Archive: Around Town

03/18 -- At least 500 people gathered at Lansing Middle School Saturday to say goodbye to chicken innovator Bob Baker.  Baker was world renowned for his contributions to the chicken industry, creating more than 50 innovations including chicken nuggets and Cornell Sauce.  Baker had a long and successful career at Cornell, and was dubbed "The Edison of the chicken industry" by the New York Times.  Baker died peacefully early Monday morning at age 84.

The first five rows of the largely filled auditorium were filled with immediate family including Baker's wife Jacoba, their children, grandchildren siblings and spouses.  Lansing Lions filled much of the house right section to honor Baker who had been a founding member of the service club.

Baker was quite active in Lansing as was reflected by the large, varied attendance at his memorial service.  In addition to his activities in the Lansing Lions, Baker was instrumental in initiating the Lansing Community Council that funds such programs as the Town's recreation Department and Youth Services and the Lansing Older Adult Program that provides low cost housing and services for elders.  He was active in other service clubs as well, including the Ithaca Rotary.

The memorial service was presided over by Pastor Bill Gottschalk-Fielding.  Speakers included several family members and former graduate students and associates.  Tributes focused on his unassuming humor, a deep interest in people, his intelligence and spirituality, and the many professional contributions he made that changed the way people eat chicken around the world.  Dr. Robert Gravani, a former graduate student was the first speaker, followed by Lion Joe Metz.  At this point the Lions placed flowers in a vase, processing silently in tribute, single file.  Fred Munson and Sandra Baker Hall also spoke.

The Methodist Church Choir sings

Most touching were tributes by his children and songs sung by his granddaughter and nephew.  Sarah Sandstead sang a rendition of "Oh Danny Boy" that she explained she used to sing to her grandfather while driving, to help keep him alert at the wheel.  Daughter Regina, accompanied by her sister Johanna, read a letter to her father she had composed in Viet Nam last week while waiting to make a flight home for the funeral.  Sons Dale and Kermit remembered their Dad, as did daughter Reenie.

The Bakers and friends shared a strong sense of family and service, and insight into Baker's deep love and interest for people, his quick humor, spirituality, keen mind, and constant math quizzing of his children.  The event was organized seamlessly by Lansing Funeral Home.

Chicken is served from Baker's famous recipe

Prior to the service the line during the calling hours at Lansing United Methodist Church were long and constant.  Family lined the entire front of the sanctuary, greeting well wishers.  Then chicken barbecued in the Cornell Sauce Baker developed and made famous was served.  The family cooked over 800 chicken quarters for enthusiastic well wishers.  It was a fitting tribute -- one expected to see Baker himself smiling within the crowd.

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