Remembering Dick Baker, Part I

Click here to read more tributes to Dick on Remembering Dick Baker, Part II

Updated Monday 8:05 p.m.

The latest request from the family:
In lieu of flowers, the Baker family appreciates any donations to be made to one of the following foundations: 1) SIMA Environmental Fund, 2) SIMA Humanitarian Fund, 3) The San Clemente Educational Foundation.

Here are some memories of Dick Baker from industry leaders and others he has touched with his generous and outgoing spirit. Photos are from the Shop-Eat-Surf archives and from Dick’s friends and family.

Jack Baker, 15

“My dad and I were really, really close. Our relationship was so special. I see with some of my friends, they don’t have the same kind of relationship I have with both my parents. He was my best friend. He always put me and Ryan before work.

“One of the favorite things we like to do together was take the dogs down to the beach and go surf fishing. He loved that.

“He handled his illness with hope. He was diagnosed with stage four cancer, and he treated it like it was not a big deal – he still traveled, still went to meetings, he was the same old Dad. It was amazing how he handled it.

“He was almost like a father figure to all his friends. His friends came to him for advice all the time. Everyone thought so highly of my Dad. It’s almost like we are all on the same level – so many of his friends are feeling the loss as much as I do.

“I’ll miss him a lot. But I know he is watching over us, and keeping us safe.”

Ryan Baker, 16

“My Dad and I were as close as you could ever be. He was the coolest guy in the world. He was my best friend. I loved him so much. He was the most giving guy – he taught me how to be a good person. If someone was in need, he always came through, no matter what.

“I love him so much. I keep hearing the good die young, and I believe that now.

“He was the funniest guy. He would always make me laugh. I’d be sitting around with my friends, and out of nowhere my dad would appear and crack a joke, and crack us all up.

“I love him and I definitely miss him but he’ll live forever in our memories. I actually don’t consider him gone, because he is still with us in our hearts, souls and dreams.”

Bob McKnight, CEO, Quiksilver

“Dick was the nicest, sweetest guy you could ever know. We had a great friendship and mentored each other. We were on the board of SIMA and Otis together, and spent a lot of time at trade shows, drinking wine or beer into all hours of the night and talking about everything. He had a lot of energy, and brought the best out of everybody. He has a wonderful wife and kids.

“I can’t say enough of what he meant to the surf industry. He brought global, outside apparel expertise to the industry. We all started our companies out of our garage, and grew up inside – we weren’t part of the retail/garment industry at large. Dick bridged the gap and brought the perspective of the real world – asset management, inventory, profitability, receivables – all the blocking and tackling that you need. At the same time, he totally got us. He intrinsically understood our core values. Because he understood both sides, he really mentored us, both younger guys and older ones like me, and helped us understand the larger apparel world.

“At the same time, he could explain the surf industry to the outside world. When the surf industry was growing rapidly, he could articulate it to Wall Street, the media, and analysts in a professional way.

 

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“Dick showed that you can be a ‘brotha’ and not have ever surfed. If you have a good heart, and understand what we are about, and understand the water, you’ll get it.”

 

Bob Hurley, chairman, Hurley International

“This is a sad day indeed. Dick Baker will always be an icon for this industry. Dick continually brought opportunity to the table. His vision inspired our dreaming. Our dreaming created possibilities. … and opened our minds.

“He always referred to himself as just an ‘outsider.’ His commitment to surfing ultimately determined that he was the definitive ‘insider.’ We love him immensely and will miss him dearly.”

Richard Woolcott, CEO, Volcom

“Dick was a great friend, mentor and role model to many of us in the industry. He understood the magic of action sports and helped us harness it into big picture thinking and execution. But most of all, he was a wonderful human being with a loving heart and spirit. He was always supportive in what we were doing, lending his advice and positive feedback. He was a blessing to this industry and will be deeply missed.”

Sean Smith, executive director, SIMA

“Dick was one of those comet-type people – they only come around once in a lifetime, but while they’re here, they’re amazing. He is known for befriending and mentoring so many people in the surf industry. He loved to help others and got huge satisfaction in seeing people rise above their own expectations. He helped pull a tight industry even tighter, and taught everyone the true meaning of putting aside personal interests for the greater good. To me personally, he was a friend, mentor, boss (I called him boss every chance I could because he hated it), father figure and psychologist who taught me how to deal with the various personalities that make up this crazy industry. I’m heartbroken over his passing.

