Assembly Resolution No. 458
BY: M. of A. Morinello
MOURNING the death of Paul H. Baker, cultivator of
the land and pillar of the New York State farming
community
WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow that this Legislative Body,
representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to
pay tribute to an eminent gentleman of indomitable dedication whose
public service and countless accomplishments will forever stand as a
paradigm and inspiration for others; and
WHEREAS, Paul H. Baker of Sanborn, New York, died on Wednesday, May
26, 2021, at the age of 73; and
WHEREAS, Paul H. Baker was born on November 16, 1947, to the late
Dorothy (Canfield) and Howard "Red" Baker in Niagara Falls, New York; as
a child, he worked on the family farm, Baker Farms, in Ransomville, New
York, where he learned to love agriculture which supplies mankind with a
safe, healthy, affordable and abundant food supply; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Lewiston-Porter High School in 1966,
Paul H. Baker earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Agriculture
Economics and Marketing, before returning to Ransomville, New York, to
run Baker Farms; later, he furthered his education by obtaining his
master's degree in finance from the University at Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, Paul H. Baker sold the farm, and with an innate
understanding of the vital role hardworking farmers provide for the
State of New York, he took his passion for agriculture and its farmers
to the Capitol in both Albany, New York, and Washington, D.C. serving as
the Executive Director of Agriculture Affiliates and the New York State
Horticultural Society for over 14 years and the Executive Secretary of
the New York State Berry Growers Association for more than 12 years; and
WHEREAS, Paul H. Baker also served as Chairman, board member and
advisor on many agriculture organizations including the New York Apple
Association, the International Apple Institute/UA Apple, the Western NY
Apple Growers and the AMO; he was also an agricultural advisor for a New
York Senator and held various agricultural advisory posts for several
United States Senators and Congressmen over the years; and
WHEREAS, Paul H. Baker was the spokesman for the New York State
Horticulture Society at the United States Department of Agriculture and
was instrumental in the development of the Grow NY program and the
Becker Forum; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his decades of public service, Paul H. Baker
worked tirelessly on the local, state, and federal levels addressing
various issues pertaining to agriculture and individuals who owned and
worked on the farms; he led the charge in obtaining funding for various
organizations and was essential in obtaining over a million dollars for
agricultural research in New York State; and
WHEREAS, Paul H. Baker was a wonderful sounding board for growers
and researchers; he was easy to approach and if he did not know the
answer, he would work hard to find one; growers felt comfortable talking
to him and he was always receptive to listening to their issues; and
WHEREAS, Paul H. Baker was a resolute steward for the environment,
and strived to help growers and farmers deal with a variety of labor and
financial issues, knowing agricultural businesses are essential for the
growth of agriculture in New York and across the country; and
WHEREAS, Paul H. Baker is survived by his loving wife, Thea; one
son, Brett Baker; three daughters, Elizabeth (David) Antonelli, Shannon
(Ryan) Klar, and Nicole (Tim) Baker Burkholder; three sisters, Ann
(James) Samplinski, Katherine (J. Anthony) Collard and Emily Baker;
eight grandchildren, Cole, Tyler, Carter, Aubrey, Avery, Emma, Jack and
Ciara; and many nieces and nephews, as well as former wives, Terri
Argentieri and Sharon Hill; and
WHEREAS, A true friend to all American farmers, Paul H. Baker was
always willing to lend a hand to help lift up the agricultural
community; and
WHEREAS, Paul H. Baker, who displayed many unique qualities, lived
an immensely beautiful life built on compassion, kindness, and respect
for others; he will be truly missed by all those who had the privilege
and honor of knowing him, especially his beloved family; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Paul H. Baker, cultivator of the land and pillar of
the New York State farming community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Paul H. Baker.
