Obituary for Timothy Edward Baker
Tim Baker was raised in Ann Arbor by his loving parents, LeRoy and Catherine Baker. He graduated from Ann Arbor Huron High School in 1985 and attended Eastern Michigan University shortly thereafter. Growing up in Ann Arbor, Tim fostered his love for music and all things U of M. It was here where Tim received his first set of turntables and began his path towards becoming a DJ, promoter, clothing designer and producer. During the 90s Tim became a staple at the Nectarine Ballroom and house parties throughout the Metro-Detroit area. It was at this time Tim designed his first clothing line, Elephanthaus as well as a corresponding store in the heart of the city he loved.
Tim began traveling to Europe to spread his love of music. His first European performance was at Berlin’s Tresor Club in 1994. Throughout the 90s he continued to travel and perform in Europe in well-known venues such as Florida 135 in Spain and the Rex Club in Paris. His music also took him around the world to well-known festivals such as the Love Parade, Detroit Music Festival, and the Sonar Festival in Spain. In 1998, Tim decided to move his base of operation from Detroit to Chicago, which became his second home. This move inspired Tim to launch Real Estate Records, a fusion between his love of Detroit and Chicago house music. Tim continuously worked throughout the years to improve and hone his craft, that was loved and appreciated around the world.
Although music was a great force to bring people in Tim’s life, his infectious smile, high energy, and whole body laugh drew you closer to him. Family and family celebrations were important to Tim, these celebrations were always filled with music from his childhood and adolescence, as well as stories from long ago that would have your sides splitting from laughter.
Anyone who knew Tim loved him. He had an ability to have a special relationship with each person in his life.
Tim was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Minnie and William Dixon; paternal grandparents, Ruby and Charles Baker; parents, Catherine and LeRoy Baker; and his father-in-law, Vincent Beckman III.
Tim is survived by his son, Donovan Baker; wife, Veronica Beckman; sister, Sherri (Darrin) Newlin; mother-in-law, Carmen Beckman; sister-in-law, Anglea Beckman (Ian Adams); brother-in-law, Vincent Beckman IV; nieces, Catherine Newlin, Lynnea (EJ) Wilson, and Elle Marylin; nephews, DJ Newlin, Adian Vincent, and Joaquin Vincent; great-niece, Eleyah Wilson; great-nephews, Tucker Newlin and Elijah Wilson; Bessie Roper, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
Family, friends and others touched by Tim are welcome to come to the visitation at Nie Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48108, on Thursday, April 15, 2021 from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm. In accordance with COVID-19 restrictions, only 25 guests can gather indoors at any given time. The funeral home staff will rotate guests as they arrive so they may express their condolences to the Baker family. Masks are required.
Tim was a citizen of the world, and his vibrance and love of music resonates eternally. Please be on the lookout for celebration of life events in the coming weeks in Chicago and another event in the summer in Detroit. The family greatly appreciates all of the phone calls, cards, and well-wishes.
Nie Funeral Home Visitor Guidelines:
-If you feel sick, have cold or flu like symptoms and/or have a fever, please go back home
-Wear a mask when in the building
-We can have up to 25 family members and friends in the visitation room at one time
-Please avoid personal contact like shaking hands or hugging, please extend verbal salutations
-Please cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue
-Please wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds under running water
-Please avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Tim began traveling to Europe to spread his love of music. His first European performance was at Berlin’s Tresor Club in 1994. Throughout the 90s he continued to travel and perform in Europe in well-known venues such as Florida 135 in Spain and the Rex Club in Paris. His music also took him around the world to well-known festivals such as the Love Parade, Detroit Music Festival, and the Sonar Festival in Spain. In 1998, Tim decided to move his base of operation from Detroit to Chicago, which became his second home. This move inspired Tim to launch Real Estate Records, a fusion between his love of Detroit and Chicago house music. Tim continuously worked throughout the years to improve and hone his craft, that was loved and appreciated around the world.
Although music was a great force to bring people in Tim’s life, his infectious smile, high energy, and whole body laugh drew you closer to him. Family and family celebrations were important to Tim, these celebrations were always filled with music from his childhood and adolescence, as well as stories from long ago that would have your sides splitting from laughter.
Anyone who knew Tim loved him. He had an ability to have a special relationship with each person in his life.
Tim was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Minnie and William Dixon; paternal grandparents, Ruby and Charles Baker; parents, Catherine and LeRoy Baker; and his father-in-law, Vincent Beckman III.
Tim is survived by his son, Donovan Baker; wife, Veronica Beckman; sister, Sherri (Darrin) Newlin; mother-in-law, Carmen Beckman; sister-in-law, Anglea Beckman (Ian Adams); brother-in-law, Vincent Beckman IV; nieces, Catherine Newlin, Lynnea (EJ) Wilson, and Elle Marylin; nephews, DJ Newlin, Adian Vincent, and Joaquin Vincent; great-niece, Eleyah Wilson; great-nephews, Tucker Newlin and Elijah Wilson; Bessie Roper, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
Family, friends and others touched by Tim are welcome to come to the visitation at Nie Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48108, on Thursday, April 15, 2021 from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm. In accordance with COVID-19 restrictions, only 25 guests can gather indoors at any given time. The funeral home staff will rotate guests as they arrive so they may express their condolences to the Baker family. Masks are required.
Tim was a citizen of the world, and his vibrance and love of music resonates eternally. Please be on the lookout for celebration of life events in the coming weeks in Chicago and another event in the summer in Detroit. The family greatly appreciates all of the phone calls, cards, and well-wishes.
Nie Funeral Home Visitor Guidelines:
-If you feel sick, have cold or flu like symptoms and/or have a fever, please go back home
-Wear a mask when in the building
-We can have up to 25 family members and friends in the visitation room at one time
-Please avoid personal contact like shaking hands or hugging, please extend verbal salutations
-Please cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue
-Please wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds under running water
-Please avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth