Colleen Sheryl Baker

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Colleen Sheryl Baker, age 67, of Vancouver, WA on April 8, 2026. She was surrounded by her daughters and close family. Colleen was born on October 2nd, 1958 in Vancouver B.C., Canada, to Gena Lou Dissmore and Stanley William John Baker. Colleen was a beloved daughter, mother, sister, niece, friend and Grandma – also affectionately known as “Gamma”. Her family settled in Ellensburg, WA, where she was raised with her younger sister, Cindy Easley. Colleen graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1977, and later moved to Vancouver, WA where she began to pursue her dreams. Colleen attended Travel School and, after graduating, she began teaching in her own classroom before accepting a position as a travel consultant at Azumano Travel. She later moved to a client on-site position at Wieden & Kennedy, where she continued her career for 35 years. In 1981 Colleen welcomed her first daughter, Sarah. In 1983 she welcomed her second daughter, Nicole. Shortly later, in 1985, she welcomed her third daughter, Jennifer. Being a mother to her three girls was her greatest joy in life. In 1991 Colleen boldly proposed to create her own travel program within Wieden & Kennedy, which she created and designed from the ground up. At the time, W+K had offices in Portland and Philadelphia, with eyes on opening spokes in Amsterdam & Atlanta. Over a span of 35 years she was the Global Travel Director and trailblazer for W+K offices, which expanded from Portland to Amsterdam, New York, Tokyo, London, Shanghai, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Sydney and Toronto – earning the name “Colleen the Travel Queen.” Colleen became the fabric of W+K and maintained her status as consistently best dressed– decked out in stilettos, hair, outfits and full makeup glam. Colleen had a deep love for exploring new places and immersing herself in diverse cultures. Her adventures took her all around the world, including Switzerland, Dusseldorf, Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, Delhi, Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Shanghai, Hang Hau, Paris, Tokyo, Sao Paulo, Rio, New York, Nashville, Santa Monica and various other places. She experienced a helicopter tour in Rio, cruising past the towering Christ the Redeemer. She enjoyed ski trips to Deer Valley, Timberline, Whistler, Crystal Mountain, Mt. Baker and many more. Colleen was featured on the front page of the newspaper in India with the tallest man alive. She was also the guest of honor at many distinguished hotels and restaurants throughout the world. Colleen’s life was not only rich in adventure, but rich in love. She spent her time constantly surrounded by friends and family, who meant the world to her. She was incredibly loving, witty and fabulous, bringing warmth to every room. Colleen was raised as a Christian, and really came into her faith after visiting Crossroads Community Church in 1999. Over the years she attended countless bible studies, women’s groups and conferences. Through all of the trials and tribulations that life brings, she was always grounded by the soft voice of the Holy Spirit. Colleen is preceded in death by her Mom, Gena Dissmore, who she lovingly called Mutti. She is survived by her Dad, Stan Baker, her sister Cindy Easley, her Aunt, Rose Hawkins, her three daughters, Sarah, Nicole, and Jennifer, her nine grandkids, Cole, Hailey, Carter, Emersyn, Kaden, Liam, Everly, Blakely, and Greyson, and her great grand-daughter, Georgia. She will be missed immeasurably by her family. A celebration of Colleen’s life will be held on May 2nd, 2026 at 11:00AM at Crossroads Community Church in Vancouver, WA, with a reception to follow. The family kindly requests that any charitable donations be made to Crossroads Community Church or King’s Way Christian Schools.

Colleen Sheryl Baker

October 2, 1958 - April 8, 2026