“However, everything he accomplished professionally and for our industry pales in comparison to who he truly was – a devout family man with an amazing wife and two great boys. He often sacrificed his own personal time to help others (especially for SIMA work), but not at the expense of his relationship with his family. Fortunately, many of us got to see that side of him and he was a great example for keeping priorities straight. So, Una, Ryan, and Jack, our thoughts and prayers are with you as your loss is even greater.”

Shaheen Sadeghi, co-owner, The Lab Holdings

“It’s been said that you should live your life how you want people to remember you, and this is the legacy of Dick Baker. He was generous, compassionate, tireless in his dedication to cause; a superhuman example to us all. We traveled, we laughed and we pontificated over life, family and the surf industry. He shrugged off his cruel illness with characteristic humor – ‘It’s all that mark down money I gave…’, he said. He was a precious friend, and we are devastated.” 

Bob Mignogna, former publisher, Surfing Magazine, M&A consultant

“Dick became a close personal friend over these past 10 years. We ate lunch or met at the Baker home regularly. Dick always – always – took the time to listen and offer valuable advice. He answered every phone call, text message and email that I sent.

 

 

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“My messages were always long while Dick’s replies were usually short. RIght to the heart of the matter. Yes or no. Never any grey area for Dick. I grew to love him as a friend and trust him as an advisor. I already miss him tremendously.”

 

Steve Tully, president of Wholesale Americas, Quiksilver

“Like so many others I was heartbroken to hear the news today about Dick. He was truly one of a kind. He could work a room like nobody’s business! Comfortable amongst surfers at Cotton’s or CEOs in the board room, he always had an articulate and informed opinion on the important issues of the day. On a personal note, he was always there for me when I needed advice.

“Two sentences into the conversation he could quickly grasp the problem, then he’d generously dispense helpful words of wisdom. A mentor figure to so many in the surf industry, he showed everyone how to live life with a positive attitude and with respect for our fellow man. He bravely fought the good fight for the past couple of years, then as the end approached, ever the good mentor, he showed us how to pass on with grace and dignity.”

Jonno Wells, CEO, Surfline

“Dick was well known for his passionate contributions to the surf industry, but people might not know that Dick also loved to fish. He always wanted to go to Alaska fishing and share the fishing and outdoor experience with his young sons. In 2006, I was planning a trip to Alaska with my son and invited Dick and his son, Ryan.

“Once Dick saw Alaska and caught a few salmon and halibut (actually, he brought back about 150 pounds of frozen filets on that trip), he was hooked. He made sure we had plans for a dad/son trip every year since. Of course with Dick, once he’s hooked on something, he wants to share his passion and his catch with his friends. So in 2007, the group expanded to eight, with his son, Jack, in tow. In 2008, The group expanded to include Ryan, Jack and more dads/sons for a new adventure to Panama for Sailfish.

“Even just a few weeks ago, when he was under the weather, Dick was lobbying hard for the group to go fly fishing in Montana this year.

“Here are some photos of Dick stoked on doing something he always wanted to do. I know that his sons will ALWAYS have these memories of fishing with their dad.

“Here’s to Dick, his passions, and his love for his family and friends!”

Susan Crank, CEO, Lunada Bay Corp.

“If I could talk to Dick right now, I would say …

“You’ve made a real impact by touching thousands of us directly and you will have an everlasting affect on tens of thousands more.

“We all benefit from your dedication to industry, education, and the environment. And, those of us you’ve mentored will share your wisdom with so many more. I thank you for that.

“You are a man of perfect balance…as passionate about family as business, tough and soft, strong and nurturing, driven and laid back…all at the same time. I love you for that.

“I’m proud to be your friend. You make my heart smile. You’re the real deal.”

(Susan is pictured above with Dick)

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Joel Cooper, CEO, Lost International

“Dick’s passing leaves me with an empty feeling I cannot describe. This loss is not only personal to me, but to anyone who was fortunate enough to know this extraordinary man.

