Page 34 - Layout 1

In Memoriam

o far this year, Rio Vista and Lauderdale Harbors have experienced the passing of more than our fair share of
great neighbors and community leaders. Two such prominent residents included H. Wayne Huizenga and John
SBaker. While it is not our usual course to include obituaries as part of our neighborhood message, we here at the
Rio Vista Civic Association felt that these two community leaders deserve at least a short tribute marking some of their
many successes in our community and in this place we call home. – Rio Vista Newsletter Committee

H. WAYNE HUIZENGA JOHN BAKER
Wayne Huizenga, entrepreneur, business leader, philanthropist John Baker, a long time Rio Vista and Lauderdale Harbors
and beloved patriarch of the Huizenga family has passed on to resident, entrepreneur and restauranteur extraordinaire
be with his Heavenly Father. He was 80 years old. He passed away this past February in the presence of family
preferred to be simply called ‘Wayne’ and whether you were a and friends. John was a big man with an even bigger
Fortune 100 CEO or the valet at the front door, he treated heart. His soft and caring manner made him a natural as a
everybody with the same respect and friendliness. As a long- business and community leader. Of all his many successes
time Fort Lauderdale and Rio Vista resident, he played a major though, which included many restaurants like the Historic
role in the business and social growth of our community and Downtowner, Jumpin Jack's and Jack's Pizza, a golf cart
our neighborhood. In addition to his exceptional business dealership and even a bank, John took the most pride in
accomplishments, he brought professional baseball and hockey his love for his children, John, Jr. and Chloe. His efforts in
to South Florida and owned three professional sports teams the community included the Ft. Lauderdale blues and jazz
here: the Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers and Florida Marlins. festivals, antique car shows and continued through his
He and wife Marti were among the most generous dedicated efforts as a member of the city's Marine
philanthropic supporters of many local charitable causes and Advisory Board. In this short tribute, we want to
organizations such as Broward Center for the Performing Arts, acknowledge John Baker and his many contributions to the
the Humane Society, Boys & Girls Clubs, Broward Community community that shaped who we are today and more than
Foundation and the African-American Research Library and that, made us all proud to call the downtown Fort
Cultural Center, just to name a few. Wayne is survived by his Lauderdale area home. John was preceded in death by his
four children; Wayne Jr., Pamela, Scott and Ray and his 11 father Barry and his son, John Michael. He is survived by
grandchildren, Savannah, Tres, Gerritt, Ainsley, Jacob, Shelby, his mother, Jo Baker, daughter Chloe Baker, his sisters
Chloe, Matthew, Hanah, Josh and Gabriella, his sister Bonnie, Dawn and Kelly Baker, his nieces Jillian Campbell and
his niece Holly Bodenweber, his nephew Steven Hudson and Kassie Lederman (Mitch), nephew Ryan Groy (Sara), and
his brother-in-law Whit Hudson. His beloved wife Marti thousands of friends.
pre-deceased him in January 2017.

32 rio vista civic association • www.riovistaonline.com