you and your families. Don’t know what else to say – looking at the photos of you I was remembering what a wonderful, fun person you are and what a wonderful loving mother you are. You are loved by so many people – old friends and new. Much love – Holly
Betty, Harriett, and family. Our hearts go out to you at this sad time. Our church prayer group is praying for Betty and Graydon. Love, Bill and Dotte Davis
To all my family I hope you all find comfort in memories and strength in each others love throughout this very difficult time. Love you all very much!
I am so sorry to hear the news of Stan’s passing. I have nothing but fond memories of hanging out with Stan and Doug on Castlerock Drive growing up. Stan was always a very kind and caring person — very funny, too — and his loss will be felt by many.
Betty and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Eileen and Bob Pumphrey
Joey and Katie Douglas
Charles, Jane, Denise & Doug,
I’m so sorry to hear about Stan’s passing. I have very found memories of the days growing up on Castlerock Drive – going fishing, skate boarding, ‘kung fu’ fighting in the yard, playing basketball, riding bikes, sleding in the winter and just hanging out at each other’s houses. I will always remember his ready smile and great sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So sorry to hear of Stan’s passing. I have a ton of great memories with Stan: BMXing around Bent Creek, trout fishing, school at Venable, tennis, ‘borrowing’ Doug’s records and listening to Van Halen, and just hanging out around Castlerock Drive. Peace be with your family.
Our hearts are broken for you as you grieve for Stanley. The Lord loved Stanley – and Stanley is with Him now. The Lord sees your grief and grieves with you as He lovingly wraps His arms around each one of you now. God bless you Betty and Graydon. God bless you, Charles and Jane, Denise and Nicky, Douglas, Kevin, Brett and Clint.
Our love to you from Alma and Jacob.
My wife Samantha and I are deeply saddened by this sudden loss. Stan and I went to school together at Enka High, as well as UNC-A. Stan help us find and purchase our current house, and even helped us move on closing day, which illustrates Stan’s generous nature.
I remember him as such a helpful and caring person. I rarely saw Stan without a smile, and he seemed to pride himself on his quick wit and sense of humor.
I last saw Stan in late spring at a Ralph Stanley concert, where we talked of music, old friends and about his excitement, and slight trepidation of the impending birth his son.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Betty, Graydon, Doug, and the rest of the Baker family.
We considered Stan a friend, and will miss him dearly.
Stan Baker was a very special person. He certainly meant alot to my three sons growing up on Castlerock Drive. They and I are very saddened by his passing. Peace and comfort to his family during this difficult, difficult time.
I’m deeply saddened by Stan’s passing. He was the best friend you could hope for growing up and the best doubles partner on the tennis court. To Stan I say thanks for the great memories, and to his family, my deepest sympathies. He will be missed and remembered.
What wonderful memories we have of Stan and the great times our sons shared with Stan and his family.We have you in our thoughts at this difficult time.
Dear Betty,
I heard of the terrible news and wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and praying for you daily. I am so very sorry.
Denise and Family,
Your friends at Tops for Shoes want you to know that we are thinking of you and your family.
We all love you very much and will continue to pray for you during this difficult time.
Love,
Your Friends at Tops.
The world needs more people like Stan Baker…not less. We are deeply saddened and still in a state of shock. Stan was always the most upbeat and fun loving guy in any group. He was an absolute joy to work with. We own the house we have because of Stan’s hardwork and commitment to make sure we didn’t settle. He was a dear friend, and Graydon will know him as a legend through all the praises and wonderful stories about his loving Dad. We miss you Stan…you are truly loved.
Deepest sympathies to Betty and the family. Not much words can express but just to let Betty know evryone here is thinking of her and the family during this time. love always, Gena
To the Family of Stan:
I was so sad to hear of Stan’s sudden death. Please know that there are many prayers for each and every one of you. I worked with Stan at Realty World Marketplace and was called ‘Mom’ by him many times in his real estate dealings. Stan was a wonderful friend and a great REALTOR to many.
Love and Prayers to All.
Chuck,Jane and Doug
I know there are no words that will ease the pain of your loss. Michelle and I both would like to offer our condolences and to take a moment to let you know we were thinking about you guy’s.Stan was an outstanding young man and always conducted himself in the most polite and kind manner.Please let us know if we can do anything to help.
Stuart and Michelle Smith
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that we are praying for you during this very difficult time. We love you all very much.
