In Memoriam: Harry Baker, 1952-2024

Harry Baker, 1952-2024

Harry Baker, owner, president and founder of Southwest Industrial Rigging in Phoenix, AZ, died on November 28, 2024 after a valiant battle with brain cancer. He founded SWIR in 1986 with a single crane working in Casa Grande, Arizona. Over the next three decades, the company grew exponentially and eventually moved from Casa Grande to Phoenix. Today the company has branches in Tucson, Flagstaff and Farmington, New Mexico.

The third son of Elvis LeRoy and Betty Ann Baker, Baker was born February 22nd, 1952 in Mesa, AZ. Harry was a man of high integrity and his mantra was “Do it right the first time,” no matter how much time it took or the challenges involved.

Baker was an advocate for safety and had a passion for ‘big toys,” he told American Cranes & Transport in 2009. His company was one of the most respected crane and transport companies in North America.

“Wearing his signature starched, long-sleeved red button-down shirt and jeans, Baker’s day started before the sun rose, arriving at the office about 6 a.m. to get a jump start on the day’s work,” the article said. “Besides the heavy lift and specialized transportation work the company is best known for, Southwest Industrial Rigging has a warehousing division that stores huge and heavy industrial and medical equipment. In the past the company also ran a respected safety school, teaching crane safety and offering expert training to its own operators as well as operators across the nation.”

“The safety part is something we are committed to as a company, and it made sense to branch out and offer these services to others,” Baker told ACT. “To do the jobs we do, you have to have a trained crew that knows what they are doing and knows how to do it right. Safety is the most important aspect of our business.”

Baker is survived by his wife, Paulett, and three daughters Kelly Baker-Stefanow, Lindsay Baker and Casey Baker, He also is survived by two grandsons and one granddaughter.

Paulett Baker, his wife, has stepped into the role as president of Southwest Industrial Rigging to insure that Harry’s legacy continues to live on for many years to come. To accomplish this, SWIR will be set up for the employees as an ESOP in addition to becoming WBE certified to insure that his employees will have a vested interest for the success of the company for generations.

“Harry will be missed by all but the lessons and mentoring he left behind with his staff will shine on forever,” according to the SWIR staff.

Baker loved to spend time at his ranch in Colorado where he and his wife raise Scottish Highland Cattle. He also loved to fly fish and spend time enjoying his family and friends.