Obituary of Michael David Baker

Michael Baker, who had a 45-year career in real estate development and sales in both the District and Northern Virginia, passed away on March 19, 2018, at BridgePoint Hospital in Washington.  He was 71.

Michael attended the University of Tennessee, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.  He joined the Army after college, rising to 1st Lieutenant, 173rd Airborne Brigade, and earning several medals for his meritorious service as a military intelligence officer in Vietnam from 1970 to 1972.

He began his real estate career as a pioneer of historical home rehabilitation on Capitol Hill.  He restored and renovated over 200 properties, six of which are on the National Register of Historic Places, and also designed and built new properties with historically compatible facades.  He later transitioned into commercial real estate in Northern Virginia.

In addition to his business activities, Michael was an ardent supporter of fair and ethical treatment for animals, not only as a longtime member of the Humane Society, but also in finding and providing adoptive homes for rescue dogs and cats.  He was a sharp dresser and a smooth dancer, especially noted for his tango, waltz and Carolina shag.  He had a sly sense of humor and always a smile on his face.  He was politically active and loved his country.  In turn, and most importantly, he was loved by his family, friends and treasured pets.

Survivors include two brothers, Tom Baker (Lynda) and Bobby Baker (Andrea Tebbets), and two nieces, Kristi Steinberg and Laura Criswell. 

A  memorial service will be announced at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Michael's memory may be made to The Humane Society, www.humanesociety.org/donate, and Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, http://www.ffcas.org/donate/.