Terrible news arrived the other night that Ted Baker had unexpectely passed away on Friday, February 7 at age 74. Ted showed up at club in November 2004, played in his first tournament, and then immediately became one of our indispensable members. He served as club Secretary for many years and was a TD or assistant for over 300 sections of Thursday night and weekend events over the next 20 years. His quiet nature probably obscured some of his most important contributions to the club, but Ted had his hand in the background (at least) of most club activities the past two decades. He didn’t wait to be asked for help, but constantly volunteered before there was any request for assistance. He and his wife Monique Kolonko were responsible for securing the St. Anne’s Children’s Center for the Collyer tournament. That venue was excellent — probably the best Collyer location we ever had — and it was hard when the facility was renovated in a manner that left it unusable for us. For those of you with a basketball bent, he was one of the ultimate “glue guys” who hold a team together — not all of his contributions make the reported statistical categories, but they are vital for a winning team.
Ted also traveled to Missoula most years for the Turkey Open. He had dozens of chess friends here and many in Montana. At his request, there will be no services, so I am hoping that his friends who want to remember him here submit a comment. I will approve and post them as fast as I can!
Ted’s Hennessey Funeral Home tribute link: Tribute for William Theodore Baker | Hennessey Funeral Home & Crematory
3 responses to “Ted Baker (1950-2025)”
Ted and his wife Monique were nice enough to share car rides throughout Montana and the 2012 U.S. Open in Vancouver. Ted was also offering to help and do what he could during weekend events whether it be early set-up, coffee, or stick around and clean up at the end as well. They brought their chocolate lab Magic over to our house many times as well to romp around our backyard with our Golden retriever Yogi. Win, lose, or draw Ted was always a true sportsman to play a game of chess with as well.
Always a Gentleman!
I remember meeting Ted at one of his first times attending Spokane Chess Club. His smile, southern accent and friendliness were charming – and it stayed that way over the years! Although he is senior to me by 7 years, I was the one with the “senior moment” in one of the last two games I played with him. I had analyzed a forced win against Ted. I knew move order was critical to avoid a perpetual check which Ted may or may not notice. I promptly blanked out on the correct move order. Nearly as quickly, Ted demonstrated he saw the forced draw. Well played, Ted! Not just chess, but your life, too!
Ward Chow sent the following comment for Ted:
I was saddened to hear of his passing. Many years ago, we played chess together regularly, and he was one of my favorite opponents. We were probably around the same level—not great players, but good enough to enjoy a competitive and entertaining game. He was always friendly, kind, and good-natured.
One game stands out in my memory. I made a move with unusual confidence, and he immediately responded with an equally confident counter—something that was out of character for both of us. It still makes me smile. Though I had not seen him in many years, I remember him fondly and will always appreciate the friendship and enjoyment he brought to the chessboard.