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Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home - Hammond

12012 Highway 190 W

Hammond, Louisiana

Michael Baker Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that visionary editorial hairstylist and Neill Creative Director, Michael James Baker, died late Tuesday evening, November 26, 2019 unexpectedly. "Baker," as he was known to many in the beauty industry, had been battling depression for most of his life, and he lost that fight by taking his own. Baker was a four-time nominee for the North American Hairstylist Awards and currently the creative Director of Neill, an Aveda distributor and a long-time beauty industry and leader and innovator located in Hammond, LA. In the 80s, Baker was a sought-after editorial and celebrity stylist whose work appeared in Italian Vogue, W. Allure, Interview, and Vogue. Baker also worked as a colorist and Creative Director for Van Michael Salons in Miami beach and Atlanta where he became known for his creativity in concepting Van Michael's legendary platform hair shows. He has a passion for educating young stylists, in the Aveda Institutes and Paris Parker Salons. He stewarded the Edwin Neill Full Potential award photo shoots carrying on the Neill family legacy. He was the creator of 5x5: The Stage: an educational experience to help stylists perform at work and was the inventor of the DeBulker, a texturing trimmer and a whole new way to create hair art. He also founded the Second Hand Scissor Project, handing down tools to inspire the next generation of stylists. Baker is survived by his wife, Debra Neill-Baker of Springfield; son, Myles Baker and his wife Kristina of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren, Camden and Damon. He also took the role of father to son, Garrison Neill and his wife Amy; grandchildren, Ivy and Olive; daughter, Paris Neill and fiancé Jayson Seidman. He was preceded in death by his father, Lonnie Baker; and mother, Charline Ross. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations may be made to the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Celebration of Life service on Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the family residence in Springfield. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home.

Published by The Advocate from Dec. 5 to Dec. 7, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Baker

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One of the most enchanting people I’ve ever known. Honest, kind, deeply touched by the beauty and pain in life. I remember meeting him.. he seemed out of this world but we shortly realized we were from the same corner in life. Everything else fell away. What a gift. I will always be touched by that first impression.

Suzanne ( Gwen) Audley

Acquaintance

July 23, 2020

Godspeed Michael. At Peace now....

Harry Simpson

December 15, 2019

I am deeply sorry to hear of Mike's passing. It has been years since I have last seen him, but I have always considered him a very good friend and thought about him through the years. My prayers go out to Mikes family.

Terry Turner

December 15, 2019

Dear Debra, Garrison and Amy and Paris,
It was wonderful getting to know you all as I took care of Ivy.
Michael was a a warm and loving person and loved his family so much. He will be sadly missed by all but I know he is at peace now with the Lord
.
With my deepest sympathy,
Clara Vella

Clara Vella

December 8, 2019

I had only heard about Baker from my dad, uncle, and cousin. The stories were pretty epic. I only met him once. He came to my fathers funeral. He was definitely a man who commanded presence. You could see that he was leader with an amazing soul. He had only met me once before when I was a baby he said. I cant say that I knew him extensively but when he came to my dads funeral I had immediate respect for him. Not to mention my girl thought he was very cool and incredibly handsome. Michael, I didnt know you well but you touched mine and my familys life. You will be missed. Rest well.

Ian Roman

Ian Roman

Acquaintance

December 7, 2019

Deb Keksey

December 6, 2019

Depression is one of most difficult illness to live with. May your soul rest in peace!

F. W.

December 5, 2019

Im a long time friend of Baker here in Wichita Kansas grew up with him i must of been one of his first customer i had a 64 rag top chevy blu he talked me into coloring my hair the same color with that great smile of his i said ok LOL but to be honest hes like a Brother to me we were always together growing up and Ruben Armando two other buddies of Baker i Will miss him dearly my Brother u have a special place in my heart again i love u homie

Juan Farias

Friend

December 5, 2019

Deepest Sympathy

Cynthia Y Anderson

December 5, 2019

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Memorial Events
for Michael Baker

Dec

7

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

at the family residence

Springfield, LA

Funeral services provided by:

Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home - Hammond

12012 Highway 190 W, Hammond, LA 70401

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