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HOUGHTON -- Carl "Allan" Baker, age 83, of Houghton, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.
Allan was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1943. He made Houghton his home for 55 years and became a valued part of the community. He was an alumnus of Michigan Technological University, where he earned a BA degree in Liberal Arts.
Throughout his life, Allan followed many paths with dedication and purpose. He was a self-made entrepreneur. In the 1980s, he built a home insulation business that served residents throughout Houghton, Hancock, and the surrounding areas.
He later earned a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught in the Houghton, Hancock, and Marquette school systems. Allan went on to become a successful real estate businessman and opened Allan's Realty in Houghton, MI.
Allan was deeply involved in the Houghton community. He was active in Kiwanis, where he served passionately and volunteered at many events. He was a devoted member of the Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Little Brothers, and supported local businesses and the Farmers Market. His belief in humanity, equality, and the rights of all people was reflected in the way he lived. He traveled to Eastern Europe, China, S. America, India and was a member of the Michigan Tech Concert Choir with wife, Shirley Galbraith.
Above all, he treasured his family and loved his wife Shirley Galbraith more than anything.
Allan and Shirley were together for 49 wonderful years!
Allan is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley Galbraith; Shirley's children, Stephen, Kimberley, Nancy, and Jeannie Galbraith; and his nephews, Ryan and Aaron Baker.