BY JOE ESTRELLA
jestrella@idahostatesman.com
© 2011 Idaho Statesman
Dr. Charles W. Baker was more than just a Boise State University colleague to Dr. Russell J. Centanni.
He was that rarest of all things, Centanni said: a lifelong male friend.
“How many truly close male friends does a man have in his life? We have lots of acquaintances. But who are the confidants? Who are the real friends? It’s a rare bird. Charlie was one of those people.”
Baker, who taught zoology, entomology, parasitology and organic evolution at BSU from 1968 until his retirement in 2000, died April 23 at St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center in Boise after developing pneumonia as a result of pulmonary fibrosis. He was 74.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Liz, two daughters, Tamsen Profit and Meggan Hamm, and four grandchildren.
Centanni met the man who would be his friend for 38 years in 1973, when Baker served on the nine-member panel that interviewed him for a position as professor of biology at BSU.
Over the years, the two fished for crappie at Paddock Reservoir near New Plymouth, or traveled to CJ Strike Reservoir south of Mountain Home so Baker could indulge his passion for trout fishing.
When Centanni married his wife, Ginny, in 1987, Baker was his best man.
At an April 30 memorial service at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Boise, Centanni called Baker a “master teacher and mentor” who often was recognized by inductees into the Honor Society Phi Kappa Phi as “the one professor who was most important in their higher education experience.”
Baker’s duties also included serving as an adviser to students pursuing a dental career.
“The Treasure Valley is rich with dental professionals who were guided through their undergraduate education by Dr. Baker. In the same way, students of entomology and parasitology were guided to advanced degrees and professions in those fields,” Centanni said.
Baker also is remembered as a founding member of “Bug Day” at the Idaho Botanical Garden, an annual event where children learn about insects through games and activities and earn a Certificate of Bugology at the end of the day.
In recognition of his contribution to the event, this year’s Bug Day on Aug. 20 will be dedicated to Baker.
“He was instrumental in Bug Day from the very beginning,” said executive director Julia Rundburg.
Away from the classroom, Baker was known for showing up on his friends’ doorsteps with his homemade cinnamon rolls, or heritage tomatoes grown from seeds he cultivated over 25 years, or a freshly caught trout ready for the frying pan.
He also enjoyed a good gag, Centanni said.
“I will never forget my 65th birthday, when I woke up to find 65 balloons planted in my backyard, each lovingly placed there during darkness by Charlie.”
Joe Estrella: 377-6465
In Remembrance is a weekly profile on a Treasure Valley resident who has recently passed away. To recommend a friend or loved one for an In Remembrance, email newsroom@idahostatesman.com.
