Friends and family have been quick pay tribute to Stuart Baker, the widely-respected and much-loved foreman at Membrey’s Transport & Crane Hire in Dandenong South, Melbourne, who was tragically killed while working this weekend, aged 59.
The dozens of social media posts include the below from long-time boss Craig Membrey earlier today.
“We have lost a true legend, mate and one of my best employees,” writes Membrey on his Facebook page.
“He always understood me and could read my mind. He was so loyal to me and Membrey’s.
“I always knew that if Stuey was on the job, it would be done correctly. Stuey and his family have been a part of my life for over 37 years. I remember when Stuey used to bring his boys, Aaron and Shannon, into work, when they were growing up and they knew more about the trucks and trailers, than my own kids.
“I will make sure his memory lives on forever. Condolences to Lisa, Aaron, Shannon, Emma, Chase, family and his many friends.
“This is such a hard time for so many people, so please reach out for support, if needed.”
Adds Blake Lawrence: “Very sad news today with the passing of our Mate Stuart Baker an all round good guy and absolute Gentleman who was a true professional operator who had carted anything from giraffes, planes, helicopters and everything in between. Our heartfelt condolences goes out to your whole family you will be missed by so many, I’m sure your legacy will live on through your children, another Legend gone too early. Rest easy Mate.”
Writes Andrew Martin: “I don’t know what to honestly say, I’m lost for words. Stuart Baker the highway won’t be the same without you stopping and catching up.
You where the definition of old school truckin, I won’t forget checking my oil on the 409, to see you going the other way and hearing the Jakes as you pulled with a D6 on the back to see if I was ok at Narrabri.
I didn’t know you when I first started working with you at Membreys, but when you gave me a lift back down from Dubbo, we where both stoked that I had Tim Tams and that made a great friendship back south. You where a great mentor to me, and many others. For that I am grateful to have worked along side you, and made me the operator I am.
I’ll miss seeing you on the highway, was great seeing great catching up at Goondiwindi last month. You had time to talk no matter what, thanks for the memories on the road.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you Aaron & Shannon and your family.”
We will be featuring a longer tribute to Stuart in our May 13 print issue of Big Rigs.
If you have a story, or anecdote about Stuart you’d like to share, please email us at editor@bigrigs.com.au.