Denise, Nick, Kevin, Brent, Clint
You are all so dear to us and we were shocked to hear about Stan. We had the privilege of meeting Stan, Betty and Mr. and Mrs. Baker at Kevin’s wedding. It was easy to see that he was a really upbeat person.We love you and are praying for each of you along with all the church family at Upper Laurel.Jim,Mel, Cassandra, Brandon, Ellie, Will and Bonnie
We got the news from Michelle and Jenny – we are so sorry for this loss. We really are so happy for the birth of Graydon – what a blessing. We are still processing this information and have been reflecting on the amazing wedding between you and Stan. Perfect is the right word – the family, friends, the bluegrass music, the location – it was awesome. We pray your memories of Stan and all that he believed will sustain you through this difficult time.
Love, Debbie & Dan Davis
Our hearts go out to all of you! We will keep you in our thoughts & prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Words cannot express the sorrow that we feel over the loss of Stan. Stan was our real estate agent but more importantly, he was our friend. Stan was a great husband and a great father. We are all better people for knowing Stan. He is greatly missed and loved. Thank you Stan for showing us how to be better people, you will not be forgotten.
Jane & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Although I did not know your Stanley, words others have written affirm for me he was a lot like his Mom. Kind, gentle, genuine, fun, etc. I cannot imagine your heartache. Please know I am praying for you and your family. May wonderful memories flood your broken spirit. I love you, Jane.
I was sorry to hear about Stan passing away. I did not know Stan but he was good friends with my cousin Steve Garrison. I know how hard it is to lose a love one at such a young age. When we lost Steve in June, I though my heart would never heal, but with time and prayer, God heals all wounds. May God be with you and your family. You will be in our prayers.
Stan and I went to High School together and, like with many of my friends from that period, I have not seen him in many years, but still I remember him well and as if it were just yesterday when last we were together.
Stan was a wonderful friend and the very best kind of person. My heartfelt sympathies and sincerest prayers are with his entire family; especially with his wife and son. This is truly a tradgic loss and Stan will be deeply missed. Still, we must be mindful of God’s plan and know that Stan had a part in it that we might not yet fully understand. May he rest in the eternal peace of a Heavenly home.
With greatest respect and love,
Mark Puzerewski
The world is less bright without Stan. We were not close, but it was always a privledge just to say I knew him. From Grove Park to realtor, he was the best. My prayers are with his family. God bless.
To the family of Stan Baker I am so sorry to hear of Stans sudden death. I worked with Stan and his wife Betty at the grove Park inn for over 5 years. He was a great guy and always had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed.
Betty, I wish that I could say or do something that would ease the pain. But I cannot. I do not have any idea of what to do or say.
I will certainly be praying for you and your son. Stan was a great man. He always had a warm hello and sincere welcome for everyone. I was blessed to have had the priveledge to work with him, and you, at Grove Park Inn.
Mike and I were so saddened by this news, and want all of Stan’s family and friends to know that we share in your sorrow.
Betty, I love you very much and promise to share all the wonderful things that Stan was with everyone I can.
Thank you for the honor of using the photograph that I took of him on your wedding day. I just looked at them again over the weekend, and was overcome… The camera can do amazing things, but it cannot capture that which isn’t there- I look at that picture and remember that beautiful day and the love that filled the air. Your love for each other was evident, and love like that doesn’t just disappear. It is always close.
I will always remember him… and smile, for I am a better person having known him.
With love and respect, Mike Tracy & Georgia
Stan, of all the wonderful, jovial people of the world you are at the top of the list. I hold such a clear picture of your smiling face in my mind. Your bright personality and silly antics will be dearly missed.
Dear Betty,
Zan and I hardly know where to begin to express our sorrow and grief at the passing of Stan. Stan made a deep impression on both of us. His quick wit, caring and relaxed way, and love of life were so apparent every time we were around him. We want to be able to be there for you and Graydon and to help preserve the memory of your wonderful husband and your son’s awesome dad. There is a huge circle of folks wrapping their love around you guys and we will be here for you for the long haul.
