Eamonn Baker - Memories from Holywell Trust
It was with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of our friend/colleague and former Trustee, Eamonn Baker, this morning. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, especially his children Ciaran, Grainne and James his daughter-in-law Rhina, grandchildren Isabel and Caoimhe and his partner Anne.
Eamonn was an extraordinary character, full of passion, vitality and energy. Throughout his life Eamonn was a champion and campaigner for peace and an ardent supporter of victims and survivors of the Conflict. His skills and interests lay in the collection and amplification of the stories of those most impacted by the Troubles.
As a community leader, he played a significant part in both establishing and leading up many community relations and community development initiatives throughout a distinguished career in the North West. He will always be remembered for his contributions to Youthways, Community Development Learning Initiative and Towards Understanding and Healing. He was a founding and creative member on the boards of Holywell Trust, The Junction and Yes! Publications for many years.
In July 2019 Eamonn was awarded Doctor of Laws (LLB) by Ulster University as recognition of his services to conflict resolution and the community in the north west of Ireland. He was, quite rightly, immensely proud of the recognition and was known within the Holywell building as Dr. B from that point on.
Eamonn was a proud Creggan man and contributed so much to the life of the Creggan community. If you have ever met Eamonn you will always remember his sharp wit and infectious laughter. His laugh was as large as his personality and the care for those he shared a laugh with.
Eamonn was above all else a creative individual. He was a skilled and gifted writer and editor who published several books including, most recently, ‘It won’t always be like this - It’s going to get better,’ a collection of submissions from the Lyra McKee-inspired writing competition that he developed and facilitated. He regularly contributed to Fingerpost magazine and local papers and drew attention to the stories of the most vulnerable in society. He was an innovative performer of street theatre and event organiser and had a keen interest in poetry appreciation, writing and workshops. He took time to listen to people in everything he did, and made space especially for those whose voices are seldom heard. He was a natural communicator, listener and a sensitive counsellor. Eamonn was a skilled facilitator who made some of the most difficult conversations easier.
We will miss Eamonn in a number of different ways around the Holywell building from his early morning chanting sessions, his listening ear, to the unceasing support he had for us all. (Space doesn’t allow us to mention how wonderful a footballer he was!)
Eamonn’s legacy is significant and one full of love and laughter. He supported many people along his journey and brought light and positivity to all of us he met.
Rest in peace Dr. B.
