In Loving Memory

Clyde Reed Baker, Jr.

4/12/1958 — 4/16/2020

Gilbert-Memorial-Park

A Life Remembered

Obituary

Clyde R. Baker, Jr., born April 12, 1958, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2020 in Mesa, AZ. Music was his passion, and he was the owner/founder of Baker Performing Arts, LLC in Mesa, AZ which was his proudest accomplishment. He was a graduate of Columbia University, M.Ed., University of Illinois, M.S. and Rutgers University, B.A. He held many positions in his lifetime in the education system from music teacher to high school principal as well as orchestra, choir and musical director in public schools and college level institutions. He also worked as a band director/conductor at Temple University College of Music in Philadelphia and as an instructor at Manhattan School of Music in New York City. Under his baton, his college and public school orchestras and bands performed in prestigious concert halls such as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, major concert halls, professional and major university football stadiums. He wrote marching band drill designs for the University of Illinois, USC Trojan Marching Band and the 500 member All-American Marching Band for President Reagan’s Inauguration. He also led a popular band in Las Vegas for many years and performed in almost every casino on the Las Vegas Strip as well as other venues. He is preceded in death by his mother, Shizue. He is survived by his father, Clyde Baker, Sr. of New Jersey.

Messages of Love

From family and friends

Andrea D

No one will ever read this as it’s over a year later. Sometimes we want to know “whatever happened” to someone … I googled his name and found this obituary. I’m so sorry Clyde met a painful passing. My sister died of leukemia due to 9/11 site exposure, so I know how that is. I met Clyde at Rutgers and *really* liked him. As I remember he was very handsome and very kind. When we returned from summer break he told me he had gotten married, and that was that. Farewell, Clyde. Andrea

Laura Angelini

I am so saddened to hear about Clyde’s passing and the last time we spoke, he was in severe pain and we reminisced about all the great times we had performing together in Las Vegas in his band Kaleidoscope. Clyde was one of the hardest workers and true perfectionist that I have had the honor to work with and he was such a kind and sweet person and we always had lots of fun laughing and singing together. He had even mentioned to me a few years ago about us working together on some events together, but I had a career jump onto the Billboard top 40 dance charts as a recording artist so I was no longer able to work unless it was an event promoting my new music. I told him I wished I could have resurrected Kaleidoscope with him since we have so much fun working together but I was no longer able to do that and I usually him at the Namm show yearly since he loved to buy all the latest music equipment and I live in So Cal so we usually catch up and say hi at the Namm Convention. I remember calling him this year and asking him where was he since I was watching Tower of power at the Namm Concert stage which was one of our favorite bands that I have sat in with and know the band. I was hoping he was there and he told me he was ill and battling cancer. It was a shock and I was so sad to hear about his illness and I kept in touch with him and would call him and pray with him on the phone. He said he would call me when they got the pain under control in our last conversation and I have been trying to reach him. What a beautiful heart and I love and passion for music and extreme dedication and drive he had for music. The world was a better place with Clyde in it and he will be truly missed. My sincere condolences to his father and family. May you rest in peace Clyde??

Colleen Custer

I am so very sorry to hear of Clyde’s passing. my heart and prayers go out to you Jackie and all his friends and family who loved him so much. I feel blessed to have known Clyde and to have worked with him on many occasions throughout the years booking bands. He sure was a fighter. And he always tried to keep a positive outlook. R.I.P. Clyde. you will be very missed but never forgotten.

Paula McMillan

We grew up together. The same street, the same values. Having both lost our mothers recently, we had reconnected. The memories are fond. Rest well Clyde.

Christopher Davis

We were childhood friends from the age of 12. Memories of so many crazy adventures all through our teen years. You went North for college. I went South. Time, distance and we drifted apart. I find out we live 15 miles from each other in Arizona; and never knew it. Music was your love, and passion (playing in God’s band now.) May God bless you and keep you safe as you journey to a better place. My sincere condolences to your family and friends for their loss and may they be comforted in their time of need. To Mr. Baker Sr. : my condolences for the loss of Mrs. Baker and Clyde. May God grant you comfort in your time of morning. Respectfully, Chris Davis

Donna McGuigan Glavan

My sincerest condolences. My first friend and neighbor. God be with you and your family.

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Gilbert Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery