John Richard Baser

John Richard Baser, 74, loving husband, father, and grandfather of Belen, New Mexico, passed peacefully from his earthly home to his heavenly home, on January 6, 2022.   John was known as a hard worker and lifelong learner, but what really defined him as a man was his love of the Lord, his intelligence, sense of humor, kindness, and endless love for his family.   John was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Fredrick and Leona Baser on November 16, 1947. It was here that he grew up with his older brother, Bill Baser, and his little sister, Laura (Baser) Monks.  He was an active member of the Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts as he grew up, ultimately achieving the Eagle Scout Award.  John was an avid player of the Alto Saxophone, an excellent swimmer, and a lifeguard. He also spent much of his youth riding and racing on motorcycles.   John was raised in a Christian family with strong values, traits that he carried with him his whole life.  John began working in his father’s print shop laying type at age 16.  After graduation from Rio Grande High School in Albuquerque, John went to work for the Albuquerque Fire and Rescue.  He trained as a firefighter and became one of the first paramedics for the ABQ Fire Department.  Wanting more he returned to study nursing at the University of New Mexico. While he was a student, he worked as a bartender and waiter at the Montana Mining Company Steakhouse, as well as working for the Albuquerque Produce Company. While living close to campus John met his soulmate and wife of 47 years, Rebecca (Larson) Baser. With a passion for travel, and a strong love for each other, John and Rebecca held a private vow exchanging ceremony in Mexico and returned to Albuquerque until Rebecca's graduation.  The travel bug hit again after graduation John and Rebecca traveled for a short time before landing in Lake Tahoe, California.  While living in Lake Tahoe, they worked at the casinos and restaurants, spent days in the vast outdoors hiking, skiing,  living, and adventuring with their dog, Bonnie, until they decided it was time to return to New Mexico and start a family. Upon returning, John and Rebecca had a family wedding in Los Alamos, New Mexico, exchanging vows and celebrating with family and friends. Following their honeymoon, they settled down in Belen, New Mexico.  Here they became an active part of the community where John worked at Timberman Construction and Auge’s car dealership. At home, John and Rebecca were blessed with two beautiful children, John’s pride, his son Matthew Baser, and his baby girl Elisabeth (Baser) Adamson.  As a father, he was active in his children's lives volunteering for school events, being a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader, and helping his daughter build and run a coffee stand.  Stopped by a series of unfortunate medical events, he was unable to continue working.  Instead, he focused his energy on his family, his home, and his community. In his retirement, John kept an active life.  He was an avid gardener, kept his home warm by splitting and stacking wood, and was always up for a good “fat chewing session” with a beloved family member or good friend. John is survived by his best friend, the love of his life, and wife Rebecca Baser, of Belen, New Mexico, his children Matthew Baser, of Aspen, Colorado, Elisabeth (Brian) Adamson, of Springfield, Ohio, and his beautiful granddaughters Penelope and Rae Adamson, his older brother Bill Baser, of Albuquerque New Mexico, his baby sister Laura (Ralph) Monks, of Lompoc, California and multiple nieces and nephews. John was welcomed home into heaven by his mother and father, Fredrick and Leona Baser, his older brother Fritzy Baser and his sister-in-law, Sandra Baser of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., (505)864-4448, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com.

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