Obituary of Billy Gene Baker

Billy Gene Baker, born in Wray, CO, August 8, 1955, died at his home in Denver on October 21, 2025, with his beloved Charles by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents Manford and Charlene Baker, and his partner Barry Bowman.

An ardent animal lover, his constant companion was a wonderful, one-eyed rescue cat named Digby, whom Bill fed with a syringe during times of illness. Bill and Charles were heart broken when Digby died this summer. Itty Bitty Kitty, Mitty and many others filled Bill’s heart through the years.

During his retirement, Billy became interested in ornithology. He couldn’t wait for Cornell Lab’s Bird of the Day, and his smart-camera bird feeder brought him countless hours of joy and wonder. That is, until the squirrels started raiding it!

Bill always had a green thumb and devoted each spring and summer to a huge garden. nurturing many flowers, herbs and vegetables from seed. He was relishing the sweetness of the late harvest Cherokee Purple heirloom tomatoes, a perennial favorite variety.

Billy also loved to travel and considered himself a gourmand. Favorite food destinations included Washington D.C., Seattle, San Francisco, Manhattan and New Orleans. To commemorate his 70^th birthday, he dined at many old favorites in Taos and Santa Fe. From haute cuisine to fried green tomatoes, he enjoyed it all. Of his culinary adventures, Bill would say, “we eat as sport.”

Billy Baker is survived by Charles Stillwagon, with whom he was making plans to return to their favorite cabin in Estes Park to celebrate their 23^rd anniversary. He is also survived by his dear sister Doris Nau, cherished niece Angie (Mike) Podolak, great nieces Sofie Podolak and Ainsley Carlino and her children. He is also survived by brother Larry (Jody) Baker, nephews Tommy and Kyle Baker and their families, Crissy (Tyler) Lutz and their son Clark, as well as Kathy (Rob) Gourlay.

Bill touched the lives of many people through his time at the Tattered Cover and Saint John’s Cathedral. As a friend said, “Bill was such a good, fun and loving person.” Another noted that “Bill was such a sweet and thoughtful man; I was lucky to know him.” We will toast the life and legacy of Billy Baker at a celebration of in the future.

“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.”  ~ David Viscott