“Let’s ride our bicycles to the cottage!” Nearly 40 years ago, this was Dad’s big idea. The cottage was in Harrison about 50 miles away, we had heavy steel bikes, and I was only nine years old. Looking back I realize this was the start of two consistent themes – embrace challenge and trust that your limits far exceed your initial expectations. Two summers later, Dad and I rode to Onekama and back — our first 100 mile bicycle ride.

My father, Bruce Baker, moved to Cadillac in 1961. He loved the area and he loved challenges. My privilege was that he included me in these challenges. He wasted no time bothering with what we couldn’t do; he preferred to think of what we could do. The rules were simple with Dad: Work hard. Act respectfully. Study hard. Never say, “I can’t”. Never quit. Do the job right the first time.

Dad loved puzzles and word games, and he loved to solve mechanical problems. He understood the power of language and he insisted we speak properly even if we were telling simple stories about the day’s events. He also loved a good joke and playing ping pong after we watched the evening news with Walter Cronkite. He coached and loved watching his kids play sports. He traveled thousands of miles in northern Michigan — especially to basketball games.

Dad’s favorite days are still found on his bicycle (at age 81, last year, he rode 2,000 miles!), or on his John Deere tractor, in the forest, solving mechanical problems, all of which he’s taught me, can be solved with proper leverage and clever application of block and tackle.

I have been lucky to have my Dad for so many years. He’s been a steadfast supporter and a rock in my life. Thanks Dad for everything you taught me, and Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers at Wolverine!