“Dick was a great husband and a father not only to his kids, but to the industry as a whole.

“A great leader a great motivator and one who knew exactly how to make someone feel good about themselves.

“He fought courageously to the end. Life without Dick will never be the same.”

Updated Sunday, 7:45 p.m.

Tim Knott, former men’s buyer, Foley’s department store

“I knew and worked with Dick since the early 80’s. I meet him when he was a sales man for MR California shirts. It was a sight, Dick wearing tight gab pants and a California collar floral shirt.

“He was a breath of fresh air in a ‘garmento’ industry. Honest, open and a good business man.

“During my career in Men’s our paths crossed many times. Even if we had not spoken for months the conversations were always familiar and usually funny. He knew everybody
and everybody knew and respected him.

“We kept in touch after leaving the business. We visited him in San Clemente and Una and the ‘Baker Boys’ were the center of his life.

“He was a good man.”

J David Scheiner, president/chief operating officer, Macy’s Florida – Puerto Rico

“Dick Baker was a very special and unique person. I am one of the many fortunate people who called him a friend and confidant. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know Dick. He made a difference in my life.

“His knowledge of the industry, his ability to listen, his openness to change as the world moved forward, his sense of humor and his wonderful counsel will be missed.

“His passion and confidence left a marked impact on the industry, his ability to make a difference is clearly one of his legacies. However, his love for his family and the way he always expressed his joy and pride in his wife and children set a standard for everyone to follow.

“I will miss him personally as I know so many will.”

Updated Thursday, 9:30 p.m.

John Warner, retired industry executive

“Dick and I first met about 33 years ago in LA during market week. At the time, I worked for May Dept. Stores in Colorado (a retailer, I was!), and he was a sales rep for ‘Elan Knits’, in LA. At this meeting Dick tried to sell me these pathetic $5 knits that were really worth maybe $3! It was the equivalent of trying to sell parsley, door-to-door. I bought some anyhow, I just couldn’t say no to him, and we’ve been friends since. I’d have to say he was the best salesman I ever met!

“Dick and I have stayed in touch all these years while the two of us moved around the country. About 20 years ago Dick became the luckiest man alive when he met his future wife, Una. Clearly he married way up the food chain! I know she was his inspiration in life, as well as best friend, closest confidant, lover. What a romance they had. Maybe the best matched couple I ever met. And the most fun.

“I will always remember Dick’s unstoppable spirit, his zest for life, his genuine love of people, his deep love for Una and the boys, and the loving relationship he had with his Dad. … and his business acumen.

 

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“He was always there for me. And I know for a lot of you out there, also. The Sage, he was, always available.
I loved him, though I think I surely could have shown it more, done more, been a better friend.

 

“I love you, Granpa, I’ll miss you always.”

JDub

Heidi Muther

“What a wonderful impact Dick made on the surf industry and world in general. I am proud to have known him. I enjoyed and will miss his ever present smile and welcoming hugs I got at ASR. Lucky US to have walked the world with HIM. Peace!”

Lian Murray, CEO, Aqua VI

“I would always love to see Dick Baker at ASR. He would welcome you with open arms and a big smile. He truly loved being involved. Dick was a remarkable man. He had a way of making everyone feel important. He had great manners. He was thoughtful and would introduce you to all of the people he was talking to. When you left Dick Baker, to continue your lap around the trade show, you always left with a smile on your face.”

Updated Thursday, 4:25 p.m.

Michael Marckx

“I had the somewhat unique distinction of actually working side by side with Dick for many years after he hired me to head Op’s global marketing just after 9/11. We had a small but incredible crew of people and Dick managed us all the same way–he believed in us but always knew we were capable of more, and thus encouraged us in ways we could never muster ourselves. Through our business interactions he was always instilling life lessons in tandem with the work ones. This is how he mentored. He was a teacher.

“Dick really enjoyed imparting lessons. Looking back, he challenged me to grow in so many ways that I am still learning from him to this very moment. One of those things was to keep things short and to the point. In matters like remembering someone like Dick, it’s very hard to keep it short.

