<p>David Leon Baker</p>

David Leon Baker, 45, of Magalia, Calif., died at home Monday, Oct. 24, 2011. 

Born May 16, 1966, in Richmond, Calif., the youngest of three children and only son to Leon and Mary Baker. The family moved to Oregon in 1970 after a short stay in Ogden, Utah. His school years began in Hubbard, Ore., population 1,400. Moving to Pendleton, Ore., in 1978, where he graduated Pendleton High School Class of 1984. An avid sports enthusiast, he was an All Star every year for his high school baseball team. College years began at Oregon State University in Corvallis and moved on to Boise State University.

Taking a few years off to see the world (31/2 years, to be exact), he moved with his parents and nephews, first to Guam and then to Okinawa, Japan. It was at this time he began to compete in international bodybuilding competitions. Upon returning to the United States and California he began attending Chico State, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. He went on to accomplish a list that included attending the firefighters academy and then the police academy, becoming a California corrections officer in Californias toughest prisons. He was a substitute teacher for Yuba and Buttes County school districts as well as a personal trainer. He wore many hats and did well at all.

David is survived by his parents, Leon and Mary Baker of Magalia, Calif.; sisters Cheryl Baker of Pendleton, Ore., and Robin Baker of Phoenix, Ariz.; nephews Michael Baker, Brandon Baker and Kristopher Cruz; and niece Jaquelyn Cruz.