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April 14, 2009
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The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA)
is deeply saddened by this morning's passing of its longtime president, leader and guiding light, Dick Baker, after his two-year battle with cancer. The SIMA Board of Directors, Advisory Boards and staff are devastated by the loss.
"Words cannot express our grief or how greatly Dick will be missed," said Sean Smith, SIMA executive director. "Dick's leadership in SIMA was absolutely |
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unparalleled. I speak on behalf of the SIMA family and entire surf industry in saying he was so much more than our leader -- he was our mentor, our best friend, a role model, a confidant. As a person he was generous, positive and a devoted family man. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time." Information regarding memorial services will be shared when available. Please contact the SIMA office with questions or inquiries. SIMA Members Pay Tribute to Dick Baker: "It's hard for me to think about Dick without cracking a smile. We are both fairly cynical by nature and would never miss an opportunity to light one another up with some sort of derogatory comment. Yet among all the heckling, he managed to teach me a lot. Perhaps the greatest lesson I learned from Dick was about courage, be it the courage of standing behind your convictions, the courage to think apart from the crowd, or the courage he had in fighting his insidious disease." - Doug Palladini, Vice President of Marketing, Vans / SIMA Board of Directors "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." - Joel Cooper, CEO, ...lost / SIMA Board of Directors "Dick Baker was a larger-than-life individual who advised and mentored every CEO in the surf industry, while making certain Wall Street knew about the beach. He was a true champion for our industry, as well as a dear personal friend." - Bob Mignogna, former publisher of Surfing magazine / SIMA Senior Advisory Board member "Dick was a mix of father, brother and friend. I feel a bit like an orphan today. He will continue to live in the hearts of the ones that knew him. Gracias, Dick." - Fernando Aguerre, Liquid Tribe / SIMA Senior Advisory Board member Longtime SIMA Vice President and close friend Paul Naude, CEO of Billabong USA, is out of the country and unreachable for direct comment, but it goes without saying that Paul is deeply saddened by the loss of his friend and colleague, and expresses sincere condolences to the Baker family. View a long list of tributes here. About Dick Baker Baker was born and raised in Southern California and a graduate of the University of California at Northridge. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, he worked his way through school at a men's specialty store. The world of fashion continued as he began his career at Bullocks (a division of Federated, now Macys). Becoming a buyer at a young age allowed international travel, invaluable retail experience and created a platform for future opportunities. In 1980, Baker was recruited to become president of Marithe & Francois Girbaud, a designer jeans company and division of Calvin Klein, in New York. In 1983, Dick was named CEO and president of Izod Lacoste menswear. Establishing a strategy to renew the popularity of the brand, he was a member of the management group that spun off Crystal Brands from the parent company General Mills. In 1986, he was hired as president of Esprit Womenswear. Based in San Francisco, this lifestyle juniors brand grew to $250 million during his tenure. Prior to joining Op in 1997, he was president of Tommy Hilfiger Womenswear, where Tommy Girl apparel was launched and grossed $100 million in its first year. While at Op, through creative marketing, well-timed product extensions and licensing agreements with key manufacturers, revenues increased five-fold to $250 million world wide during his tenure as CEO. After successfully rejuvenating the brand, Op was acquired by Warnaco Inc. (Calvin Klein, Speedo, Chaps) in 2004. Baker continued to serve as President and helped in the transition of the business through 2007. In spite of his busy career schedule, Baker remained active in community service, environmental and humanitarian organizations. He actively supported local causes such as Life Rolls On, Boarding for Breast Cancer, Surfrider Foundation and Ocean Institute. He was the former Chairman of the National Conference of Christians and Jews (New York), and the 1996 honoree of the Boy Scout Council (New York). Baker was also honored with the Creative Leadership Award by Otis College of Art and Design in 2000, where he served on its Board of Trustees; in 2004, he was honored by the Orange County Boy Scouts with the Men of Character Award; and in 2005, Baker was also the honoree for the AMY award of the YMA (Young Men's Association) creating scholarships for the fashion industry. He will be honored by SIMA this August with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 20th Annual Waterman's Ball. Baker is survived by his wife of 19 years, Una, and his two sons, Ryan and Jack. MORE SURF NEWS SURFLINE HOME PAGE |
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Comments: (21) Add Your Comment
Chad Smith 04/21/2009 04:21 PM
I have been reading that Dick Baker was a favorite "Uncle" for many leaders of the surfing industry. I know how they feel. Uncle Dick was not only my mom's brother, he was a great friend, son, father and husband. I have great memories of Dick taking me to YMCA camp when I was younger and visiting him in SF, NY and CT. He was a great storyteller and had a magnetic personality. Life will not quite be the same. Dick will be missed.
