Preston D. Baker, 62
Was a pillar of the Westminster community

WESTMINSTER - Preston D. Baker, of Westminster, died on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, after battling cancer of the pancreas.

He was born on Jan. 25, 1946, to the late Preston A. Baker and the late Grace (Jarvis) Baker. He was a life-long resident of Westminster, and a tenth generation descendent of one of the town's founding families.

Preston was educated in Westminster public schools, attended Notre Dame High School in Fitchburg and studied civil engineering at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. He was highly regarded throughout his 40-year career in excavating and site development. He was named vice-president of operations at M.W. Clark Excavating of Westminster before he founded and operated Westminster Site Corporation. In recent years, he owned and managed Baker Site Development and was an estimator and project manager for Beacon Site Development of Holden.

He was a pillar of the Westminster community, dedicating his life to public service and preserving the integrity and well-being of the town in which he lived his entire life. He served on the Board of Selectmen for 22 years. He was an elected Water and Sewer Commissioner and was an appointed Public Works Commissioner. In addition, he served on the 250th Anniversary, Town Hall Building, Forbush Library Building, Solid Waste Advisory, and Wastewater Citizens' Advisory committees.

The 2005 Annual Town Report for Westminster cited Preston for his, "vast experience, strong leadership abilities and willingness to tackle big issues…over the years." "His sharp negotiating skills have significantly benefited the town by helping to bring in considerable amounts of revenue, much needed infrastructure improvements, and key land acquisitions…"

Preston was a great fan of the University of Notre Dame athletic program and especially enjoyed watching Notre Dame Football. During his lifetime, he also enjoyed boating along the eastern shore, fishing, camping and hosting countless gatherings for friends and family. He was a compassionate and generous person who also had a great sense of humor.

He is survived by his daughter, Heather Baker and her partner, Elizabeth, of Washington, D.C.; his son, Nathan Baker of Windsor, Colo.; six brothers and sisters, Warren Baker and his wife, Carly, of San Luis, Calif.; the Rev. Donald Baker, Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Gardner; Judith (Baker) Landolfiand her husband, Michael; and Dennis Baker and his wife, Paula, of Shrewsbury; Gail (Baker) DesBois and her husband, Bernard, of Pepperell, Kevin Baker and his wife, Donna, of Leominster; as well as the mother of his children, Debra (Progen) Baker, numerous nieces and nephews, and several grandnieces and grandnephews.

The Westminster Chapel of the Sawyer-Miller-Masciarelli Funeral Homes directed arrangements. In lieu of flowers, Preston's family request memorial contributions be made to the Westminster 250th Anniversary Fund, 11 South Street, Westminster, MA 01473 or to the Westminster Benefit Fund, Inc. P.O. Box 63, Westminster, MA 01473.