“As much as he was a mentor, he always had a thirst to learn. He would always say he was a student of this or a student of that. What he meant by this was he was learning and actively seeking knowledge about important things in life and business. He never rested in that way, because he always knew there was more to learn, to make him better at what he did. I am now the same way,reading, learning, watching, discussing, very much in the same ways he did when I was with him.

“I will also say he loved to brainstorm, sitting around a room with just you or one other and really dissecting things. He was great at seeing the forest through the trees. My fondest memories of Dick are of these meetings, when he would get excited and on a roll and he would shift in his seat every minute or jump up and walk to the chalk board. When he would get really into it, he would reach around and over with his left hand to scratch the right side of his head. I always got a kick out that. I saw him do it 500 times.

“I had some really great conversations with Dick this last year and feel so lucky to have been able to laugh about the past and also ponder the future, while scratching the sides of our heads with the opposite hand.

“I got to tell Dick this in so many ways except this very literal way:

“Thank you, Dick. You enriched my life and made me a better person, and gave me experiences that were priceless.”

David Howard

“I went to high school with Dick and was his teammate on both a really bad basketball team and a good track team. He was also our Student Body President in 1963. His charisma and genuine charm dramatically outweighed his lack of physical gifts and 30 months ago we met at Oyster’s in Corona del Mar and laughed about various events of our youth for three hours straight.

“His style and grace with all strata of our culture will be greatly missed. I didn’t see Dick for 30 years until he called to me at the ASR Show, and it seemed we had talked the day prior. I miss him.”

Ron Abdel, co-owner, Jack’s Surfboards

“My deepest condolences go out to Dick Baker’s family.

“I’ve known him for many years and consider him a good friend, not only within the surfing community, but also personally.

“We shared many pleasant stories throughout the years and his life story is one that will not be forgotten.

“I will truly miss my friend.”

Jim and April Vaughn, Whalebone Surf Shop

“Dick Baker’s passing is devastating. We are at a loss for words to pay Dick the tribute that he so richly deserves. Dick was a unique and very special man, because he had the ability to make so many of us feel special. He was a listener and a sage to all he came in contact with. To say the surf industry has been delt a crushing blow is a gross under statement. I am a better man for having known him and am grateful for that opportunity. Our hearts go out to Una, Ryan and Jack for their devasting loss.”

Rob Ripley, President, Displayit Inc.

“Dick was a true friend and mentor. The one thing Dick did better than talk was listen.

“The red booth was his church, and if you ever were privileged enough to sit with him he made you feel as important as any CEO giant, that you know listened to his words with the same eager anticipation as you.

“He was all business but such an amazing father and husband at the same time. The way he identified with so many people is a true testament of his intelligence and compassion.”

“I will miss you my friend. Much love to his family.”

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Dave Schulte, Print Techniques

“Dick, I met you years ago when I sat in the lobby of Op waiting to meet with the graphics buyer. With no receptionist present, you walked me though every department looking for the right person for me to meet with.

“I remember thinking this guy is special, and I want to be like him. Over the years we had many more encounters, and you enriched my life each time we met.

“It is people like you, that keep the world turning. Thank you Dick for blessing my life in such a positive way.”

Updated Thursday, 8:30 a.m.

Rosemary Brantley, Chair, Fashion Design, Otis College of Art and Design

“Almost a decade ago, Dick Baker came into our world of art and design education at Otis College. He was instantly our “go-to-guy” for all things related to the apparel industry, especially the action sports category. He gave wise counsel to us on so many occasions, and served tirelessly on our Otis Board of Trustees.

“Otis College of Art and Design was privileged to have honored Dick Baker at our annual Scholarship Fundraiser in 2002. He was presented with the distinguished Creative Vision Award. An apt award for Dick. He truly was always thinking ahead, and was well aware of the importance of nurturing art and design talent.

“He struck an agreement with me at that time that, if Otis honored him, then I in return would bring in professional designers from the authentic surf and skate industry in Orange County to serve as mentors. I agreed, of course, and it turns out that Otis and the Fashion Design Department in particular have reaped so many rewards from this promise to Dick. We have developed close relationships with this very important segment of the Nation’s fashion industry, and have been befriended by some of the most caring and special people this Department will ever know. I am sure Dick knew exactly what he was doing and that the payoff would be ours.

