It is with great sadness that we pass along the news that good friend and longtime ACE member Gary Baker passed away at his home last night. He was working that evening but went home early as he was sick. While the exact circumstances are not known, emergency responders arrived, but it was apparently too late at that point.

Gary Baker was truly a legend among coaster enthusiasts.

For the past several years, Gary worked part-time at Kennywood, a job that he truly enjoyed. Many members have fond memories of him operating coasters and doing coaster trivia on the PA system, giving behind-the-scenes tours of Noah's Ark, and wearing ghoulish makeup to serve as the gatekeeper of the Haunted Ark during Phantom Fright Nights. The staff at Kennywood is in shock over this news.

Gary has been active in ACE since the moment he joined, serving as a regional rep or assistant regional rep for nearly all of that time. Gary also served as ACE's national events director from 1998-2004, a position that he found most rewarding. He enjoyed planning events for others to enjoy, and put his heart into it.

Gary touched the lives of many ACE members in Western Pennsylvania and throughout the world. He and is fun-loving style and personality will be missed by many. The events that he attended and planned have created thousands of memories that will be cherished forever.

More tributes to Gary will appear in future issues of The Fun Times, ACE News, and on ACEwesternPA.org. We encourage you to visit the Web sites for periodic updates and posts.

Thanks for the memories Gary--we'll miss you.
*
Gary R. Baker, 60, of Turtle Creek, died Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009. He was a member of the American Coaster Enthusiasts and was employed by Kennywood Park. Gary also worked for TJ Maxx at the Waterworks and Vargo Award in North Huntingdon. Son of Elva Towzey, of Monroeville, and the late William Baker. Brother of Janice L. (Jeff) Booth, of Ohio. Beloved uncle of Anthony, Aaron and Aiden.