Robert ‘Bob’ Baker
Robert “Bob” Baker, who led global standards organizations to improve the quality of the air we breathe, died on January 10, 2016, in Ruskin, Fla. He was 77.
Bob was a serial entrepreneur and inventor who traveled widely for his work and for standards development activities. On the threshold of his eighth decade, Bob traveled to Southeast Asia with a new investor. Upon arrival, Bob suggested they visit a restaurant featuring local cuisine. The investor was astonished to discover that the main protein source featured on the menu was insects; he proposed that they stay and make this their first meal in Asia. To his surprise, Bob agreed. Bob’s sense of adventure struck his new business partner; this septuagenarian was willing to embrace new experiences, at almost any cost. For Bob, this was typical; whatever the challenge, he toughed it out.
Throughout his life, Bob took risks and blazed his own path. At various points in his professional career, he worked in the automotive, petroleum, health care, HVAC and indoor air quality industries. Bob’s contributions to standards for air quality are followed by public health organizations around the world; he literally helped to write the book on indoor air quality. Bob also led the charge in championing the cause of addressing lifecycle management for air systems. Bob aggressively lobbied and ultimately succeeded in persuading engineering organizations to provide guidelines for air system maintenance and operations; he chaired the group that created the global benchmark, ASHRAE/ACCA/ANSI Standard 180. This standard represented a new set of goals for Bob, not only did he strive to improve indoor air quality; with 180, he created a set of operational standards intended to reduce energy usage and systems emissions so that we can have an environment that is comfortable, cost effective and ecologically sustainable.
Bob’s openness and patience with learning about and working with different people and cultures and their values is an indication of his generosity of spirit. His competitors as well as colleagues describe him as a reflective person who was not quick to judge. Bob had a long track record of giving back to his community; in addition to his contributions to professional associations, he was active in his church, and the family’s activities in music and animal advocacy. Perhaps most importantly, Bob enjoyed his life. He gave joy to others through his own gift of being joyful.
Bob is survived by his best friend and wife of 25 years, Barbara; his four children, Rusti Baker, R. Christopher Baker, Caroline Baker and Armand Baker. He also leaves two grandchildren, Amber Kasperitis, and Gavin Ramm, as well as a brother, Chuck Baker of Tulsa, Okla.
A memorial service celebrating Bob’s love of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 5309 U.S. 41 N. in Apollo Beach.
Jeffrey S. Gelinas
Jeff was born on November 22, 1970, in Manchester, N.H., and passed away on February 22, 2016, in Longmont, Colo.
He is survived by his parents Daniel and Irene Gelinas; sister Trisha Shepherd; and brother Daniel Gelinas II.
He served in Desert Storm on board the USS Underwood, where he was honorably discharged. He assisted in feeding the homeless in Denver, helped with building Habitat for Humanity homes and was a strong supporter of “Toys for Tots.”
After being discharged from the Navy, Jeff joined his parents in Colorado. Jeff followed them to Jacksonville and Sun City Center, and then he returned to Colorado.
Jeff was a caring individual with a charismatic personality. His life was short but he traveled many places, loved cooking, reading, music, his Dachshund dogs and enjoyed life to the fullest.
He will be missed as he was loved by many.
His remains will be scattered in the mountains of Colorado, an area in which he loved to camp and play.
William Troy Randolph
William Troy Randolph, 50, passed away on March 3, 2016. Born in Bartow, Fla., he was a resident of Ruskin, Fla., for most of his life.
Troy is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Naomi Fletcher Randolph; brother Delfino Rozalez Jr. (Viviana); and aunt Flo Hagin.
A celebration of Troy’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2016, at Troy and Naomi’s home, 3316 16th Ave. S.E. in Ruskin.
If you would like to make a donation in Troy’s name, the charity is Jagger’s Dream, 6513 Bimini Court, Apollo Beach, FL 33572.
Brooks Wright
Brooks Wright, 73, passed away Thursday, March 3, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.
He was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and a policeman for 30 years. He retired as Superintendent of Police. A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., he retired to Andover, Ohio, in 2002, and then to Sun City Center in 2013.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Louise; son Christopher; daughter-in-law Kimberly; daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Larry; and grandchildren Sarah, Rachel and Zachery.
The family wishes to thank Belvedere Commons and Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.
Arrangements by Sun City Center Funeral Home.