CLAREMONT, NH –Gary was born on September 24, 1953 the second son to Linwood and Margaret Baker. Gary fought a 30 plus year battle with complications from cancer in the late 1980’s and again in the early 1990’s. Gary never gave up the good fight, but on August 12, 2024 his body could no longer fight that battle. He passed peacefully with his daughter Rebecca and son in law Jeremy by his side.
Gary was a hard nosed racer at Claremont Speedway (now Claremont Motorsports Park) from the late 1970’s to the mid 1990’s. He raced in the Late Model and Prostock divisions. He raced at several tracks all over New England. He was inducted into the Claremont Speedway Hall of Fame in 1991 and worked at the speedway as Head of Tech for several years. He could be found at the track more often than not completing a variety of duties to help the place he loved so much. If he wasn’t at the track, he was in his brother Bryon’s garage (as well as many other garages) tinkering, offering racing advice, sharing stories, and helping anyone who needed it.
Gary loved his family and often talked about them and the many friends he had and had made over the years.
Gary’s knowledge, friendship and love of telling a good racing story will be missed by so many.
Gary is predeceased by his father Linwood Baker on April 13, 1969 and his mother Margaret Baker on October 4, 1972.
Gary leaves here on earth his significant other and dedicated caretaker of 30 plus years, Nancy Scruton.
Gary also leaves here on earth two brothers and a sister; William and his wife Kim, Bryon and his wife Alberta, Lynn and her significant other Donna.
Gary also leaves here on earth one daughter; Rebecca and her husband Jeremy as well as four grandkids who he was so proud of; Dylon, Aiden, Chloe and Sophia.
Gary also leaves here on earth several nieces and nephews as well as many great nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be August 27, 2024 from 5-7pm at Stringer Funeral Home in Claremont NH.
Per Gary’s request he will have a “simple service” August 28, 2024 at 11am (at Stringers Funeral Home) and will then be laid to rest, with his parents, at the Ascutneyville Cemetary in Ascutney Vermont.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
“Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings in the sky where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.” Eskimo proverb
Arrangements are with Stringer Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.
