Robert W. Baker of Canastota

CANASTOTA » The burial for Robert W. “Bob” Baker of 400 Lamb Ave., Canastota will be Nov. 1, 2017 at 11 a.m. in North Watertown Cemetery in Watertown, N.Y. Bob passed away Oct. 14, 2017 at the Oneida Healthcare Extended Care Facility.

The celebration of life service will be Nov. 4, 2017 from 12-4 p.m. at the VFW on Canal Street in Canastota. Bob was born on Tug Hill in the Town of Pinkney, N.Y. the son of Milton T. and Mary J. Smith Baker. He graduated from Watertown High School.

Bob served on the funeral detail in the National Guard in Watertown from 1943-1946. He also served in the Army Reserves and worked at Griffiss Air Force Base until it closed. He married the love of his life, Helen Blodgett, which would end in her passing away.

Bob was an avid hunter and musician and had a bluegrass band and trick roping act with his family for many years. He was a lifetime member of the Pinto and Appaloosa Association. He was president of the Pinto Association, and showed a National Champion Pinto stallion and many other horses throughout his life. Bob was an accomplished blacksmith for 50 years and spent many years at the State Fair as a farrier. He moved to Texas and began working on a ranch in Altoga, Texas.

Upon returning to New York, Bob had many tack shops in Depauville, Port Leyden and Sonny’s in Watertown, where he made and repaired horse tack. He volunteered at many charities and community organizations and did horseback trail rides for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. He also volunteered at the Orleans Outreach Center and judged horse shows at the Stone Mills Museum. He was a member of the Thousand Islands Bluegrass Preservation Society. He judged horseshows for 4H and open shows and was a mentor to many novice horse enthusiasts. Bob had also started the “Circle H” riding club in Canastota, N.Y.

He is survived by a niece and a nephew. A brother, Leon Durham, two sisters, Laura Thompson and Jessie Jones died before him. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to Ride 4 Life Therapeutic Horseback Riding at 7762 N. Court St., Canastota, N.Y. 13032 or the Stone Mills Museum.

Arrangements are with TLC Funeral Home, Inc.