Brian Baker ’84
Brian “BB” Baker, 58, of Wyckoff, went to eternal rest on Saturday, October 10, 2020. He was a devoted loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and loyal friend. Brian is survived by his wife Patricia, his children, Kimberley Grace and Zachary Gibson, and his sister, Nancy, and her husband, Robert Milnamow, and his nieces and nephews, Claire, Kathleen, Brendan, and Patrick. He is also survived by many other in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Virginia Boyer Baker, and father, Robert Gibson Baker.
Known to his family as Brian and to his friends and colleagues as BB, he was born on May 14, 1962, in Fairview Park, a suburb of Cleveland, OH. A lifelong resident of Wyckoff, he attended Ramapo H.S. and then went on to obtain a degree, in 1980, from Hope College. BB, a devoted father, was so passionate about making time to accompany his children in their various interests. While the children were growing up in Wyckoff, BB trained and coached both of their soccer teams.
He was affectionately known as the “Weekend Warrior” during the winter months while driving his family back and forth to Vermont for their ski racing competitions. As Zachary’s interest in ski racing began to excel, BB dedicated additional time to being in Vermont and allowed his son to follow his passion while attending Green Mountain Valley School. BB was a hero and role model to his children, pushing them to explore different avenues of life and setting them up for success. Sports were a huge passion of BB’s, on and off the field. He appreciated good athletes who worked hard and gave their absolute best. He was a Soccer Official and Instructor for NFHS (National Federation of High School Sports) and USSF (United States Soccer Federation). In addition, he was the VARA (Vermont Alpine Racing Association) Alpine Officials Chairman, Freelance Race Administration for FIS (International Ski Federation) and was the Race Arena and Crew Manager for Green Mountain Valley School.
Professionally, BB was a man of many talents and interests. Never being one to stand by and watch, he followed his numerous passions and interests. The common thread which he brought to the table was his desire to excel and grow as the best possible leader. Working in areas of his keen interests, it was easy for him to pay attention to detail and explore all possibilities to produce end results which were professionally executed. He gave his life to emergency management, entertainment production, and athletic production. BB worked in the entertainment industry for thirty years, working as a Technical Supervisor for live events, such as Broadway theater productions, live concerts, conventions, and special events. From 1997 to 2012, BB worked in the NY Fire Department as an independent consultant and a technical advisor, with special emphasis on building codes, structural building renovations and the impact on safety for those in the theater district. From 1998 to 2008, he brought his expertise to the private sector working for the US Tennis Open, managing the Emergency Operations Center. From 2001 until this time, BB was a classroom and field fire instructor at the Bergen County (NJ), Law and Public Safety Institute, in Mahwah. BB was also part of the Wyckoff Fire Department from 1994-2012 serving Deputy Chief from 2006-2008. Brian is dearly missed.