Ex-University of Michigan Regent Deane Baker dies at age 86
Deane Baker, a 24-year regent at the University of Michigan, died this month in California.
Baker is remembered for his career as a builder and his avocation for public service, including years as president of the Detroit Urban League, according to his family.
Deane Baker
Courtesy of Baker family
He lost his first race to join U-M's governing body in 1970, but in 1972 won the election and remained a regent for 24 consecutive years.
According to his biography from the Bentley Historical Library, which has a collection of his papers: "In his time as Regent, Baker proved to be one of the most active, and also controversial members of the board, providing a dissenting conservative voice on the overwhelmingly Democratic board. He was involved in the selection of three University presidents, and helped to lead the University through major shifts in University operation and policy, such as the drafting of a new sexual orientation and discrimination policy, the decision as to whether to divest stock holdings with businesses doing business in South Africa before the fall of Apartheid, and the construction of the new University replacement hospital complex."
He ran twice as a Republican seeking a US Senate seat, in 1976 and 1982, and lost both races.
"He loved his country, wept when (John F. Kennedy) was shot, and thrived on Republican politics, state and national," according to his family in their printed obituary. "Even in defeat, election nights had the air of the World Series; the next day he would pick himself up, put on his suit and tie and go back to work."
Baker had suffered from Alzheimer's Disease in his later years. His wife, Marilyn, preceded him in death in April.
He's survived by three daughters and five grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his son in 2001.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor.
Comments
Peacemaker
Tue, Nov 1, 2011 : 4:56 p.m.
The uncouth, mean-sprited minority within Ann Arbor's liberal community attack even the dead. De mortuis non nisi dicit.
Mike D.
Thu, Nov 3, 2011 : 4:51 a.m.
I suppose you also rush to Gaddafi's defense. If calling a spade a spade is uncouth and mean, I'll wear those badges with honor.
Bablat
Tue, Nov 1, 2011 : 2:43 a.m.
Dean Baker was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He will be missed.
Mike D.
Mon, Oct 31, 2011 : 10:21 p.m.
Don't worry, Baker's spirit of discrimination lives on in the Michigan legislature. But please, don't call his form of hatred "conservative." I know and like people who are conservative. Baker was a right-winger, but he wasn't a conservative.
Mike D.
Tue, Nov 1, 2011 : 4:44 a.m.
Deane Baker made his positions on things crystal clear. Yes, even a moron could figure out that he hated the gays. And even a moron can spell the deceased man's first name correctly.
Bablat
Tue, Nov 1, 2011 : 2:46 a.m.
This moronic comment (Mike D.) could not possibly come from someone who knew dean Baker.