Steven Wilbur Baker of Richland, passed away October 1, 2018 at age 76. Son of Wilbur and Bernice Baker, Steve was born in Oshkosh, Nebraska on December 30, 1941 and grew up in Lingle, Wyoming and Richland, Washington. In the spirit of his true grit, Steve spent summers in his twenties fighting forest fires in Eastern Washington. Steve earned his bachelor’s degree in Education and master’s in Administration from Central Washington University and enjoyed a long career as a popular teacher and esteemed principal. Often described as charismatic, Steve could make a connection with anyone. Always building and remodeling, as a 35^th wedding present he built his wife a barn for their hobby farm. When Steve wasn’t working hard he was spending quality time with family or taking a little break with his Louis L’Amour westerns, or watching sports on TV. We will miss Steve’s positive outlook on life, easy going demeanor, and quick wit. Steve is survived by his sister Betty Culverhouse, his best friend and wife of 55 years Linda (Guilland); children Jollee Baker (Steve Stegner), Stace Baker, Kirsten Young, April Svejkovsky (Yogi); grandchildren James and Marie Stegner, Jessica and Cameron Baker, Ryan and Maddie Young, Luke, Ava, Alexa, and Tommy Svejkovsky; and numerous nieces and nephews. Steve was predeceased by his parents, sister Mary Ellen Bearse, and son-in-law Nick Young. The family will celebrate Steve’s life this autumn as the leaves turn red and gold.