City loses a big friend

POLOKWANE – Brian Baker (52) will always be remembered as a friend of people he did not know.

His ex-wife, Elouise Nel, told Review that he was the kind of person who would walk into a room and greet everyone as if he had known them for ages.

Baker died in his sleep on Monday evening from what the family and friends suspect was a heart attack. He lived alone and, according to Nel, he was healthy although he had problems with circulation in his legs.

The news of his death came as a shock to his family and friends, as well as the community in which he was well-known. His Facebook page was flooded with messages from people expressing their shock and sharing their memories.

Michelle van der Walt wrote: “Brian, my gentle giant friend! Gonna miss you and our chats! Thanks for always calling and caring! RIP!”

“Shocked to hear this very sad news, such a lovely person. Brian Burton Baker, RIP mate, till we meet again,” wrote Kerry Idensohn Guest.

Steven Machado wrote: “Indeed a very sad day, he always put others first, he will surely be missed by many. May you RIP, Brian and thanks for being such a good friend, till we meet again.”

Baker’s cousin, Brenda Gennissen, also left a message: “He was my cuz. My few cherished memories as a little girl, sigh… family gatherings, parties, riding bike in the street, hunting on the mine, swimming, running from Oupa in fear of getting a beating giggles. He shed tears with me told jokes the had me rolling in stitches on the floor.

“We talked really talked. We shared the love of great food. it hurts to know I’ll never see that cheeky sparkle in your eyes or have those chats. Simply, Brian Burton Baker, I’ll miss you, man you’re forever in my heart. You and Adam are in each other’s company.”

As family members had to travel from all over the country, the funeral arrangements had not yet been finalised at the time of going to print.

Baker leaves behind his parents, two brothers and a daughter.