August 6, 2006

At the tribute 4 guest we asked to speak about Paul, telling of their experiences as well and some of the fine thing Paul did to help our communities.  I was one of the one chosen to speak, not being a writer nor a speaker, I shared  one my most notable and fun experiences with Paul.  This particular experience began when I read in the South Lyon Herald newspaper that Paul Baker was chosen to be the Grand Marshall of South Lyon's Pumpkinfest Parade 2004.  The article mentioned many of the qualities of Paul and how honored Paul was to be selected.  The article finished with requests for convertibles to transport the dignitaries in the parade.  The following Sunday while being greeted at the Bakers of Milford Cruise-in, I asked Paul if he would check with the Pumpkinfest committee if they would like to use my convertible, (1968 Plymouth Sport Satellite Convertible).  He though for about 3 seconds and responded, "Yes! I can ride in it.  I will contact them Monday".  Pumpkinfest Parade Day arrived, we met at our designated staging area, Paul comes walking toward Kenny & I with signs in his hand, like a little boy who had just received a present.  There were 2, the first read "MY MOM" the other "MY WIFE".  He had brought his mom (Grace Baker) to be in the car with him, as well and his wife Cathy.  Cathy was call away at the last minute, she joined Julie (their daughter) for the birth of her second baby.   As we drove down parade rout Paul was waving to the crowd and introducing his mom to all the parade watchers.  People kept yelling back "HI MOM".  Paul was so proud.  I think everyone standing along the parade route new Paul personally.  He would yell to many a special hi, how are you, how was the game yesterday, and so on on so on, just basically be Paul.  We all had so much fun. When we reached the end of the parade route we had to wait to take Paul and "His MOM" back to the South Lyon Hotel to we heard a few stories of Paul when he was, get this, a shy child.  Now I said to his mom, Grace, I did that thin you could use shy and Paul Baker in the same sentence.  Isn't that kind of an oxymoron?  Well they both swore it was true. 

The following year, members of the Pumpkinfest committee had asked Chris Baker if he know who I was and if I had the car, could I transport Cathy & Chris Baker in a tribute to Paul in the 2005 Parade.  Of course I gladly accepted the invitation.  It too was a pleasure to be in the parade with Cathy & Chris as much as it was for Paul.