Howard ("C'mon you Geeees !") Baker, my very dear friend and mentor passed away peacefully in his sleep last Sunday. Howard and I have been good friends for some thirty years or more although we have known each other for more than 40. We never actually played rugby together but Howard was always around when I was playing and for some reason we managed to get on really well. I and my wife were invited to Howards 40, 50, 60 and 70th Birthday parties and often to his house and latterly his apartment overlooking the Thames to soirees where we were asked to bring along a dish and a bottle to enjoy the the convivial atmosphere with others of his circle of friends, over a bowl of chilli and a glass of red whilst listening to Howard's favourite Jazz.
That friendship has never wavered, we had similar interests in food, wine, beer (women!!) and music but our greatest love was Rugby and GRFC. Howard was, as well as being competent in his day job as a senior engineer in the Palace of Westminster a very accomplished sculptor and held many, exhibitions with other local artists in his "studio". His most notable bronze was a bust of Trevor Howard which was for a long time on display in the Clubhouse.
Howard was a prime mover in setting up the GRFC website which is now ably run by Bob Greenfield and this helped me tremendously when I took over as Chairman. His continued assistance in various matters club orientated took the weight off my shoulders and his encouraging asides and stentorian cries of "C'mon you Geeees!" will never ever be forgotten,
Howard Baker, Vice-President and Trusser you will always be part of GRFC and ever in our thoughts.
Thank you, Graham
Mike's words, issued to local media, were -
Sad loss of Gravesend’s Mr Rugby
Members of family, friends, colleagues, along with members from Gravesend Rugby Club and the local art world gathered together, at Medway crematorium and later at the Three Daws public house in Gravesend, last Friday, to bid farewell to and celebrate the life of Howard Baker well known local sculptor, member and vice-president of GRFC where he played from the early 1950s to the 1970s.
Born 1933, Howard was evacuated to Norfolk during World War II, and such was his memories of these times he featured in ITVs documentary broadcast earlier. Many children of local Gravesend schools benefitted from his anecdotes of his early years.
Howard came to Gravesend Rugby Club in the early fifties and played in the 1st XV through to 1963/64 season. Following this he continued to play at various levels passing on his knowledge to the youngsters as they progressed through the sides.
Having served many years on the committee, he was instrumental in devising and setting-up Gravesend RFCs first web-site, only relinquishing the position of webmaster at the age of 75.
Although he had stepped back from the front line more recently, he was always in the background to offer sound advice on matters at the club. He was passionate about rugby at Gravesend.
Very few members from visiting clubs across the divisions in London and the South East would not have heard the dulcet tones of Howard as he called out support with his unique cry of “Come on you Geeeeeesssss”, and is sadly missed by all.
Howard Baker, 1933 - 2011