“Dick himself was a man of great integrity and could make anything happen he believed in. He remains a hero to all of us at Otis Fashion and will always be remembered as one of the truly greatest guys ever!

“Because of his volunteer work on behalf of our college, many students — who would not be able to go to college without financial aid, and who are often the first in their family to receive a college education — have
and will become successful fashion designers, graphic artists, toy designers, sculptors, painters, digital media artists, and architects.

“Dick leaves a legacy that will live on and on.”

Andrew Lelchuk, former senior vice president/chief operating officer, Op

“I knew from the moment I sat down to be interviewed by Dick Baker nine years ago, that nothing about the meeting was going to be ordinary. That day, and the next seven years working with Dick, were truly extraordinary.

“I think I know what it is like to be Jack and Ryan – because I think he was harder on me than he was his own sons – and that is not meant to be a complaint. He had high expectations from those that he felt deserved it – and worked tirelessly to bring out the most from those people. I asked him more than once ‘Do you treat Jack and Ryan like this?’ and the inevitable answer was ‘No, of course not!’

“Dick was my mentor, camp counselor, moral compass, and Yoda – all rolled into one.

“Working as closely as we did – on a daily basis for seven years – there was certainly a routine to our interaction – much like a married couple. We would start out the morning over coffee – with Dick either sharing a revelation that came to him in the middle of the night or pontificating on how something should be changed or fixed – wit

hin our company, within the industry, and within the world at large. From there we would slide into an unabashed critique of each other’s fashion choices for the day – hurling insults loud enough at each other for the rest of the office to hear (and take delight in).

“The day would inevitably ebb and flow with phone calls, internal meetings, brainstorming, and strategizing. The remarkable thing with Dick that I think few people saw was that while he was engaging the surf industry through his involvement in SIMA and other activities, bringing the industry on his back into the new millennium and to a much more sophisticated retail landscape, he was also successfully reinventing the brand that in many ways, started it all – Op. In between phone calls to Mike Setola, Bob McKnight, Fernando Aguerre, Dawn Roberston, and Mickey Drexler, he was running a vibrant, growing company and nurturing a brand icon back to a respectable position within the industry.

“While I learned so much from Dick from an industry and business perspective, I learned more ‘life lessons’ from him that are far more valuable to me in how I live my life and apply myself. Dick truly was a part of our family (he made it that way) – even offering to video my first son Jackson’s briss almost eight years ago. He delighted in children – mine, his, anyone’s really. When he was with kids, everything else stopped – showing me again, what really matters in life.

“The stories and anecdotes are too many to share (I spent way too much time with Dick) in such a short missive, but suffice to say, there are memories that will last me a lifetime – some that bring smiles and chuckles and others that bring contemplation and introspection. I miss Dick, as we all do, and to Una, Jack, and Ryan, I offer up this prayer for Dick:

May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord shine His face upon you and be gracious unto you;
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and grant you peace.

Chris, Julie, Danielle, and Nick Schulz

“We have lost a bright light with Dick Baker’s passing. My wife Julie and I had the good fortune to meet Dick and Una soon after all of us relocated to Orange County. Over the past 10 years, we had the pleasure to share many bottles of wine and good times in Dana Point and San Clemente, both in the kitchen and on the beach. Dick was a great businessman but, more importantly, a great father and friend to all who knew him. He absolutely adored his family, and glowed when speaking about Una, Ryan, and Jack. While it is sad that he had to leave us so soon, his legacy and influence will live on in all of us lucky enough to have known him.

“Dick, you may be gone, but will never be forgotten.”

Chris is the former publisher of Coast Magazine. He is now president of Gulfshore Media in Florida.

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Lisa Dibsie, former Op New York showroom office/operations manager

“Dick will be greatly missed. I worked with Dick for over 13 years at Op, and he was a great mentor to me. I learned a lot from him and will treasure the good old days at Op and the wonderful ride we were all on. I will always remember him saying to me ‘Dibsie…You get it….that’s why I like you! You run this showroom like a tight ship! Keep up the good work!’ Thanks for the great memories Dick. You will be missed.”

