It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, brother, son, uncle and grandfather. Homer (Pete) William Baker was born on May 3, 1940, and peacefully departed from this world in his home on December 22, 2024. He will be profoundly missed.

Pete’s journey began in Michigan, where he was the third youngest of eight siblings. In 1943, at the age of three, his family relocated to Humboldt, setting the stage for a life filled with hard work and dedication.

As a young man he found employment at Sierra Pacific, where he dedicated many years of service. A workplace accident led to the loss of parts of three fingers, yet Pete embraced humor, regaling listeners with fantastical tales of how he sustained his injuries — from encounters with bears and sharks to mischievous dogs. He retired from Sierra Pacific in 2007.

In the course of his life, Pete fathered a son and daughter with his first wife. However, it was in 1983 that he met Rose, the love of his life. They married in 1984 and soon bought property on Humboldt Hill, where together built a warm and welcoming log cabin that became a sanctuary for family and friends. Pete joined Rose on her foster care journey during the build of their cabin. Together they opened their hearts and home, where to this day they have fostered over 500 children, alongside adopting six children of their own. Their log cabin became a haven where anyone who entered felt embraced by love and kindness, often becoming a cherished place for former foster children to return to for holidays and special occasions.

Tragedy struck in 1988 when Rose’s son, Glenn, was diagnosed with cancer. He fought hard to beat the cancer with a smile on his face, ultimately it took his life at the young age of 19. After their tragic loss, Rose and Pete dedicated their lives to the foster care system and to being a resource for foster parents locally, and nationally.

Pete cherished the simple pleasures in life: dancing with Rose, camping adventures with his trailer, mowing the lawn, reading Louis L’Amour novels, and watching classic westerns. Above all, the love he held for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren is what drove him.

Pete is survived by countless family and friends, too numerous to list.

In accordance with his wishes, Pete will be cremated. A celebration of his life will be held on January 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Life House Church, located at 2743 Hubbard Lane in Eureka. All who wish to honor Pete’s memory are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Youth Ability Inc. or Parents in Training Inc., PO Box 6644, Eureka, CA 95502.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Pete Baker’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.