Our thoughts,prayers,and hearts are with your family during these difficult days, and days ahead. We truly understand the unexpected loss of a loved one….we pray that the Lord will comfort and strengthen you as He is with us. Sincerely Tony and Tammy Crew
Betty,
There are no words to tell you how deeply I feel the loss of your beloved Stan… His warm & genuine smile was always a delight to behold…May it comfort you to know that the great love you share is there for the WORLD to see in your beautiful Graydon…
I believe that love transcends time & space & surely can never die…
Stan will remain with you in your heart until you are reunited someday…
You are in my prayers…
A loving member of your Grove Park Inn family…
I worked in the same real estate office with Stan for 5 years. I will always remember him taking the time to smile and connect kindly with everyone; people, kids and dogs alike. Even when life was crazy and hectic. He is a great role model and I will really miss him.
Dear Betty,
Our prayers and love go out to you at this time of sorrow. Words can barely touch the surface at the loss of Stan. His smile and positive outlook on life will be greatly missed. It was an honor to have him bless our lives with his presence and contagious joy. Stan, you will not be forgotten. Your thirst for love and joy live on through Betty and Graydon.
With love and respect,
Michael Unanue
Betty, I want you to know it is a pleasure knowing both of you, my thoughts and prayers are with you & your family at this time. I have very special memories I will take with me always.
We are in shock over the news of Stan’s passing. From the first moment we met him we liked him and very much wanted to develop a stronger friendship with the two of you. If there is anything we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to call. Our love goes out to you and Graydon and the rest of Stan’s family.
To Stans’s family and friends…
Stan is a light that shall ,for eternity ,shine bright.
My experience with working with Stan or just running into him on the street was that I would just lighten up when he was around because his smile and lightness was always there to embrace you.
We will miss his physical self here in Asheville and know that we have one more angel to light the way for us.
My heart is with his family and all those who had the honor of calling Stan friend.
Blessings always in all ways…
Dear Jane,
I just was told of your loss. I am truly sorry. I know your children are your life. The only concellation to you now is the new grand baby.
If there is anything I can do please let me know.
Love you,
Lynda Moxley
Betty, We are deeply saddened to learn of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. I KNEW YOUR SON FROM HIGH SCHOOL. HE WAS SUCH A HAPPY YOUNG MAN. A MAN WHO ALWAYS HAD A HEART FOR PEOPLE…A MAN THAT WANTED GOOD THINGS FOR EVERYONE. GOD GAINED A ROSE AND WE LOST A GEM, BUT WHEN WE LOOK UP INTO THE HEAVENS AND THE BRIGHTEST STAR WE SEE WILL BE OUR BRIAN CONTINUING TO SPREAD HIS CHEER..SO TILL THE TIME YOU SEE HIM AGAIN, MAY GOD COMFORT AND STRENGTHEN YOU AND FILL THAT VOID WITH HIS LOVE.
Betty and Graydon – miles may separate us but know that our thoughts and prayers are embracing you and your family. Memories are a gift and mine take me back almost 17 years when both you and Stan were beginning your careers at Grove Park Inn. Your friends and co-workers witnessed a friendship bloom into a budding romance and then deep commitment to each other. We are all better for having known the two of you, both individually, and as an couple. Stan’s easy going ways and award winning smile are benchmarks for all of us to follow. May your memories bring you roses in December and bright sunshine on cloudy days. With love and compassion, Kyle.
Jane, We are very sorry to hear news of Stanley’s sudden and unexpected death. What a nice looking young man he is. Ted & I are praying for you and your family.
With love to you, Jane,
Ted & Kay
Charles & Jane, We are so saddened at the loss of Stan. Please know that all of your entire family are in our prayers and thoughts. If you need anything, please call on us.
With much love,
Randy & Pam
Betty,
I know we have not seen each other in four years and I’m sorry it had to be under these circumstances. You looked beautiful sitting there holding Graydon in your arms. A child is an amazing blessing. Every time I think of Stan I have to smile. I have never met anyone who had such a kind spirit and loving heart. We will miss him dearly. I promise I will visit more when I’m home, so Graydon and Bronsyn can get to know each other. You are in my thoughts and prayers. We love you.
It was seven years ago when we first met Stan and he helped us find our first home. We were told that financing would be an imposibility due to the existence of lead based paint. The sellers lived out of town and if we wanted the house, we knew we would have to repaint it ourselves prior to purchasing it. You could imagine our suprise when we arrived at our future home to see Stan with sand paper in one hand and a paintbrush in the other. His face was glowing with sweat and paint chips, while flaunting his trademark smile. It was then that a true friendship was formed.
He often went above and beyond the call of duty in his career and has played a huge role in making my career successful as well. He was a golden individual who will be impossible to forget. We will forever be indebted to him and are shocked and saddened by his passing. Betty, please let us know if we can help you with Graydon. We will be here for you.
