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In memory of

Neil Robert Baker

Ocean City, MD, USA

July 23, 1947 - November 26, 2019

Jul 23, 1947 - Nov 26, 2019

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Neil Robert Baker (aka ODB, aka Beach Papa, aka Beach), 72, passed away on November 26, 2019 at his home in Ocean City, Maryland. Neil was born in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ to Cornelius Baker and Jean Baker Kramer, in the summer of 1947. He was married to Patricia Ann (Patti) Genua on June 24th, 1972 in Washington, DC and had his only child, Chad Baker, two years later. Shortly after the birth of his son, Neil earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Maryland at College Park. He received and accepted his first job offer to teach and research microbiology at The Ohio State University, where he spent his entire career until retirement at the age of 60. Whether it was mentoring his graduate students or introducing undergrads to the fascinating world of microscopic organisms, Neil loved teaching. Even after retirement, he continued to lead the education arm of the American Society for Microbiology, with the goal of making microbiology more approachable and accessible to everyone. During his time at Ohio State, Neil, along with his family, had the privilege of taking multiple sabbaticals overseas to study at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and the University of Göteborg in Sweden. These lengthy trips led to unforgettable excursions with family and friends all over Europe and Scandinavia.

Neil was an avid athlete and consummate outdoorsman. He completed two marathons and ran races his entire adult life. It was while on a trip to Switzerland in his 40’s that Neil learned to ski, a sport that became a lifelong passion. He took up whitewater kayaking in his 50's and within a few years had paddled some of the gnarliest rivers in America. Upon retirement, Neil and Patti moved to Ocean City, Maryland, where he soon became a tour guide for Coastal Kayak in Fenwick Island, Delaware (https://coastalkayak.com/neil…) It was during this time, in his 60's, that Neil became proficient in paddle boarding and surfing. Neil's favorite pastime though was fishing, a hobby he enjoyed so much with his friends and proudly passed on to his grandchildren. He also loved playing soccer, no matter if he was oftentimes the oldest guy on the pitch.

Neil battled pancreatic cancer for nearly two years before his body and mind simply said "Enough". During that time, he continued to do the things he loved to do so much; OSV dawn patrols to Assateauge in his truck, surfing, paddling, fishing, and kayaking with friends and family, being goalie, teaching, swimming, slow walks on the beach, treasure hunting, watching EPL matches, Nats games, and his Buckeyes beat Michigan, and, most importantly, hanging out with his grandkids, who he adored.

Neil loved his life and lived his passions. We should all be so lucky. He is survived by his wife, Patti Baker, son, Chad (Elizabeth Thoms) Baker, grandchildren, Avery Baker, Dean Baker, and Natalie Baker, his sisters, Janice Limburg and Candace Baker, and brother, Douglas Baker along with countless other family members and close friends. Per Neil’s wishes, a celebration of life will occur in the Spring of 2020 so people can gather outdoors and be close to, if not on, the water.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Maryland Coastal Bays Foundation in his memory. Protecting the ecology of the waterways Neil loved so much for future generations to enjoy would mean everything to him. To do so, go to https://mdcoastalbays.org/don… and click the yellow “Donate” button.

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