On Jan. 22, a message appeared on Sarah Hanberry Baker’s Facebook page, posted by her sister, letting the world know that Sarah had moved to her next great adventure. 

Sarah started her Forest Service career in 1989 in engineering on the Routt National Forest. She worked geographically in Colorado, Alaska and New Mexico. She loved working on national issues and had several stints with the Washington Office.

Always passionate about learning and sharing knowledge with others, Sarah represented the Forest Service internationally several times. As a Chugach National Forest employee, she traveled to Siberia as part of the first trip for the Sister Forest Program. In 2011, she met with the United Kingdom Forestry Commission in Scotland to exchange knowledge with their Environmental Management Systems coordinator.

Sarah retired in 2017 as the national deputy director of Sustainable Operations, an office she helped develop with her vision and leadership to reduce the agency’s footprint.

Sarah also had an extensive writing career publishing novels, novellas and short stories as well as adapting several books for audio drama. She wrote mysteries as S. H. Baker, romance as Sarah Storme and the hot stuff as Lydia Parks.

A video remembrance is being created to celebrate Sarah’s life. Anyone who would like to share memories is welcome to submit short video and audio recordings, photos or written statements. Group submissions are also welcome. The goal is to have the remembrance posted to Sarah’s Facebook page by spring. All files should be sent in as soon as possible. For more information, contact Linda Roybal at sirenaudiobooks@gmail.com

A sustainably constructed tiny house on wheels is being completed and will serve as a writer’s cabin to honor Sarah’s love of storytelling and care for our environment. The cabin is part of the Artist in Residence program, hosted by Vilicus Institute in North Central Montana.

“I approach the final transition without regret. I’ve lived a life full of joy, excitement, beauty, and love. You, my family and friends, have made it the wondrous experience it has been. I hope to encourage you all to reach for what you want with both hands and without fear. Hugs to all of you, Sarah”