Betty, Graydon, and family,
Our deepest sympathies during your time of loss. May all the years of happy memories soon replace the grief and sorrow. Stan’s light will surely shine bright through every one of you. Please know that we are here for you all. Sending love, strength and prayers your way.
Michelle and I would like to express our most sincere sympathies to the entire Baker Family.
We had the privilege of knowing Stan since high school. Words cannot express how shocked and saddened we are by his untimely passing. He was truly one of the all time ‘great guys’ – quick with a smile and a laugh that was infectious!
We are truly fortunate for having known Stan, and he will always remain in our most cherished memories.
May God bless and comfort you in this very difficult time.
Mr. and Mrs. Baker, Denise and Doug,
I was so sorry to learn of Stan’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.
It is with shock and heavy heart that I say good bye to yet another great friend and co-worker.. anyone who knew him was touched by his great out look on life and the way he always wanted to help anyone… All my condolences to his family and especially to you Betty in this heart felt time.. all my love..
James R. Wykle
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Betty,
Lise called your grandmother for their periodic chat and found her totally distraught. It took a while before Lise could get the whole story out of her. We are all shocked and mourning with you.
It seems like almost yesterday that we were in Black Mountain for your wedding and it was almost yesterday that we heard the wonderful news about Graydon. I can’t believe that all this happiness would take this turn. I am so sorry.
I wish we could make it to the service tomorrow. Please know our thoughts will be right there with you.
Call on us anytime you think we can help – we’re family.
Betty, words can not describe what we feel. All we could do was hold each other when we heard. I know you are surrounded by loving hands and hearts just now but please know our hearts are with you too. If there is anything you need please let us know. I know Mike and Kelly are a comfort to you and we hope you use their strength as you need to. We’re praying for you and your family.
We have no words, just sending lots of love and support. Anything, anytime, just call. xo
Love and Prayers from Tom and Michelle.
Jane and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You have come to my thoughts often the last couple of days and I always pray that God will wrap His comfort around you.
Love,
Tammy
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss, and my best wishes in this tragic time. I knew Stan while he worked at the Grove Park Inn. I was employed there painting stencils on the ceiling, and balcony walls. That was years ago. I saw Stan a few weeks ago. He told me he was in real estate. We thought back to our days at GPI. Stan said he remembered me as an up-beat person who would always brighten up his day, even if he was feeling down. I didn’t say so at the time, but this is EXACTLY how I remember Stan.
Betty,
I am so shocked, I don’t know what to say or where to start. Words cannot begin to describe what a wonderful person Stan was to everyone he met. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with you.
I worked with Stan at Realty World, he was such a sweet and special person. My heart is broken. My deepest condolences.
I would like to express my sincere sympathies to the entire Baker family.
Stan and I were friends from the first time we met growing up as kids in Bent Creek while attending elementary school at Venable. Stan was a great friend and he was a positive influence in my life. His outgoing personality and infectious smile will be missed by all who knew him.
Betty – I am so sorry to hear the news. I wish I could be there to give you a hug. I have been thinking about you all day and I feel helpless sitting in Easton. Know that you have so many friends thinking of you today including me- Love-Charles
Just hours before we heard that Stan had passed we were finalizing plans for a housewarming party. We were so proud to show Stan how much we loved the home he helped us buy, and this would be our first meeting with Graydon. We didn’t know Stan well, but he had this way of making you feel like you’ve been friends forever. He will be so deeply missed. All our love to Betty, Graydon, and family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness.
Words cannot describe how we felt when you called about Stanley. Our love and prayers go out to all of you. May you find comfort and strength in your memories of a very,very outstanding young man.
Betty,
We were so shocked to hear about Stan. It is so unfortunate that we can relate to your loss ourselves. Please know that we are Praying for you and that sweet baby. Please call us if you need anything. We are so sorry for your loss and that we are not able to be there today. God Bless you, Doug and Mandy Garrison
Baker family my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Baker family my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Betty,
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Stan. He was a wonderful person and will be so greatly missed. His positive attitude and caring spirit were an inspiration to many. Sometimes the daily goings on in our busy lives seem to take precedence over what really is important – friendships. I’ve thought of both you and Stan so often and the special times we’ve had together. I am here for you as you have been for me so many times.
Love,
Andrea