It is with great sadness that we wish to share the passing of Charles Harris Baker, a loving father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, who passed away May 13, 2015. He is no longer in pain and suffering and is at peace.
Charles was born to Edna M. and Harold I. Baker March 3, 1931, and is survived by his sisters, Mary Lois Johnson of San Diego, Calif., and Betty Ann (Bill) Haas of Bluffton, S.C.; and several nephews and nieces.
Charles lived nearly his entire life within a quarter mile of where he was born in his beloved Willoughby and is survived also by five sons, Scott of Chester Township, David of Painesville, Charles “Chip” (Val) from Tampa, Fla., Douglas of Painesville, and Mark (Jennifer) of Helena, Mont.; grandchildren, Denny Baker, Amanda Baker, Angela (Scott) Smith, Abigail Baker, Gary Vert, Sarah (Blake) Page, Dani Vert, and Jaci Baker; great-granddaughter, Sawyer Page; and many friends whose lives were brightened by their interwoven lives.
His parents, and oldest son, Dennis, preceded him in death.
Charles graduated from Willoughby Union High School as Salutatorian in 1949, and was off to Harvard University, where he earned his Sociology degree in 1953. He then went to University of Toledo Pharmacy School, where he completed his degree in Pharmacy in 1957. He was a second generation pharmacist and operated several drug stores with his father throughout Lake County including downtown Willoughby (complete with a soda fountain), the Willo Medical Building, Kirtland, Concord Township and Madison, until he retired in 2005.
Charles was always known for his kind and generous spirit as a father, brother, friend, and a pharmacist where it was not uncommon to have others refer to him as “Doc” for his sound medical advice. Numerous stories abound of his generosity in helping others as a pharmacist when calls came late into the night and medications were needed for someone who was ill. Charles would get up and make it to the drug store and, more often than not, make an early hour delivery to the household to offer his help. The family would be interested in those stories if you have one as they remember their father.
He loved to travel, eating a good steak dinner, enjoyed a good piano bar and was often found indulging in both at The Cabin Restaurant in Willowick. Charles always enjoyed jazz music, playing bridge with his friends at the Browning Center, and was a lover of a good scotch high-ball.
A memorial gathering will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at McMahon-Coyne-Funeral Home, 38001 Euclid Ave., Willoughby.
“We are fortunate to have had a man in our lives who knew how to live well and for others. If you’d like to come by and share a story and honor our father and your friend. We would absolutely love to meet you.”
To leave condolences for the family, order flowers, or light a memorial candle, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.

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