Obituary: Tristin Cole Baker, 15, Hood River
Tristin Cole Baker was born February 24, 2008, at 3:35 p.m. at Hood River Memorial Hospital to Scott Lawrence Baker and Chelsey Mae Elliott. Tristin has been a fighter since birth, having been born nine days late, delivered by emergency C-section after 19 hours of labor, with his cord wrapped around his feet. Tristin passed Monday, January 22, 2024, in Hood River, OR.
In all areas of his life, Tristin used his talents and abilities to be the best he could be. He was a loving and respectful son to his parents and his brothers Tysen and little Tate, but he also loved being a "Big Brother" while working at the Chalk School of Movement the past 3 summers as a youth leader. There he spent time with young people swimming, hiking, and finding new adventures. Tristin knew no strangers and loved to meet new friends. He lit up the room he walked into with his smile and his contagious laugh. He entertained friends with his love of music, his dance moves, and his creative song lyrics. His many nicknames, "Big Tree" (from his dad), "T", "Tris", "Javi", and "TBake", show the affection his friends and family had for him. His personality made him the true "Life of the Party". Many friends and family have described him as "kind, polite, respectful, generous, and full of leadership qualities". These leadership qualities served him well in the many sports in which he participated.
The first sport Tristin excelled in was Wrestling, where he was coached by his Father, Scott, and his Uncle Sean Baker at Elite Edge Academy from ages 5-8. His record was 121 wins and 2 losses. Tristin's leadership skills were beginning to emerge as he encouraged his teammates by setting a good example. In his first year of competition, he took 2nd at the State Tourney. In his 2nd year, he took 1st at State, and then Tristin won all four tournaments statewide in the Tour of Oregon, pinning his way through. During 6th grade, he placed 4th at Regionals and was the only 6th grader from both HR Middle School and Wy'East Middle School to qualify for State. He continued to compete through 8th grade for Wy'East Middle School, where he won 2nd in Regionals and 3rd in State.
Tristin was a true natural for playing Football...working hard, staying focused, determined to do well, and encouraging his teammates to do the same. From age 5 through sixth grade, Tristin was coached by his father. He was an excellent Quarterback and could read Defenses very well as a young player. He loved staying outside past dark while he and his Dad practiced passing the ball. While in the eighth grade, he was the first player ever from HRVHS to be selected to play in the Oregon All-Stars Game in Corvallis. As a Freshman on the HRVHS team, he stood out among all Freshmen from all schools as a player with passion and talent to go with it. In his position as Outside Linebacker on Defense, he sometimes played as a Defensive End and was able to excel there despite being undersized for the position. In his Sophomore year, Tristin played on the Varsity team as a "2-way Starter" at Free Safety on Defense and a Receiver on Offense. He also turned out to be a great Kicker.
Baseball playing filled in many summers for Tristin. He started at age 5 with the Hood River Little League Coach Pitch team, playing until age 12. At the age of 10, Tristin's All-Stars team won the District Championship, then went on to play in the State Playoffs, coming in 3rd in the State of Oregon. From the age of 9 to age 14, Tristin played Travel Ball and Whitecaps Ball. As a Freshman at HRVHS, Tristin lettered in Varsity Baseball. He started in left field for 17 games, including the State Playoff game, where he went 2-3 with an RBI. He was an outstanding Defense outfielder with excellent speed and a strong throwing arm, as well as an encourager to all his teammates.
Services for Tristin are planned for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 10th, 2024 at the Hood River Valley High School Gymnasium (1220 Indian Creek Rd, Hood River, OR 97031 ).
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note for Tristan’s family or upload special pictures.
Donations for family can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/tristin-baker-celebration-of-life
