Roy K. Baker III

WHITEHALL - Roy Kenneth Baker, III, (71) of Whitehall, died Saturday after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Originally given a prognosis of only months to live, Roy saw an opportunity for one of his most cherished hobbies – proving others wrong, and successfully fought off his illness for another decade.

Following his graduation from Whitehall Central High School, Roy received an Appointment to the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Roy’s brilliance and curiosity translated into achievements in many fields early on, including as a homicide detective and member of the SWAT Team for the Lee Co. Sherriff’s Office; corporate work at Boeing; the Teamsters Union, among others.

Later, he followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps as an engineer for the D&H, then back into law enforcement with DOCCS. Ever the student, Roy returned to the classroom, receiving his RN degree. His father’s legacy at Great Meadow, still often described as “the man who ran that place,” was well-honored by Roy, III, who completed his career at Great Meadow as the Deputy Superintendent of Medical, proudly working alongside his friends and neighbors until the facility’s closure.

Roy’s travels took him many places in life, yet none would replace his native Whitehall as home. While his last months too frequently included time in doctors’ offices, Roy’s final days were spent at home on the farm he loved and built together alongside his wife, Sandy.   His love of animals and the land found a companion in her and together, they raised and cared for their beloved Romney sheep and Dexter cattle with commitment and passion; to say nothing of the award-winning fleeces Dunroamin Farms became known for.

Roy is survived by his wife, Sandra (McNally) Baker; son, Thomas Kenneth Baker, (38); step-daughter, Caitlin McNally, (29); his beloved aunt, Luella; and several extended family members.

He is predeceased by his parents, Roy Kenneth Baker, Jr.; and Elizabeth Ann (Mallard) Baker; cousins, John J. Keys, and Darlene Keys; and lifelong friend, Timothy Kingsley.

At Roy’s request, no services will be held. Family and friends are asked that in lieu of flowers, donations in Roy’s name be made to either High Peaks Hospice, highpeakshospice.org/donate/ or Tunnels to Towers, at t2t.org/

“But come ‘ye back,

When summer’s in the meadow.

Or, when the valley’s hushed,

And white with snow…”

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