A Derry community worker described as ‘pioneering’ has been remembered for his dedication to the sector and his commitment to peace and reconciliation following his death.
Eamonn Baker was aged in his seventies and passed away in the early hours of Thursday, May 1. He had suffered a stroke in recent years.
The well-known figure had devoted his life to conflict resolution and fostering good relations cross the north-west as working with a number of different community organisations, including The Junction and the Holywell Trust.
In 2023, he was the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Ulster University.
At the time Mr Baker said that he was “humbled” to receive the honour, which recognised his services to conflict resolution and the community sector.
Speaking to The Irish News newspaper, Holywell Trust director Gerard Deane said that Mr Baker will be “deeply missed”. “Eamon was, I think, the best of characters; fully committed to peace and reconciliation in this place.
“[He] worked really hard to achieve that – put himself out there, put himself on the line.”
Mr Deane added that Me Baker had “a particular interest in victims and survivors of the conflict”.
“He was instrumental in capturing their stories and honouring their stories,” he said.
“He played a central role in helping to move us on.“I think his legacy will be as a pioneer on storytelling connected with the troubles.
“He was a sensitive, great listener who had time for everybody, from all backgrounds.”
Mr Baker’s work included the collection of Troubles’ stories, To Tell You the Truth, as well as acting as an editor on a collection honouring the late journalist Lyra McKee.
Mr Deane added that Mr Baker was “well-regarded” and “a vital voice” in the community sector. “He was also one of the people who would speak out for the sector.
“His writing on community work and community issues was really important as well.”
Even though he had officially ‘retired’ from the board of the Holywell Trust before his health struggles, Mr Deane said he was “never gone completely”.
“A good community worker never gets to retire,” he said.
SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said he was “very saddened to hear of the passing of Eamonn Baker”.
Writing on social media, Mr Durkan said: “I first encountered Eamonn many moons ago when he came into our school to do creative writing with us.
“He instantly made an impression as someone not just passionate about language but as someone who could see the talent or goodness in everyone and do his best to bring it out of them.
“Our paths crossed many times over the years and it was always a pleasure – whether it was sharing his company on a long run with a few other Foyle Valley Athletics Club stalwarts, meeting at a community engagement event or him contacting me discreetly seeking help for someone else.
“His commitment to community, his passion for this place and his empathy for others marked Eamonn out as someone special.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all who will miss him.
“Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Tags: