Community Mourns Death of Retired Hazel Park Teacher

The community is mourning the loss of a longtime teacher in the Hazel Park School District who passed away Monday in a bicycling accident.

Retired teacher Clyde Baker, 62, of Howell, died after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle in Burns Twp., the Livingston Daily reported on Tuesday.

"It was a shock," said Linda Peuterbaugh, who works in the district's technology department. "He really enjoyed the kids. He loved junior high kids. It takes a special kind of a teacher to really relate to that age group."

Baker, who grew up in Ferndale, is survived by his wife Leslie, his three children and his grandchildren.

Peuterbaugh said Baker was a much-loved member of the school community. "He was an excellent teacher, calm, but excited about teaching," she said. "There was a lot of good to say about him. It's definitely a shock."

Baker was reportedly riding his bicycle around 1:35 p.m. Monday when he was stuck by an eastbound vehicle driven by a 31-year-old Webberville man, the Livingston Daily reports. He was was taken to Hurley Medical Center in Flint, where he died from his injuries.

Police told the Livingston Daily that the driver was trying to pass the bicyclist and ran into the back of the bike. The investigation is ongoing.

Baker taught for 31 years in Hazel Park before retiring to further pursue his lifelong interest in writing, recording and performing music.

On his web site for what he described as his 'new/old career' in country music (the proceeds of which went to benefit youth education programs), Baker says he married the "love of his life" and says he and his wife "wake up every morning and know how fortunate they are in life. Especially, because of their children."

Of his time teaching, he wrote on the site, "Loads of wonderful kids came into my classroom each year. I miss them."

Royal Oak residents John and Judy Davids both had Baker as a teacher in the '70s and were shocked to hear the news Tuesday morning.

"It didn't seem like it was possible," John Davids said, pointing out that Baker had just posted a meaningful message on Facebook earlier on Monday about taking time to be nice to one another.

Davids said Baker seemed to be "very much a cowboy at heart" who loved his wife, kids, grandkids, riding horses and singing country music.

"He was a very good songwriter and musician," said Davids, who has one of Baker's music CDs and said Baker's love for his wife Leslie is evident in his music. "His favorite subject to write about was still Leslie after 30 years."

Baker, who was living in Howell with his family after his retirement, had spent many years teaching at Webb Junior High (now ) in Ferndale.

"Death is a lot harder to accept when someone really lived their life. Mr. Baker really lived," said Judy Davids, editor of Royal Oak Patch. "Like many of his former students I followed him on Facebook. He was always writing about horses, motorcycles, music and his family. He was definitely a guy that seemed to get up in the morning and have something to do. He'll be missed as much as he was loved."

Other former students were commenting on Baker's personal Facebook page on Tuesday. Here are a few of their comments.

• Jennifer: "Mr. CJ Baker was the most amazing teacher. One who actually cared and loved his students. I always talk about mr. B and was so proud he picked back up on his singing. My heart and prayers go to mrs. Leslie baker. His kids and grandkids and to all of us former students who loved and cherished him. You will never be forgotten mr. B. See you again one day!"
• Jim: "RIP Mr. Baker. You were a great man that really knew how to connect students in such a great way. You will be truly missed."
• Shannon: "You made a lasting impression on everyone who knew you. You will be greatly missed."
• Erin: "My condolences to the Baker family. Mr. Baker shared his pride & love for you with all of us on here. He truly seemed to be happy in life but his mission here on earth must have been accomplished. A sad loss for all, but we will all keep a little piece of him with us. As a former HP student, I sincerely appreciate the dedication and support he had to the students and continued to do, even in his post-teaching career. He was one of few people that had so much good to say about the city and it's young citizens."
• Susan: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Baker. A favorite teacher to so many students and a great man in general. My thoughts and prayers to his wife and family."
• Shannon: "You made a lasting impression on everyone who knew you. You will be greatly missed."