[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 172 (Thursday, December 1, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING MR. TOM BAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 1, 2016

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of Tom 
Baker of Waitsburg, Washington who passed away on November 14, 2016 at 
the age of 86.
  Tom Baker was born on April 17, 1930 in Fort Morgan, Colorado. As a 
child, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, and active in 
various church, music, and social events. Following his high school 
graduation, Tom attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology, where he 
graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Printing Management in 1953. 
It was during his college years that he met and fell in love with his 
wife Anita.
  Tom's passion and dream from a young age was to work in newspapers. 
Following positions with various local newspapers in Colorado, Tom and 
Anita eventually moved to Waitsburg in 1963, where Tom bought stake in 
the Waitsburg Times, eventually becoming editor and publisher in 1964.
  As publisher of the Waitsburg Times for 27 years, Tom was able to 
employ his dry wit and unique style while chronicling the life and 
times of the people of Waitsburg. Tom officially sold his stake in the 
Waitsburg Times in 1991, but happily contributed to the paper with his 
weekly column ``TOMfoolery'' until 2009. Tom understood the importance 
of providing the citizens of Waitsburg with a weekly print newspaper 
tailored to their interests and passions.
  An active member of his community, Tom enjoyed spending his time 
working with the Waitsburg Commercial Club, Masonic Lodge No. 16, the 
Waitsburg Historical Society, the Waitsburg Presbyterian Church Choir 
and Board of Elders, the Walla Walla Community College Board of 
Trustees, and the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association among 
many others.
  Tom was also an active and loyal community servant, who ably filled 
roles on the Waitsburg City Council and served as Mayor of Waitsburg on 
two separate occasions.
  Tom is survived by his wife of 64 years, Anita, his sons Charles and 
Loyal, and daughter Peggy, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-
grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, Tom Baker was a dedicated public servant and important 
member of the greater Waitsburg community for many years who will be 
truly missed. His positive spirit, belief in the good of the community, 
and devotion to his passions was truly admirable. I will fondly 
remember Tom Baker and share my condolences with his family.

                          ____________________