William Loren Baker

William Loren Baker known to everyone as Loren, passed away peacefully at home with family, the morning of Tuesday 4 Aug 26 (age 67) due to complications of a Traumatic Brain Injury that occurred 9 Apr 26. Only son to William (Bill) Taylor Baker, Architect and Shirley Mae Ellsworth, Homemaker, youngest brother to Candace and Amy, father to Jeremy Hal Ellertson, mechanic/small business owner, Jeremy Matthew Baker, Marine Veteran, William Nicholas (Nick) Baker, Army Veteran, Sophie Mae Baker, College Art Student, grandfather to 6 grandchildren Levi, Taylor, Megan, Zack, Oliver and Maxwell, and 3 great grandchildren Graeyson, Oakley and Drew. Surviving wife Anne Joy Hanson (Executive Director Clinical Research).

Loren was born 19Dec1958, Maricopa County, Mesa Arizona. In his teenage years Loren developed a passion for playing guitars, played in a rock band and loved cars. Upon his return from his mission his father unexpectedly passed away and at the age of 21 took on family responsibilities in caring for his mother through the difficult transition. Later his professional life had him traveling cross country as a roadie for many famous musicians/bands, through out the 80s and 90s, which led him to being skilled in building recording studios, producing music for famous musicians, lighting and audio tech for concert and corporate shows, as well as expanding his own musical talent in playing many instruments and had a beautiful singing voice. Loren was a Theater Technical Director for the Claremont Theater, CA, and in Lancaster PA.

In 2011 Loren retired early due to chronic arthritis and learned the art of smoking BBQ, built a BBQ competition team, BlueCloudBBQ, and became a BBQ pit master winning many awards for his brisket, pork and ribs (he hated cooking chicken). Loren loved the BBQ community, good people, good food, fun times while being in competition with each other. BlueCloudBBQ supported many charity events in Arizona and California, catered for weddings and neighborhood friends.

Many thanks to those that have provided care to Loren over the past 4 months. The ER and ICU team at Desert Banner Medical Center, Anthem Hospice care team, neighborhood friends that cleaned our home, took care of Tobias, delivered meals, assisted with errands, the many, many prayers and blessings of comfort for Loren. Loren is at peace and no longer in pain, he is now with his Father and Mother and good friend/BBQ team member Sam Lewis, probably cooking up a storm in Heaven.

Private Family Cremation at Bunkers Garden Chapel will be held Wednesday, 19August, where we will play some rock n roll music. Celebration of Life will be held at Lorens home in November, when it cools down and his BBQ team will cook for Loren, his family and friends. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.