Remembering Dick Baker, Part I

"Dick's passing leaves me with an empty feeling I cannot describe. This loss is not only personal to me, but to anyone who was fortunate enough to know this extraordinary man.

"Dick was a great husband and a father not only to his kids, but to the industry as a whole.

"A great leader a great motivator and one who knew exactly how to make someone feel good about themselves.

"He fought courageously to the end. Life without Dick will never be the same."

Updated Sunday, 7:45 p.m.

Tim Knott, former men's buyer, Foley's department store

"I knew and worked with Dick since the early 80's. I meet him when he was a sales man for MR California shirts. It was a sight, Dick wearing tight gab pants and a California collar floral shirt.

"He was a breath of fresh air in a 'garmento' industry. Honest, open and a good business man.

"During my career in Men's our paths crossed many times. Even if we had not spoken for months the conversations were always familiar and usually funny. He knew everybody
and everybody knew and respected him.

"We kept in touch after leaving the business. We visited him in San Clemente and Una and the 'Baker Boys' were the center of his life.

"He was a good man."

J David Scheiner, president/chief operating officer, Macy's Florida - Puerto Rico

"Dick Baker was a very special and unique person. I am one of the many fortunate people who called him a friend and confidant. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know Dick. He made a difference in my life.

"His knowledge of the industry, his ability to listen, his openness to change as the world moved forward, his sense of humor and his wonderful counsel will be missed.

"His passion and confidence left a marked impact on the industry, his ability to make a difference is clearly one of his legacies. However, his love for his family and the way he always expressed his joy and pride in his wife and children set a standard for everyone to follow.

"I will miss him personally as I know so many will."

Updated Thursday, 9:30 p.m.

John Warner, retired industry executive

"Dick and I first met about 33 years ago in LA during market week. At the time, I worked for May Dept. Stores in Colorado (a retailer, I was!), and he was a sales rep for ‘Elan Knits', in LA. At this meeting Dick tried to sell me these pathetic $5 knits that were really worth maybe $3! It was the equivalent of trying to sell parsley, door-to-door. I bought some anyhow, I just couldn't say no to him, and we've been friends since. I'd have to say he was the best salesman I ever met!

"Dick and I have stayed in touch all these years while the two of us moved around the country. About 20 years ago Dick became the luckiest man alive when he met his future wife, Una. Clearly he married way up the food chain! I know she was his inspiration in life, as well as best friend, closest confidant, lover. What a romance they had. Maybe the best matched couple I ever met. And the most fun.

"I will always remember Dick's unstoppable spirit, his zest for life, his genuine love of people, his deep love for Una and the boys, and the loving relationship he had with his Dad. ... and his business acumen.