Updated with new posts below, Wednesday, 7:15 p.m.

Hope Warschaw, Chair, Board of Trustees, Samuel Hoi, President, Otis College of Art & Design

“Dick was an inspiring force at Otis College of Art and Design – as a Trustee, as a mentor, and as a role model. Dick loved and lived life fully, energizing everyone lucky enough to be in his path. Dick did so much for Otis that it is impossible to list all his contributions.

“Among his most important achievements as a Board leader were his efforts to bring Otis and the Orange County surf industry together, as well as his tireless and extraordinary work as chair of the Trustees’ Benefit Honorees Recruitment Committee. He remained a most dedicated Otis Trustee to the end. In fact, he called to check on the Otis Scholarship Benefit just a couple of days ago. Grateful as the Otis community is for Dick’s support to the College, many of us will remember Dick the most for being such a warm, positive, generous, and visionary friend. Dick believed strongly in the value of an Otis education and our talented students. Otis honors his legacy at the College by graduating artists and designers who enter their respective fields to lead and transform.”

Dave Nash, owner, Sun Diego

“I really feel cheated for the time that I would have liked to have spent with Dick but am so grateful for the time that I did have. He was one of the greatest men that I have had the pleasure of meeting. He always had a way of exuding positive energy and I always felt refreshed and inspired after being around him. Dick was never lacking intelligence and wit. If you ever needed advice or help of any kind Dick had his hand in the air seemingly before anything was even said.

“I have always looked forward to going to industry events because you could always count on Dick having some words of wisdom, something inspirational and definitely something to keep the wheels turning.

“Dick was somebody that as sad as we are that he is gone, the way he lived his life, is something to celebrate and he would be extremely upset if we were to dwell on his passing instead of celebrating his life. When we all think about the kind of legacy we would like to leave behind and be remembered by Dick set the goal for which we all should aspire. Our industry lost a great leader and friend.”

Drew Kampion, American Editor, The Surfer’s Path

“Thoughtful, generous, and wise, sitting down for a chat with Dick Baker was like attending a personal seminar on the art of business, especially the surf business. He was a master of ‘the relationship,’ and he will live on in the better actions of all of us that he influenced. What a great soul! What a friend to surf culture! What an angel!”

Nancy and Steve Gates, neighbors

“My husband Steve and I are so saddened by the death of Dick, our friend and neighbor. My favorite image of Dick is in his black SUV driving in or out of our neighborhood. He looked so handsome in that black car. He had a great smile and would frequently stop to chat. His ready smile and positive words were always a part of his carstop visits. Many times this past year he was either on his way to chemo or returning home from it. Una and Dick held the neighborhood together with their many parties. Seeing him as the perfect host at their parties while enjoying his guests is another fond memory. To describe Dick you would have to use the words great friend, concerned for others, courageous in the face of adversity, inspirational to many, loving husband and dad and generous to all. We will miss him.”

Bernie Baker, director, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing

“A number of years ago Dick brought in ‘his’ OP to sponsor our Hawaii Amateur Surfing Association and Jack Shipley and I were so blown away by his enthusiasm to get the label’s banners and logos up and flying at all of our events. You would have thought he was ready to compete in the senior men’s divisions!

“During one of the US Championships at Oceanside we were invited over to his home in San Clemente for dinner. I remember Kathy Phillips of the ESA following me on the freeway to his home and I’m driving blind by cell phone instructions from his wife Una. It was, ‘now go left, then take the 3rd right, now follow that road….’ kind of thing. We finally pull up to their home and I park right out front, get out of the car and there’s Dick on his lanai, looking down at me. He says, ‘I don’t know how you Hawaii guys do it, I told Una to give you the wrong directions to see how long it would take for you to get here and you beat everyone!’ THAT was the Dick Baker I’m gonna miss for the rest of my life. He was always there to help all of us, give us guidance for our association and I could always get a message to him and a return call. I can count on one hand how many bosses will do that.”

