Alexander Baker

The definition of a champion is often simplified to ‘a person who has defeated or surpassed all rivals in competition, especially in sports.’ But the root of the word ‘champion’ is something even more powerful: it means fighter. And that’s exactly who Alex was.

He fought every challenge life placed in front of him not just with grit, but with grace. He was a fighter in every sense of the word. Not because he was hardened by what he went through, but because he chose to meet life head-on, without losing his warmth, his humor, or his heart.

Alex’s battles weren’t just physical, they were emotional, spiritual and deeply human. And yet, in the midst of it all, he found a way to keep showing up. For his family. For his friends. For the people he loved. That’s what made him a champion.

He didn’t fight for medals or praise. He fought because he believed there was still life to live, love to give and joy to be found. He pushed the people around him not with pressure, but with presence. He lifted us by simply being himself. Loyal. Honest. Fierce. Funny. Unshakably kind.

He reminded us to laugh louder. To show up for each other. To say ‘I love you’ without hesitation. To fight not with anger, but with intention. With purpose. With love.

He was his mother’s whole heart and his father’s best friend, a brother and an uncle all bonds that defined the center of their worlds. Alex was our brotha, our bestie, our teammate in this wild, unpredictable life. In every room he entered, he raised the bar not just with his strength, but with the kind of quiet leadership only a true champion carries.

He is survived by those who loved him without bounds: his parents, William and Tina (Rochna) Baker; brother Bill Jr. and wife Tera Baker; sister Ashley and husband Drew Sonderegger; nephews, Billy III, Chuckie, Axel, Brek, and Miles; nieces, Maggie and Lily; his grandfather, Paul Rochna; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who held him close to their hearts.

Thank you, Alex, for being our fighter.

Thank you for teaching us how to live fully even when life wasn’t easy.

Thank you for loving with your whole heart.

You’ll always be our Great Champion.

All who knew and loved Alex are warmly invited to join the family for a celebration of his life on August 3, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the family residence. Your presence and memories will be deeply appreciated.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Alex’s name to Bay Cliff Health Camp, PO Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Alex’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com