Obituary of Sgt. Loran Lee Baker

Loran "Butch" Baker was born in San Francisco, California on September 16, 1961. Butch and his wife Kelly were 10 and 11 years old when their love story began. Being childhood sweethearts and lifelong soul mates gave Butch the support to fulfill his lifetime engagement to police work. Butch was a huge fan of the San Francisco Giants, and the San Jose Sharks. When he wasn't supporting his local teams, he was often spotted behind the wheel of his prized Holiday Rambler, envisioning himself on a NASCAR track. His family will remember him for his bigger than life personality, sense of humor, family commitment, and continual love. His friends and co-workers at Santa Cruz Police Department will miss his constant intelligence gathering tactics of always having his ear against the wall and peering around corners. All will remember his high moral standards, skilled investigative ability, and his unwavering commitment to protect and defend the citizens of the city of Santa Cruz. It was a duty he respected and always held close to his heart. Police accomplishments included a Medal of Valor for his heroic actions in the 1989 earthquake and numerous state and federal law enforcement awards. Butch is survived by his wife Kelly, children Jillian, Adam and Ashley, parents Loran and Virginia, and sister Sandy.