Richard Norman Baker born July 9th, 1927, in Omaha, Neb., passed away on Sept. 18, 2012 in Centralia Wash. He is survived by his three children, Gregg Baker, Agoura Hills, Calif., Mike Baker, Oakville, Wash. and Brenda Japhet, Olympia, Wash. In addition he has seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren living in Western Washington and in Southern California. His wife Mary Mae Bieker Baker preceded his passing last year. He also has a brother, Edward and sister, Edna Shippey living in California, and a sister, Betty Watson, living in Arizona. He was a child of the Great Depression. He was one of nine children growing up poor in Omaha, Neb. He enlisted in the Army with a buddy, but never saw action as the war ended prior to his deployment. He was on leave visiting his sister in Boistfort and met Mary Bieker. She became his wife. They were married in 1949 and were together until Mary passed on in 2011. His work career began and ended with a war surplus retailer that became known as The Yard Bird Shopping Center. Known to many people in Lewis County, Richard managed the Yard Birds Shopping Center for over 30 years. His support of many charitable groups and organizations throughout Lewis County through the Yard Birds is well known and appreciated. There will be a remembrance celebration at kitchen #2 in Fort Borst Park on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012 at 1:00 p.m., bring your favorite dish. In lieu of flowers please send remembrances to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave. 7th fl., New York, New York 10001. On the web at www.alzfdn.org, click on the donate tab OR toll free at 866-AFA-8484.