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1984
2020
SPC RYAN DAVID BAKER, U.S. ARMY
November 19, 1984 ˜ June 2, 2020
Ryan David Baker, ”Boogie”, passed away on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020 after a battle with PTSD and substance abuse. He was the son of Daniel Baker of Ridgefield, WA and Mary Smith of Portland, OR.
Ryan had attended Ridgefield High School, graduating in 2003, after which he joined the Army in 2004, serving almost five years as a tank crewman and operator and serving two tours of duty in Iraq. Ryan was assigned to the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment and also served with the 3rd Infantry Division during his enlistment.
SPC Ryan Baker was awarded the Army Combat Action Badge, two Army Commendation Medals and the Army Achievement Medal for his service in Iraq, along with several awards, including The National Defense Service Medal, Global War On Terrorism Medal, Overseas Service Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal, among other personal commendations and recommendations and was honorably discharged in 2009.
He recently worked for TLC Towing in Ridgefield as a dispatcher until his illness had caused him to leave his job.
Ryan had many friends and was the greatest son and friend a person could ever have, and to quote a classmate...“You were a constant, kind friend to everyone in your life, no matter what. What a joy you always were that will live in our hearts forever.”
Ryan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jesse and Bonnie Baker of The Dalles, OR and Anna Hartnett of Vancouver, WA; uncles, SGT. David Baker, USMC, Donald Owen of Ridgefield, WA and Dennis Lang of Battle Ground, WA.
He is survived by his parents; aunts, Lorna Owen of Ridgefield, WA, Mary Ann Tate of St. George, UT, Linda Riley of The Dalles OR, Barbara Larson and Brenda Olstad of Amboy, WA; and many nieces and nephews.
Ryan will be interned in the Willamette National Cemetery when services can be resumed there, and a memorial service in Ridgefield is being planned for the near future.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ryan was and is my hero...I caring is a testiment to what a beautiful man he is, and this will keep him in our hearts forever.
have never met a kinder, compassionate, loving and giving person.... Ryan's love and
Mary Smith
Mother
July 8, 2020
Ryan, I've never met you, but I met your Dad and Uncle David in Vietnam in 1970 after David was badly wounded. I know you had to be a good man and Soldier because your Uncle was a good Marine and your Dad a good Sailor. You will be missed by your family and friends. Rest easy and thank you for your service.
Ron McCallie
Friend
July 3, 2020
My heart aches. Ryan was a handsome young man lost too soon. As a friend of his uncles David and Dennis, I had to let you know we all care. I'm so sorry. May he rest in peace with his uncles.
Molly Johnston Butler Miner
Friend
June 27, 2020
His Service is our Legacy. His valor is our Legacy. He will be honored and remembered.
Bryan Laycoe Post 44
June 22, 2020
hank you for your service
You are my hero
I am so sad
Sister in Christ
Mary
May god heal our men in service
Amen
June 18, 2020
My heart aches for the family. War has been so cruel to you. Sending love and comforting thoughts.
Kay Richardson (Thornberry)
Acquaintance
June 16, 2020
I am so sorry for your great loss. I did not know him, but he sounds like a wonderful man who had many great accomplishments that you should always be proud of. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
lynn
Acquaintance
June 16, 2020
I never met you but I can see how loved you were. I am so sorry for the pain that you endured and I am amazed at what an outstanding service legacy you left. I am thankful and grateful for your service and you brought your parents much love. Thank you for being such a friend and wonderful son. You will be missed . Please Rest in Peace. Your Uncle David is there, also.
Susie DeRosa
Friend
June 15, 2020
Ryan you left us all way too early. Your family loves you always and misses you. Prayers for the family and especially your Dad... you were his world. Rest in peace sweetheart.
Brenda Olstad
Family
June 14, 2020
what a beautiful, kind man he has grown to be. Love you Ryan, rest in peace
MaryAnn
Family
June 14, 2020
Another hero sadly lost, but never forgotten. Thank you for your services and bravery. May you find peace in the heavens above.
June 14, 2020
As a parent, I lost a child and there is no greater pain to endure. As a soldier and commander, we all struggled and were frustrated with the friends and comrades not only lost in battle, but those we lost after, far from the battlefield from invisible wounds that we were incapable of saving. My heart goes out to the entire family. My hope and prayer is that you find some small measure of comfort in knowing your family, friends, community, and people you have never met, nor knowcare and support you. We are all diminished by your sons loss and our inability to help prevent it. On behalf of a grateful community, we honor your sons service and your family sacrifice. If anyone reading this knows of a struggling veteran, please speak up and connect them to the VA for treatment.
MG Gary Medvigy, US Army retired
Served In Military Together
June 14, 2020
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