Ian S. Baker

Ian Stuart Baker of 33 Washington St., Trumansburg passed away at home on Saturday, January 5, 2008, at the age of 24.

Born at the Cayuga Medical Center on November 7, 1983, Ian was the first born son of Richard R. and Katherine Monteith Baker. Ian's childhood was shared with many neighborhood friends, who stayed close to him throughout his life. He enjoyed many hours swimming, boating and playing with family and cousins at summer camps on the St. Lawrence River and the lower peninsula of Michigan.

Ian was a true observer of people. He would listen to all points of view of friends and people around him, while formulating his own opinions and views of the world. He was an avid reader, particularly enjoying science fiction and history novels. He shared his love of science fiction, comics and movies with both of his brothers, often chauffeuring his younger brothers to the latest movie premieres. Ian had a special relationship with a series of family dogs having grown up with dogs all his life. He enjoyed hiking excursions, walks and bike rides with his dogs, Woody, Maggie and Leia.

In 2002 Ian graduated from the Trumansburg High School as Valedictorian. He kept statistics for the varsity soccer team and had a close relationship with many of the faculty at Trumansburg High School. He was attending RIT with a Presidential Scholarship, when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Despite the myriad of challenges Ian faced daily for the five years that he battled his cancer, his desire to learn and grow never ceased. He was able to work at TPG printers in Ithaca for the last three years, where his spirit touched the lives of others.

Music was an important part of Ian's life and, like his books, his palate was broad as he enjoyed a variety of artists' styles. He particularly enjoyed attending the Grassroots Festival in Trumansburg throughout his life, first with family and then with peers. Ian had a close knit group of friends that supported him his entire life, especially since his illness developed. Tuesday night 'Wing' nights at the Haunt, Barbecue functions at the homes of close friends were frequent highlights of his later years. He leaves behind a dedicated group of friends who will miss him deeply. A man of few words, Ian touched many people throughout his battle with cancer, and his spirit will not diminish as long as those who were fortunate enough to develop a bond with Ian continue to honor his memory.

In addition to his parents, Ian is survived by two brothers, Jacob and Nathan, also of 33 Washington St.; maternal grandmother, Carolyn Monteith of Canton, NY; paternal grandparents, D. Kenneth and Vivian Baker of Sanford, NC; maternal aunt, Beth (Pat) Hewlett of Underhill, VT; 2 maternal uncles, Jerome (Amber) Monteith of Madison, CT and Thomas (Nan McCullough) Monteith of Lisbon, NY and 5 cousins, Greg and Matthew Monteith, Teresa Berry, Krista Self and Megan Hughes.

Memorial Service to celebrate Ian's life will begin at 1:30 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at the First Presbyterian Church of Ulysses, 69 E. Main St., Trumansburg with Fr. Gurdon Brewster officiating.

The family asks those who wish to remember Ian in the form of a contribution to kindly consider Hospicare, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850, SPCA, 1640 Hanshaw Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 or the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790.