Remembering Dick Baker, Part I

Bob Hurley, chairman, Hurley International

"This is a sad day indeed. Dick Baker will always be an icon for this industry. Dick continually brought opportunity to the table. His vision inspired our dreaming. Our dreaming created possibilities. ... and opened our minds.

"He always referred to himself as just an 'outsider.' His commitment to surfing ultimately determined that he was the definitive 'insider.' We love him immensely and will miss him dearly."

Richard Woolcott, CEO, Volcom

"Dick was a great friend, mentor and role model to many of us in the industry. He understood the magic of action sports and helped us harness it into big picture thinking and execution. But most of all, he was a wonderful human being with a loving heart and spirit. He was always supportive in what we were doing, lending his advice and positive feedback. He was a blessing to this industry and will be deeply missed."

Sean Smith, executive director, SIMA

"Dick was one of those comet-type people - they only come around once in a lifetime, but while they're here, they're amazing. He is known for befriending and mentoring so many people in the surf industry. He loved to help others and got huge satisfaction in seeing people rise above their own expectations. He helped pull a tight industry even tighter, and taught everyone the true meaning of putting aside personal interests for the greater good. To me personally, he was a friend, mentor, boss (I called him boss every chance I could because he hated it), father figure and psychologist who taught me how to deal with the various personalities that make up this crazy industry. I'm heartbroken over his passing.

"However, everything he accomplished professionally and for our industry pales in comparison to who he truly was - a devout family man with an amazing wife and two great boys. He often sacrificed his own personal time to help others (especially for SIMA work), but not at the expense of his relationship with his family. Fortunately, many of us got to see that side of him and he was a great example for keeping priorities straight. So, Una, Ryan, and Jack, our thoughts and prayers are with you as your loss is even greater."

Shaheen Sadeghi, co-owner, The Lab Holdings

"It's been said that you should live your life how you want people to remember you, and this is the legacy of Dick Baker. He was generous, compassionate, tireless in his dedication to cause; a superhuman example to us all. We traveled, we laughed and we pontificated over life, family and the surf industry. He shrugged off his cruel illness with characteristic humor - 'It's all that mark down money I gave...', he said. He was a precious friend, and we are devastated." 

Bob Mignogna, former publisher, Surfing Magazine, M&A consultant

"Dick became a close personal friend over these past 10 years. We ate lunch or met at the Baker home regularly. Dick always - always - took the time to listen and offer valuable advice. He answered every phone call, text message and email that I sent.