Obituary

THOMAS LEO BAKER

Thomas Leo Baker, age 78, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in San Juan Capistrano on July 21, 2024. Tom was born to Harold and Suzanne Baker on February 24, 1946, in Los Angeles, California.

Tom was a proud graduate of Franklin High in 1964. He furthered his education at California State University, Los Angeles. He was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. Tom married his college sweetheart, Janet in 1969. Together they nurtured their only son, Tom, Junior. Their family grew to include Tom’s wife, Lisa and their daughter, Camryn Grace and son, Thomas Leo Baker, III (Trey). Tom’s legacy is carried through his family whom he loved so very much. The Bakers are long time members of Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano.

He began his career working for the Boy Scouts of America, then the Cities of Bell Gardens and Placentia. In 1975, Tom made the move to San Juan Capistrano where he started the Recreation Department (now called Community Services). He truly loved the City of San Juan Capistrano and its residents. Tom made the difficult decision in 1990 to follow and devote his time to his true passion: photography.

He began a successful wedding and portrait photography business. Tom was also an owner in a photo finish business that serviced the three major racetracks in Southern California. He worked for a magazine photographing thoroughbred race horses as well as covering major events like the Kentucky Derby and Breeder’s Cup races. Later, after becoming semiretired, he began to focus on landscapes, fine art, nature and wildlife photography, finally specializing in birds. Tom and Janet travelled to many foreign countries to photography the tiny creatures in their native habitat.

Tom truly loved people. He enjoyed helping anyone that was in need of guidance with thoughtfulness, caring and concern. It never mattered to Tom if you were a good friend, acquaintance or someone he would see casually on his morning walk. He always had time for you. His sense of humor was ever apparent. A quick comment or a look could put a smile on your face or a giggle in your throat. He managed to always find the good in every situation.

Tom had been walking at Doheny State Beach for over 25 years. He had regular walking buddies with whom he would walk and solve the problems of the world. He always took his camera with him in case he came across an interesting animal to photograph. The camera was always within his reach.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Bob and sister, Mary Sue. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by the family that is still living including his brother, Dick, and a close-knit family of nieces and nephews, and lots of in-laws. His absence will be profoundly felt by a community of friends and colleagues who respected and admired him.

Tom’s life was a beacon of how to live a life with purpose and love. He will be deeply missed and the memories he created will be a comfort to all who knew him.

Services will be held at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano and his final resting place will be Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest.