Dr. Brent R. 'Doc' Baker passed away peacefully November 1, 2017 at the age of 78 surrounded by family. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona on March 31, 1939 to Audrey and Ted Baker. Brent grew up in Phoenix, graduating from Camelback High School, The University of Arizona, and from Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1963. He volunteered to join the US Army and served in the Special Forces as a veterinarian with the Green Berets in Vietnam 1966 – 1967. Doc worked closely with the indigenous peoples of the area, and became a blood brother to the Montagnard of northern South Vietnam. After returning home, he settled in Cave Creek, Arizona and opened two veterinary practices: Carefree Animal Hospital in Cave Creek, and Sunnyslope (later North Mountain) Animal Hospital in Phoenix. He married Judith McDermond Baker and started their family in Cave Creek. Doc volunteered with the Cave Creek Saddle Club, the Flying Samaritans, was a founding member of the Carefree-Cave Creek Sheriff Posse, and served as Commander of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Air Posse.
Doc was a husband, brother, father, grandfather, veterinarian, pilot, artist, philosopher, musician, outdoorsman, woodworker, carpenter, mentor and great friend who always was available to help those in need. He is survived by Mrs. Judith McDermond Baker (divorced), his children Mij Baker, Erica Baker, Michelle (Andrew) Fowler, and Brent 'Bucky' Baker, his four grandchildren Austin, Ethan, Benjamin, and Nathan Fowler, and his beloved labradoodle Romeo. He will be dearly missed.
Memorial services will be held at Shadow Mountain Mortuary (2350 E. Greenway Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85022) on Thursday, November 30th, 2017 at 10:30AM , followed by Military Honors at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona (23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Brent's memory to Hospice of the Valley.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Shadow Mountain Mortuary.
February 17, 2018
Mark & Lorraine Hansen
We send our deepest sympathies to Mij and the Baker family. We're certain Doc was happily greeted by "Her Dogness" Kili.
November 30, 2017
David & Bill Elizondo-flowers
You have been such a good friend and even better care giver to our beloved pets may you now rest and enjoy the comfort of our lost but not forgotten loved ones. We will miss you so very much! We will see you again some day.
November 29, 2017
Karen Guthrie
Rest in peace Doc Baker. The Samaritans have missed you. Karen Guthrie
November 10, 2017
Travis Gish
My family already misses you Doc..a man who was not "just " a vet..so many facets to you as a person. You loved our animals, gave us comfort when they were hurting....you always had a special ability w animals..and people. Thankyou for being a sweet part of our life..The Gish Family
November 8, 2017
Am so sorry to learn about Brent's passing. Many of us were part of the Cave Creek Saddle Club. Brent was our go-to vet for our horses. Did lots of trail rides. A special person, and he will be missed. RIP.......Beverly King Peagler
November 7, 2017
November 7, 2017
Mike Goering
Brent was one of my best friends in the Flying Samaritans when we both were active in that charity as pilots. I never knew he was in the Viet nam war until now. But Doc taught me more about being an adventurer than anyone else I've ever known. He was a man's man through and through. I wish I could have a beer and a smoke with him now as we used to do at Punta Chivato on Sam's trips. I really miss that and him. My condolences to his family.
November 4, 2017
CHERYL montano
November 3, 2017
Pamela Williams
Brent was an excellent Vetrinarian and animal lover. He had a wonderful mind and a good heart. I always enjoyed talking to him. He was a Blessing.
November 3, 2017
Judie Hyde
I am and many more will miss him deeply. He was loved more than he knew. Now at peace I am sure he is busy doing something.
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