Neighbor just told me that Car Craft will be shooting pics and video at Bakers in Milford at the Sunday afternoon cruise tomorrow. Going to "detune" the Ramrod and take it over there(only 10 miles from here on the back roads). Will be the longest trip for the car in over 5 years! On a sad note, wife just showed me this morning's paper where the owner of Bakers died of a massive heart attack on the way home the other day. Only 56, much too young to go. May affect the turnout, and certainly the future of the greatest cruise in place in Michigan.
Wow, went over there at 1:00 and they were already backed up 3 miles in each direction and turning cars away. Unbelievable.
Paul Baker: Barkeeper loved family, a daily joke July 9, 2005 BY MARSHA LOW FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER His life was filled with the work of owning several bars: The Goat Farm in Novi, the South Lyon Hotel, P.B. Putters in New Hudson, Bakers of Milford and Brewbakers in White Lake Township. His days were filled with family: Cathleen, his wife of 32 years, five children, grandchildren, sisters, nieces, nephews, a mother and scores of friends. And yet a day was never complete unless Paul Baker had a new joke to tell. "He loved people and was always trying to bring a smile to your face," said Cathleen Baker. "He had the best way of telling a joke; it was a gift." On Wednesday, Mr. Baker was on his way home, talking to his son Christopher on his cell phone when he had a heart attack. Mr. Baker, 56, of Highland Township died almost immediately. "To me, it's still shocking," said Christopher Baker. "I'm still expecting him to walk through the door. I'll miss the advice he could give. I wasn't done learning from him." Mr. Baker was born and raised in Wyandotte, graduating from Wyandotte Roosevelt High in 1966. He went on to Eastern Michigan University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in marketing and a master's degree in special education. It was during this last stint at the university, in 1972, that he met Cathleen Conover in class. The pair noticed each other immediately. He charmed her with jokes and his smile. A year later, the couple married. When not working at one of his bars, Mr. Baker got involved in his community. In the 1980s, he was grand marshal of Novi's Pumpkin Fest Parade. He organized the Cruise at Bakers of Milford, an event that has grown through the years. And in 2004, he was named South Lyon's Citizen of the Year. Mr. Baker's son Matthew recalled the many occasions when his dad received tickets to sporting events from business associates. "He'd turn to the quietest, loneliest guy at the bar and give that guy the tickets," said Matthew Baker. "He gave so much of himself. We were always so proud of him." In addition to his wife and sons, Mr. Baker is survived by daughters Amanda and Julie; another son, Paul, and three grandchildren. Visitation is from 2 to 9 p.m. today at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford. On Sunday, the family will honor Mr. Baker's memory at the Cruise at Bakers of Milford. Services are at 10 a.m. Monday at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 3700 N. Harvey Lake Road in Highland Township.
found on the Corvette Forum: There were over 2,600 cars at Baker's yesterday. At 6:00 p.m. the funeral home drove their hearst through Baker's with Mr. Baker's casket. The entire crowd, stood, took off their hats, shut down their engines, and applauded. I hope the family can continue his great work.
Wow, shows where the heart of hot rods, street rods, cruises and all really is, doesn't it? Woodward in July! We were turned away 3 hours before it started and 3 miles away, so guess how many cars really showed up? Had no idea he owned those other places. I've had experiences in most of them. Thanks, Donny.