Josh Billauer, chairman, Life Rolls On Foundation

“Ross Garrett and I had the amazing privilege of spending a few hours with Dick on Monday. While his body was clearly succumbing to the cancer, his mind and spirit were as strong as ever. As those of you who had the chance to interact with Dick over the years, you know his passion for life was unparalleled, his sincerity a breathe of fresh air. For all those who came in contact Dick over their lives, it was truly an honor to call him a friend. On Monday we laughed as he shared a story of his high school age son finally coming to him recently with news of a ‘girlfriend.’  Dick told the story, and ended it with an exhaling, ‘Thank God!’ It was if he was so proud to have been able to share that experience with his son over the last few months. Dick never gave up, in fact just on Monday he was still planning on taking his wife Una to Paris (in the other room she told me the doctor forbade it, but she didn’t have the nerve to tell Dick). It was vintage Dick. For his family and friends, knowing he went out with little or no pain, and not a dragged out process is comforting. At least it is for me.

“Rewinding nearly a decade, before the IRS ever heard of Life Rolls On, before we needed a Board of Directors, before there was a formal charity, there was Dick and the Billauer family, strategizing how to turn the concept of Life Rolls On into an inspirational organization that would impact the lives of thousands worldwide. Sure, some things he suggested earlier this decade we still haven’t done, but he was so proud of the progress we’ve made. He was so proud of the Board we’ve assembled. I often joked with him that the past nine years it seems we’ve often rehashed what he initially suggested in the beginning, only to have false starts, and start again. But sometime in the past few years, it stuck and Life Rolls On started making significant progress. It was ‘Charity 101’ as Dick would always say, and we finally got it. Dick was so proud, and I was so thrilled to prove to him that ‘we did it.’ Dick left us yesterday knowing we ‘were doing it’ and the direction of the organization was in clear focus. Dick is one of Life Rolls On’s ‘founding fathers,’  and his spirit has always, and always will be at the core of Life Rolls On.

“The hardest part leaving Dick’s side on Monday was knowing that I might never get the chance to hear his comforting voice again, to see him, or to rub his ultra-soft tennis ball spiked grey hair – it was so soft, it was amazing! Most importantly, the hardest part is knowing he wore shoes that are impossible to be filled – as a father, a husband, a son, a member of society and the surfing community. Dick is one of a kind, and it was truly an honor to have him in my (our) lives.”

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Jay Wilson, former Vans and Osiris executive

“Dick was always their for me. When ever I would call he would answer. Whenever I needed some advice he was there. When ever I needed a new perspective he was there. Whenever I just needed a friend he was there. Now he can’t be reached and I am sad to not have my friend there.”

Adel Kamil, Fyasko

“I talked to Dick Baker at the trade shows or running into him around town for over a decade.

“He always had the nicest words of encouragement, acknowledgement, making everyone feel important, even ‘the little guys.’

“I will surely miss the kindness and enthusiasm he exulted. He epitomizes that descent human kindness we all look for.

“Rest in peace Mr. Baker and thank you for being a friend to us all!

Updated with new posts below, Wednesday, 2 p.m.

Josh Hansen, Hansen’s Surfboards

“I did not know Dick well, but the time I did get to spend with him made it very clear to me that he cared so much for the industry we all love to work in. He always created a comfortable environment for the tough topics in our industry that needed to be discussed. Dick always wanted my thoughts on certain subjects and made me feel like my ideas on a subject were important. We have lost a great industry leader and from the crew at Hansen’s, our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family.”

Jimmy Olsson, former Rip Curl CEO

“Dick was an amazing mentor and friend. When I arrived at Rip Curl, Dick was the first to welcome me and immediately started coaching me on how to navigate the surf industry. I spent two years with him on the SIMA board and learned a great deal from him. He was an incredible man with a heart of gold. We should all aspire to be the man that he was to his family, his friends and his profession. He will be missed.”

Kathy Hoffman, former international licensing director, Op

“Working at Op when Dick arrived on the scene was truly an experience. Once he got over the shock of what he had committed to taking on, he developed a drive and hunger to learn everything about the industry. He learned more in his early years than most of us after a lifetime in the business.

