Russell BAKER Obituary

So sorry to hear you have "slipped the bonds of Earth", Russell. I valued our friendship over the years and remember the times we flew together. I'm sure there will be a great reception with old friends awaiting you. Norm Davis

Still can't believe you are gone Russell, loved having met you and enjoyed your entertaining character over the years, but also such a sincere soul. RIP and thoughts with Samantha and Amanda and families.

Very sorry to hear another Te Anau icon has gone. Russell was much older than me, but we did live all in Matai Street, I went to school with John and of course knew Fern & Gordon, Vic & Elsie. I do remember him though and all the stories about his flying and how good he was, and I am sure he was in or associated with the fire brigade when my dad was involved. I did not know his children or grandchildren as I have been away from Te Anau for many years, but my childhood was spent there and the people you never forget. RIP

So sad to learn of Russell's passing. He was a fantastic Drum Major and had a great sense of humour. He will be sadly missed by us all. Rest in Peace Russell

Your mace is no longer flourishing, the swing in your kilt has ceased. I will miss you, my old mate. I will miss our banter at contests. Rest in Peace my dear friend.

Our sincere condolences to Russell's family. Russell, like so many others have said already, you will be missed for all the qualities that you so often shared. You were a true friend to my mum and dad, (George and Alma Radford) and to me. I appreciated the many trips into the bay and will never forget flying in and out of Martins using the 206 as a wedding car for Charlie and Diane, what an awesome day that was. See you on the other side mate. Brett and Andrea Radford

Awesome memories of Fiordland Aero Club days with Russell over about 20 years. I poured him many a pint and flew with him on numerous occasions.
Was very shocked to learn of his death.
My thoughts are with his family members and Amanda, Samantha and their families. You have gone too soon mate.

Finished my PPL with Russell ,He Taught everyone to such a high standard,Many owe their lives to being taught so well to Fly,Fly High Russell,Regards to Lorraine,Amanda and Samantha and His Grandchildren he was such a proud Father to his Girls and Grandchildren,
RIP.

Very sorry to hear of the death of Russel,our thoughts are with John and the family at this sad time. Aaron,Janine and Mum and Dad

Russell you have left me too soon,You were like a second father to me and i'm going to miss the phone calls we had everyday.
Like you always said to me stay strong.
Fly high Russ you are so deeply missed.
My deepest sympathy goes out to all your family and friends.
You were such a true rock in my life, miss you buddy.

Farewell Friend. Sincere condolences to Family.

Deepest sympathies to Amanda, Sam and families. Was hoping to make it to say farewell today, but not to be. Thinking of you all. Forever clear skies to fly high. RIP Russell

On the 3rd October 1976 Russell Baker was my instructor circuits Waktaipu Aero Club, ZK-DKM
Upon meeting me he said If God had meant girls to fly he would have painted the sky pink
My reply Have you ever seen a sunset?
And now the sun sets on a great aviator, pioneer, legend. RIP
Sincerely - Louisa Patterson- fellow aviator

To one awesome boss! A big personality that will be missed by everyone who were fortunate enough to know him. Love to Sam and Amanda xoxo

So sorry to hear of Russell passing, we will certainly miss him around town. Our thoughts and sympathies to Amanda, Samantha and families, I am sure you will have lots of lovely memories to treasure.

One of tourism and aviation's true characters, to say the least. All my love and thoughts to Russell's family and friends. Sweet rest Russell x

My sincere and deepest condolences to all the Baker Family on Russell's Passing.
We will certainly miss him at the Mossburn Pub on his frequent visits on his way to Band Practice.
RIP Russel. John Mackenzie and his Mossburn Mates.

Sorry to hear of Russells sudden death. He was a true friend for over 50 years. My thoughts are with the family.

Ann & Vaughan Campbell
Te Anau

Very sorry to hear of Russell's passing. He very kindly sent me "The Baker Boys" book a couple of years ago, as his Grandfather Victor and My great Aunt Marion Brown met each other on their way to WW1. Obviously Victor survived the war. Deepest sympathy to the family.
He was a very genuine bloke.
Barbara Dodds - Rolleston

R.I.P Russell respected & loved by so many.
To the family my deepest sympathy it's never easy saying good bye...

Very sad to hear of Russell's passing. I have many fond memories of him. He was truly a character and will be forever part of Fiordlands Aviation History. My deepest sympathy to Family.

RIP Russell, a top bloke and gone way too soon, never to be forgotten, you have left many with great memories of what a real kiwi bloke is. Fly high and soft landings.

Russell, certainly a shock to hear of your passing. Such a young man. I remember with fondness staying with you, your Dad Vic & your Mum when I flew down to Te Anau to instruct at the Club from time to time back in 72. So good to have caught up with you at the Aviation Pioneers reunion last year. Sorry that I didn't take up your offer to open the bottle of whisky and throw away the top back then. We will have a special dram for you on Monday. Farewell old mate.

A good guy and a very good operator who knew Fiordland like the proverbial back of his hand.Will be missed.Deepest sympathies to family and friends.

