Gwen and Robert Baker of Milford were honored Friday as Old-Timers of the Year at a ceremony held during the 2019 Lassen County Fair.
According to details from the nomination which led to the award, Robert and Gwen moved from Red Bluff to Milford in the spring of 1959 where they worked and raised their family. The couple has lived in Milford since then.
The Bakers operated a custom farming business with Robert’s parents for many years; working the hay fields all over Lassen County, hiring several local young men to help operate and maintain the farming equipment. Robert also leveled land and built reservoirs during the off-season and worked on projects in conjunction with the Soil Conservation District.
They have been members and supporters of Milford groups like the Milford Community Association, Milford Seniors, and the Milford Volunteer Fire Department, as well as faithful attendees of the socials hosted by the local youth 4-H club and past members of Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Women.
They also picked up and distributed USDA food commodities for the Milford residents for years.
Gwen received the Extra Mile Community Service Award in September 2005 which was presented to her by then Supervisor Lloyd Keefer. She served on the Milford election board for years until the community went to all mail-in voting.
She volunteered for the Women’s Auxiliary at Banner Lassen Medical Center, for Lassen Volunteer Hospice and as secretary and all-around helper for the Milford Community Association. She is also one of the “local ladies” who often helped before, during and after memorial services held at the MCA building.
Gardening and doting on her grandchildren and great grandchildren are favorite hobbies.
Robert, known as Bud by most, served six years in the National Guard as a young man and was a Staff Sergeant for two. He retired from the workforce as a respected custom farmer, heavy equipment operator, mechanic and talented welder. He volunteered his mechanic services to the Milford Fire Department for years.
Before retiring, he worked at Susanville Motors as their John Deere Specialist, and was known as “Mr. John Deere” by many. Even today, if friends or family have tractor or automotive problems, he is their go-to guy for advice which is gladly given with a good dose of humor.
According to the nomination the couple loves their farming and ranching community and the many friends they have made over the past 60 years here, and recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.
Comments are closed.