01/03/2026
These pictures represent countless memories of Bruce Baker, though they are only a small glimpse into how deeply he touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. Bruce was the owner and founder of Newburgh Healthcare, one of the last remaining privately owned skilled nursing facilities in Indiana. The personal footprints of Bruce and his family can be found in every corner of our building — from the meaningful photographs hanging in our halls, to the décor his wife lovingly chose, to the patio garden that Bruce once tended to every day.
The sound of him singing his favorite karaoke tune, “Elvira,” will forever echo through our halls. And while Newburgh Healthcare will always have a Santa Claus at Christmas, it was never quite as magical as when Bruce himself donned the suit, passing out gifts to residents in his care and embracing each one with genuine affection.
Bruce visited Newburgh Healthcare almost daily. He sat in residents’ rooms with his coffee, chatting with them, checking on them, and following up on any concerns they had. He joined in our activities, helped us entertain, and brought laughter wherever he went. He held families in his arms when they cried after losing their loved ones. His door was always open — to residents, families, and staff alike.
While I cannot speak for everyone, it is clear he was deeply loved by the people who worked for him. I myself have been at Newburgh Healthcare for over 20 years, inspired by his vision to treat this place as a family — not as a business where the bottom line outweighs the people. Bruce was truly a remarkable man, and his absence will be felt forever.
He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, humor, and heart. He will be profoundly missed.
To see all of the images of Bruce at Newburgh Healthcare, please visit our blog devoted to him at: https://www.newburghhealthcare.com/post/a-tribute-to-bruce-baker-owner-founder-of-newburgh-healthcare