Such a shock to hear of your passing Russell. Such fond memories of staying with you and your Mum & Dad in Te Anau way back in 72 when I flew down from Queenstown to instruct at the Club on monthly visits. So glad to have caught up with you last year at the Aviation Pioneers Reunion. So sorry not to have taken up your offer to open the bottle of whisky and throw away the top. We will have a special dram for you on Monday. Farewell old mate.

what a man, what a flyer, what a great great friend,so sorry to hear of his pasting, my condolences to his family.

very sorry to hear of Russells passing,was a real character,probably the best fixwing bush pilot fiordlands ever seen.did quite abit of flying with Russell into martins bay and always felt very safe with him. REST EASY OLD MATE. Brownie and Sharon Macdonald.

Rest in peace Russell

Sorry to hear of my old primary school class mate from our days at Balfour school has past. He was an identity in the Te Anau area.
Thoughts are with his family.
Liz Hastie ( née Stevens)

When I told Russell my daughter was going to perform with Waka Huia Kapahaka at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, he was so genuinely excited, and tried his hardest to meet up with her. What a beautiful, real friend you have been for so long.
Moe mai me o tpuna taku hoa.

Sad to hear of Russels passing.A top guy.

Sad to hear of Russell passing

Sad to see the passing of Russell --he was one of the best

Sad to hear of Russell's passing many memories of him flying me and my boys to Martin's Bay

My deepest condolences to the whanau
Russell was That guy who would give you the shirt of his back if you needed it...
A True gentleman, when needed.
Famous story teller at other times.
RIP Mate

Moe mai ra ehoa...

Very sorry to hear of Russell's passing. Loved his humour and really appreciated the quiet constructive advice. A great bloke. Deepest sympathies to the family.

My family and I are very sad the learn of Russell's passing. He was a true gentleman, Southlander and aviation community legend. Our thoughts are with his entire family.

Sadden to learn of Russell's death, a long time friend,colleague and good mate off 40 odd years.
My sincere condolences and sympathy to Family and friends alike.
In the words of Robert Burns; "In the field of proud honour, our swords in our hands, Our king & country to save, While victory shines on Life's last ebbing sands,O,who would not die with the brave"
Russell you were one of the brave, I salute your life.
Mar Sin Leat Mo Charaid, Farewell my Dear Friend

So sorry to hear of Russells sudden passing My sympathy to family

A great Pilot and mentor to all who wished to fly. Top bloke who will be missed.

Another Legend moves on. RIP Russel.

Very sad to hear of Russell's sudden death. I have the fondest of memories from over the decades - as pilot, business rep, as a great piper - oh yes at midnight with my neighbour - our many social times on the tour driver scene, philosophising - oh, and teaching me how to cook muttonbird the Russell Baker way!

My thoughts and deepest sympathy to Russell's family and the friends he leaves behind. Fly high, higher, highest. RIP dude.

Very sad, a good honest friend, never scared to talk and impart his wisdom,

So sad to hear of Russells passing, a True Legend in the Aviation Industry and a Special Friend. Will remember for ever the Kilt Wearing Conferences. Condolences to the Girls and Grand Children.
Bruce and Sharon

A truely great bloke who flew away, much too soon

So sorry to hear of Russell passing, he was a great boss and pilot. I will never forget the time I spent with him and the best flying ever getting checked by him into some tight fiordland airstrips in his Cessna 185.

To one of the most amazing and kind people we knew, his name will carry on and on as a true legend of our local aviation history. Thinking of the girls at this time.

Sorry to hear of Russell,s death he was a true legend in the Fiordland area.Our sympathy to his family and friends. From Allan@Sue Gill. Kaiapoi

Sorry to hear of Russell,s passing he was a true legend in the Fiordland area.Our sympathy to his family and friends. From Allan @Sue Gill. Kaiapoi

Fly on neighbor,my thoughts are with you and family,love to all,
will fly in for a catch up one day.
Tick,mosgiel,

Fly on neighbor,my thoughts are with all the family,at this time.
will fly in for a catch up one day soon.
Tick. Mosgiel.

Always ready with a smile and ever helpful, Russell was someone who always improved my day. I am honored to gave known, laughed and flown with him. Deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and his enormous family of friends.

Russell will be greatly missed but his, kindness, and gentle spirit will be remembered forever.

Our sincerest condolences for your loss. Russell was a true friend for many years with many fond and funny memories.
Friend workmate and boss.
He will be sadly missed by many.
Love Sue and Paul Meester

Sorry to hear of Russell's passing.
Will remember all the good times in Te anau while in his company. Another mate gone.

Very sorry to learn of Russell's passing. Deepest sympathy

Very sad to hear of Russell's sudden death. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy to his family, his girls and grandchildren.

Jeffrey and Jan Ludemann

Sorry to hear of the loss of your dad Amanda and Samantha and families.

So very sorry for your loss. I have great memories of Russell gathered over the 40 odd years I knew him and he will never be forgotten by many tour drivers. RIP Russell Baker, your work is done.