Bob Nealy 04/21/2009 11:49 AM
Dick Baker was truly remarkable and will be missed by all. I only wish I had spent more time with him when I had the chance. Life is fragile and often too short - so make the most of every minute ot it - Diok Baker certainly did! He serves as an inspiration to all of us and his famlly. He will be deeply missed.
Edward Arikian 04/18/2009 06:24 AM * PREMIUM MEMBER - Real Name
Rest in Peace, Mr. Baker...you will be missed.
Gary Sahagen 04/17/2009 09:52 AM * PREMIUM MEMBER - Real Name
Sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Dick in this great loss. Dick Baker will always be remembered for his leadership and vision.
Dean Miller 04/17/2009 09:33 AM
When my company was young, close to 10 yrs ago, and we were growing at a break neck speed, Dick Baker called me into his office at OP just to say he believed in me and knew I was doing the right thing. At the time, everybody else thought I was a darn fool, and would never succeed. Thanks for the boost of confidence Mr. Baker!
Chris Houle 04/17/2009 09:03 AM
Dick was a solid guy who cared about everyone around him and who will be deeply missed. He loved the surf industry and everything about it. We will miss you Dick, thank you for everything...
Lou Niles 04/17/2009 05:28 AM
An incredibly bright and generous so willing to give and mentor. I learned so much from Dick about business, foresight, relations and business strategy and how to remain so human through it all. My condolences to Una, Ryan and Jack; Dick your wise advice will continue to shine through your students in the industry for many many years to come. You will be missed but always remembered.
Robert Mignogna 04/16/2009 02:49 PM * PREMIUM MEMBER - Real Name
Richard, arrivederchi, my pal.
Bob Kiefer 04/16/2009 12:58 PM * PREMIUM MEMBER - Real Name
I had the privilege of knowing Dick through our mutual friend, Terry McCann. Terry was himself quite a guy. He respected and admired Dick and held him in the highest esteem. Dick was truly a gentleman in the purest sense of the word. Our condolences to Una and the Baker family.
Brooke Lerum 04/16/2009 12:51 PM
I have yet to meet a man who warms a room as much as Dick Baker did. He was an INCREDIBLE husband, father, friend, and neighbor, and his strength and compassion towards others is beyond admirable. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. All my love to Una and the boys.
Patrick Bozeman 04/16/2009 10:15 AM
I and my entire family have had the pleasure of being friends and neighbors of Dick, Una, Ryan and Jack for the last 6 years. We are deeply saddened by his passing. He has always been generous, congenial and gracious. Our hearts and prayers go out to him and his family. We will miss you, Dick! I expect the angels to be wearing OP 70's retro shirts by the time I get there!
Felipe Bascope 04/16/2009 07:16 AM * PREMIUM MEMBER - Real Name
His sense of humor, kind generosity, leadership and wonderful smile will be something that will be greatly missed. One of a kind gentleman. My prayers go out to him and his family. God bless.
Dave Carlos 04/15/2009 08:47 PM * PREMIUM MEMBER - Real Name
Dick Baker was a very nice down to earth person who my wife and I had the pleasure to meet. Our deepest condolences to his wife and kids. Our prayers are with you.
Tommy "G" Gudauskas 04/15/2009 08:36 PM
This note goes out to all aspiring amateur surfers and their families in the USA. Dick Baker was the key figure in establishing Surfing America (SA) as the governing body of USA surfing. SA created a format for all the amateur organizations to send their "best of the best" to Surfing America trials and compete in the world games for Gold & pride for our USA. Dick Baker was the man who made it happen! Dick's work is a legacy for all future generations. Aloha Dick Baker! Go Big, Team USA!
Brandon Berberet 04/15/2009 06:32 PM
View All Comments (21 comments)
Dick Baker.. A great friend, wonderful father, and has the most amazing wife... You will deeply be missed! Just can't belive your gone...
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