Gary D. Baker, of Medford, N.J., passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, surrounded by love. His final moments reflected the same warmth, grace, and unwavering love that defined his life.
Gary was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey was marked by compassion, humor, resilience, and a steadfast faith in God. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and everyone touched by his presence.
Gary was many things – a little complex, always fascinating, always interested, happy, kind, generous, smart and undeniably one of a kind. Raised with strong values and humble beginnings, he carried his grounded spirit throughout life. As the son of a decorated U.S. Air Force serviceman, Gary moved frequently in childhood, but his roots always traced back to Virginia. There, his grandparents raised him on a farm and laid the foundation for the man he would become.
A gifted athlete, Gary made his mark at Rancocas Valley High School in Mt. Holly, earning a well-deserved spot in its Hall of Fame. Recruited by numerous colleges for basketball and baseball, he chose to attend The Citadel in South Carolina on a basketball scholarship before proudly serving in the United States Air Force.
After his service, Gary carved out an impressive and diverse professional path. He began at McGraw-Hill and later became an executive at Amway Corporation. True to his independent spirit – and well-known aversion to suits and ties – Gary eventually founded a successful business adding his longtime partner and friend, Howard Creskoff. He led the company for many years with grit, integrity, and vision.
Gary often said, “I’m just an old cowboy.” He wasn’t kidding. He loved horses and rode well into his seventies. A true animal lover (especially when it came to bulldogs), he had a soft spot for creatures great and small. He was also a devoted sports fan – watching NBA and WNBA games with his daughter Montana was a favorite pastime he never missed.
Gary had a remarkable gift for seeing the best in others. He was everyone’s biggest cheerleader – a true “hype man” with a fiercely protective spirit. Wise and fearless, Gary had a solution for just about everything and tackled life’s challenges with loyalty, courage, and kindness. He believed in people, even when they struggled to believe in themselves. Honest and unfiltered, he never shied away from tough conversations and always stood by his word. To know Gary was to feel seen, supported, and unconditionally loved. He didn’t care for rules or pretense and lived life on his own terms – always with heart.
His legacy is rooted in love. He was the kind of man who’d give you the shirt off his back, then ask if you needed his shoes, too. He embraced life with open arms – savoring food, travel, sports, laughter, and, most of all, the people he loved. His greatest joy came from family. Gary was a devoted husband to Sheila, a proud and loving father to his daughters Montana, Victoria, and Natalie, and a father figure to Austin, whom he cherished as his own. Gary loved his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Gary loved his in-laws, siblings-in-law, and their families who all brought immense joy to his life.
There are no words big enough to capture the kindness, humor, and heart that Gary brought into this world. He lived with joy, loved fiercely, and lifted everyone around him. Though we grieve deeply, we take comfort in knowing that Gary is now at peace, surrounded by eternal love – just as he surrounded all of us in life.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Friday July 18, 2025 from 10:00am to 11:00am at St. Mary of the Lakes Church 40 Jackson Road, Medford, NJ 08055. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: The Legacy Foundation 1289 Route 38 West, Hainesport, NJ 08036 www.legacytreatment.org/locations/the-legacy-foundation/
Arrangements under the direction of the Bradley & Stow Funeral Home, 127 Medford-Mt. Holly Road, Medford, NJ 08055.
(www.BradleyStow.com)