Frederick P. Baker (Yellow Buffalo Bull “Girrabii Cirrish”), a cherished member of the North Dakota community, dedicated public servant of the Indian Health Service, and sports enthusiast, passed away on December 27, 2023, in Bismarck, North Dakota, at the age of 84.

Fred was born on January 23, 1939, in Elbowoods, North Dakota to Paige Baker Sr. and Cora Rose Young Bird Baker. Fred's life was characterized by both service and adventure. While attending boarding school at Assumption Abbey High School in Richardton, North Dakota, Fred initially considered a path towards priesthood. Ultimately, he later decided to pursue a different path that led him to a career with the Indian Health Service where he dedicated himself to helping native people in various capacities throughout his life.

After graduation from Bemidji State University with a degree in English and Humanities, Fred embarked on a career with the federal government where he touched the lives of many Native American communities across the country. His work took him to places like Los Angeles, California, Fairbanks, Alaska, both Pine Ridge and Rose Bud, South Dakota, and Lapwai, Idaho before returning home to New Town, North Dakota.

While in Los Angeles, Fred applied for and received the Danforth Fellowship at the University of California - Los Angeles where he studied Public Administration. Fred’s work in Alaska took him to remote villages and communities, where he formed lasting connections and made a difference in the lives of many.

Even after retiring from the federal government, Fred's dedication to service remained unwavering as he continued his advocacy for the elderly in North Dakota by Chairing the North Dakota Governors Committee on Aging and as CEO of the Elder’s Program in Fort Berthold. His selfless contributions to the community will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.

An avid sports fan, Fred's love for the University of Michigan football team was well-known, and his family celebrated their National Championship win in 2023 with great joy on his behalf. But beyond his love for sports, Fred's true legacy lies in the countless friendships he cultivated throughout his life. He had a gift for making friends wherever he went, and his warm and welcoming nature endeared him to all who knew him.

Fred's adventurous spirit, dedication to service, and ability to forge connections with others will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, Frederick P. Baker, a true servant leader and sports enthusiast.

Fred is survived by his wife, Marie (Claymore); children: Jeffrey (Jann) Baker, Gregory (Kim) Baker, Pamela (Warren) Hill, Robby (Madonna) Dunn, and Kim (Buck) Lawrence; grandchildren: Megan (Kirby) Armstrong, James (Olivia) Baker, Cora Hill, Wacey White Bear Dunn and X’Zalea Martin; and many more grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He loved them all.

Fred is also survived by his brother Paige (Joan) Baker PhD and their children Jennifer (Mark) Quintette, Jason (Marie) and three children, Allison (Wil) Nestergard and two children, Paige III, and Stacie (Gabe) Fettig and their one child; brother Gerard (Mary Kay) and their children: Christy (Jim) Dalstrum and two children, Robert (Sarah) Baker and four children, Tasha (Richard) Abourezk and four children, and Teresa (Michael) Mason and three children; sister Mary Elizabeth Barthelemy (Michael Sr.) and their children: Anna Rose (Josh), Michael Jr (Savannah), and grandson Dahu.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents Paige Sr. and Cora Baker, brother Joseph Baker, son Mark Edward Baker and many beloved family members.