Dr. David Bruce Baker

Dr. David Bruce Baker, 84, of Tiffin, passed away on Friday, April 16, 2021 at his home.

He was born on May 29, 1936, in Akron, Ohio, to Arlus R. and Mary E. (Brown) Baker. On June 18, 1960, he married Margaret J. Swinehart whom he met at Heidelberg College.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret (Peg) Baker of Tiffin, and three children: Sarah (Eric) Jome of Bloomington, IL; Mark (Patsy) Baker of Eaton Rapids, MI; and Susan (Robert) Cramer of Platteville, WI.  Also surviving are his brother, James (Jocelyn) Baker of Manhattan, KS and sister, Judith (Gino) Calcei of Mogadore, OH, as well as seven grandchildren: Bergen and Brian Jome; Robert and Bailey Baker; and Margaret (Maggie), Thomas, and John Cramer.

Dave graduated in 1954 from Suffield High School and in 1958 from Heidelberg.  He earned his Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Michigan in 1963. After a year of post-doc in Tubingen, Germany and two years teaching at Rutgers, Dave and Peg returned to Tiffin. Dave taught in the Biology department at Heidelberg and founded the Water Quality Laboratory (now the National Center for Water Quality Research).

Professionally, Dave was a leader in alerting the world to the interaction between farmlands and water quality.  The data sets produced by Dave and his colleagues are used internationally to inform public policy and guide further research.  Personally, he was known for his patience and kindness.  Dave loved sports, canoeing, camping, fishing, singing, and supporting the arts.  He traveled extensively with Peg and friends, was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church, and, in his retirement, continued his involvement in environmental education. Dave worked right up to the end. He lived a full life and was well loved.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church, 96 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio with Rev. Katie Treadway officiating. A private burial will be held earlier at Greenlawn Cemetery. A reception in Dave’s honor is being planned for a later date.

Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church. The service will be live streamed through the First Presbyterian Church Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/fpctiffin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Center for Water Quality Research at Heidelberg University, First Presbyterian Church, the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, Habitat for Humanity, the Ritz Players, or another charity of the donor’s choice.

Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family.

Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.

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