Obituary of Enrique (Rick) Baca, 80
Enrique (Rick) Baca.
Enrique (Rick) Baca
July 31, 1943 – July 12, 2024
Boise, Idaho – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Enrique (Rick) Baca, a long-time high school teacher, dedicated coach, and beloved husband, father, and Papa. He left us on July 12, 2024, in Boise, Idaho.
Rick was born in Alamogordo, New Mexico on July 31, 1943, to Enrique and Ramona Baca. Rick was the oldest of 8 children. When Rick was 5 years old, the family moved to California settling in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and finally Montebello. After graduating from high school, Rick enlisted in the Army where he soon became a member of the elite 82nd Airborne Division of which he was very proud. After serving 3 years, he worked his way through college, enrolling in classes at East L.A. College and L.A. Trade Tech, then went on to Cal State L.A. to eventually earn a degree in Mathematics and a secondary teaching credential. Before securing a teaching position, Rick took a year off in 1970 to tour Europe with some friends in a Volkswagen Van.
Upon returning to the U.S., Rick began his teaching career at Rosemead High School where he taught Math and coached football, track, and cross country. His summers were spent backpacking with his brothers in Canada and Glacier National Park. From 1981-1992, Rick went to work for Pacific Bell as a computer programmer/analyst and also owned his own consulting firm.
After moving to Paso Robles in 1992, Rick was once again drawn to what he enjoyed most: teaching and coaching. At Paso Robles High School, Rick taught math and electronics and coached track and cross country. He also volunteered his time at Pifer Elementary to tutor 4th and 5th students who struggled in math and taught 5th-grade students the basics of electronics and how to build circuits.
In 1977, Rick married Deborah (Debbie), and together they raised a family that would grow to include their children, Jennifer and Eric, and four grandchildren, Alyssa, Braden, Landon, and Layla. Rick’s legacy is carried on through his family, whom he loved with every fiber of his being.
Rick’s hobbies reflected his love for the simple pleasures in life. He was an avid reader who loved hiking, fishing, camping, and listening to classic rock while tinkering in his workshop.
Rick is lovingly remembered by his wife of 47 years, Debbie; daughter, Jennifer (Dan); son, Eric (Lindsey); grandchildren, Alyssa, Braden, Landon, Layla; siblings, Veronica (Chico), Rico, Lando (Rosa), Reggie (Karen); nephew, Reg; niece, Felicia.
Rick’s warmth, compassion, wisdom, and the joy he brought to life will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His was a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire. Rick was an exceptional human being.
A memorial to celebrate Rick’s life will be on Sept. 21, at “The Backyard” in Paso Robles from 2-4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society in Rick’s memory would be appreciated.
From Legacy.com.
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