Eamonn Baker: An Appreciation

“Proud Creggan man” Eamonn Baker will be remembered as “a champion and campaigner for peace and an ardent supporter of victims and survivors of the Conflict”.

Eamonn's death notice said he  died in Altnagelvin hospital, surrounded by loved ones. 

Formerly of Demesne Avenue, Eamonn was the dearly beloved partner of Anne Tracey, much loved father of Ciaran, James and Grainne, devoted grandfather of Isabel and Caoimhe, loving son of the late Joseph and Ellen and dear brother of Anne, Bernadette, Marie, Claire, Desmond, Brian, and Ciaran.

Eamonn's wake will take place inhis sisters home, 11, Grangemore Park, Derry, on Sunday and Monday, May 4 and 5, from 4.00pm to 8.00pm.

His funeral will take place there on Tuesday, may 6, at 9.30am for 10 o'clock Requiem Mass in St Mary's Church, Creggan, with interment after in the City Cemetery.

Donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, to Foyle Hospice.

The Bishop Street based Holywell Trust said it had learned of Eamon’s death on Thursday morning with “deep sadness”.

In a beautiful online tribute to “our friend / colleague and former trustee”, the organisation said its thoughts were with Eamon’s “family and friends, especially his children Ciaran, Grainne and James and his partner Anne”.

“Eamonn was an extraordinary character, full of passion, vitality and energy,” said Holywell Trust. “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.”

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Justice4lyra - a campaign for justice for murdered journalist Lyra McKee - described Eamon as working “tirelessly towards peace and understanding in our country”.

It added: “Eamonn, from Creggan where Lyra was murdered, set up and facilitated the Lyra McKee Writing Project and Competition which culminated in the publication: ‘It won’t always be like this - It’s going to get better’.

“Eamonn sought to use Lyra’s inspirational words to inspire others and, by doing so, to honour Lyra positively in the city in which she was murdered. 

“We send our deepest condolences to his family, his partner Anne Tracey and all those who knew and loved Eamonn. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this very sad time.”

Describing Eamon as “the best of us”, Derry City and Strabane District councillor, John Boyle said: “Eamon Baker [was] one of the greatest peacemakers of them all. 

“It was my privilege to have known you. A million words couldn’t do Eamon Baker justice. A beautiful man. R.I.P my friend.”

Local author Fergal Barr said the loss of Eamon Baker marked the passing of one of "the most kind, intelligent, thoughtful, sensitive and authentic people I had the pleasure to know".

He added: "I have had the privilege and honour to know Eamon a long time, almost 40 years actually. But my most precious memory is the day he joined us for the first day of Redhead300, a walk from Derry to Crosshaven in County Cork, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.

"Eamon was recovering from cancer, and he hoped to make it to Strabane - that was the plan - but he made it all the way to Stranorlar. He was immensely proud of his achievement - we all were. His approach to the walk was about taking it easy and chatting. We were to be in Stranorlar by 7pm - we left the Guildhall at 10am. At 11am we hadn't even reached New Buildings and from New Buildings to Strabane, Eamon was just strolling and chatting, and at one point wanted to get chips. He was hungry for chips. Chips, chips, chips, all the way.

"I managed to keep him distracted enough to forget about the chips. When we got to Strabane he was supposed to get the bus back but he decided he was going to walk all the way to Stranorlar. He was determined to make it. Even against the advice of his GP and partner Anne.

"The weather was good mostly with the occasional shower, but it is a day that will last long in the memory, not only being the first day of a 300 mile walk, but what Eamon brought to it, in his inimitable style. He truly made that day.

"He may be gone and I have many great memories from the times I shared with Eamon, but that day I hold truly close to my heart. These photos tell the story of that day. My phone wasn't the greatest but they capture many of the important moments, and the laughter and enjoyment we shared.

"RIP Eamon Baker."