Beau's obituary
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Raymond "Beau" Baker on February 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Downey, California.
Born on March 16, 1970 in Nipomo, California, Beau was a beloved spirit known for his optimistic and funny nature, warm heart, patience and strong work ethic.
Beau is survived by a loving family: His wife, Janel Cunningham; children Beau Baker, Emily Baker and Will Baker; Their mother Judy Linane Baker; Sisters Terri (Corbet) Cadwell and Sally (Douglas) Nottingham; His niece and nephews, Kacie Ryan-Grubaugh, Shea Ryan and Marc Pyle will miss their "Funcle." Beau is also survived by many cousins and friends.
Beau was predeceased by his parents Linda Duckworth Baker and Ray Baker, both of whom resided in the Santa Maria area for most of their lives.
Beau moved to the Los Angeles area after high school where he worked in the Post Production industry. He worked for many companies throughout his career including Sunset Post, Modern Video, Ascent Media, CBS Television and 2G Digital, to name a few. His keen eye, quick wit and technical prowess made him a popular colleague and cherished "secret weapon."
A significant part of Beau's life was marked by his deep love for music. Recognized for his creativity and musical talent, Beau was able to utilize those, along with his technical skills to work as a producer, programmer and drummer for multiple bands. As a founder of the band Vain Machine, Beau skillfully produced their debut album LOST, and acted as drummer for their live shows.
Beyond his professional and musical achievements, Beau found happiness in the simple pleasures of life, like yard work, sports, pets, listening to music and watching Horror and SciFi movies. His love of music was apparent, with his appreciation of an eclectic and wide range of genres. His favorite bands ranged from Depeche Mode and Duran Duran to KMFDM, Stabbing Westward and Def Leppard, to The 1975, Tove-Lo and BTS, to Garth Brooks and Alison Krauss. His favorite movies were the Alien Movies, Star Wars Saga, The Conjuring series, Jaws and Blade Runner.
Beau was also a jock to his core. He not only watched sports avidly, he competed in Baseball, football, basketball and hockey. Besides watching his favorite teams; the Anaheim Ducks, LA Dodgers, Angels and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he also enjoyed watching the little league world series and college softball.
Beau was known for his Santa Maria Style BBQ skills. It gave him great joy to introduce his "City Friends" to his Tri-tip, Pinquito Beans and Garlic bread and hosted many weekend gatherings doing so. He considered himself a "foodie," and was always on the look-out for the "Perfect" Burger or Taco. His love of delicious food was fostered by his mom, leading him back home to his roots of great food and great company.
Beau was a man of a rare combination of traits - hilarious yet tender-hearted, free-spirited yet hardworking, competitive yet easy-going. He loved deeply and unconditionally, including the many animals that he helped raise and "parent." His surviving cats Kevin Augustus Baker 1 and Slava Nottabolshevik Airada will miss him tremendously.
Beau would say that his greatest accomplishments were his children and his music, and they will be his enduring legacy.
We choose to remember Beau for his radiant spirit, his zest for life and legacy of laughter that he brought to those around him.
His absence will be keenly felt by all who had the privilege to know and love him.