“It didn’t take him long to give up the hard sole shoes for flip flops. Working with him definitely had its challenging moments but overall, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. He was a teacher, always pushing those around him to do better, look beyond. He was a friend, recently calling to talk dogs and check on the health of my husband, while downplaying his own situation. But to me, one of the most inspiring things about Dick was his pride in and love for Una, Ryan and Jack, no matter where or what he was doing, they were in the forefront of everything he did. Gramps, you will be greatly missed by all of those people whose lives you touched.”

Jason Runes, former OP / Seven2 designer

“I met Dick Baker while designing the OP line for Rays. He was always friendly, and always said what he thought, which could be insightful, funny or even withering, depending on how you were performing.

“Along with his vast business knowledge, he had a genuine enthusiasm for surf apparel. Once at a line review for Seven2, he said that he liked a certain shirt style, so I was pretty stoked! Later, at the ASR tradeshow, I was dismayed to find the sample had gone missing. Had it been lost? Or stolen? I was tearing up the booth trying to find it. Then in walks Dick, smiling, and wearing the shirt, which he had pulled out of the sample line the night before!!

“My condolences to his family and friends.”

Dean Quinn, co-founder, O’Quinn

“Dick Baker was the very first person I sat down with to talk about this crazy idea we had to start O’Quinn. He look me in the eye and said follow your heart and don’t let anybody talk you out of your dreams. He gave me some very real and honest opinions about what to look out for and what to expect in starting a new brand. To this day I think about what he suggested to do to be successful in this very small and competitive world we work in. He was a very welcoming and warm person to sit and share your dreams with and he was always very honest in his answers. I was very lucky to have the time I had with him. I will miss him and his humor. Our prayers go out to his family.”

Shaun and Carla Tomson

“The President of Aloha – 

“Dick’s house was always filled with people and good vibes – it was like everyone was coming to receive aloha and advice from the master – he was the surf industry guru, part Duke, part Dalai Lama, part Obi Wan – always knowing the essence of the problem or when there was an opportunity.

“Man, he was loved, and whoever met him, loved him. I never saw Dick on a board but never saw anyone who loved surfing more. He was the heartbeat of our industry and he brought the competing factions of the industry together, off the battleground and into the boardroom – he was our president of aloha and we will miss him dearly.

“All his mates from the apparel business couldn’t believe that an outsider could become the ultimate insider. He had a beautiful surfing wife in Una, his sons Ryan and Jack were great boys, and a wonderful pad on the edge of the Pacific – 7th Avenue was a world away and all his old apparel pals were envious about his escape to a life of the endless summer.

“We first met Dick and Una at a barbecue when he first joined OP back in 1997. At the time he had inherited a brand that was a dead duck. I left that night thinking that he had an impossible task ahead of him but in his true elegant and inspired fashion he turned it all around, made it viable again and along the way became the most loved man in the surfing industry.

“This last Saturday I spoke to him about it and he said, “I had a strategy and I never wavered.” And that sums Dick up – he never wavered – in business, in life and in ill health. I never heard him complain or bemoan his fate and never be anything else other than positive and inspiring.

“He changed all of our lives in so many ways. We will miss you deeply, our dear friend.”

Candy Harris, brand director, Billabong Girls and Tigerlily

“Words could not do justice in describing Dick Baker. He was, and still is, one of my greatest mentors in life. I am sure the role he played in my life could be echoed by many others as that was his gift. He had a way of making everyone feel special. He had an ability to inspire self confidence in young people and has truly set the bar in showing by example what it means to be a great leader.

“I met Dick 13 years ago and was blessed to have him as a friend and mentor ever since. He showed a faith in me when I was just 22 and worked for an agency where OP was our client. I had heard he was tough and direct and I was nervous preparing for our first meeting. But from the instant I met him, Dick was the most gracious, generous human being I ever met. Over the past decade, Dick has weaved his magical advice throughout my life as he has done for so many others in my same position. He has been a father figure for our industry and it goes without saying that there are many of us feeling a little lost, a little empty and undoubtedly devastated that we are on our own. A true humanitarian, a devoted family man, and a mentor for so many. Dick, we should all be so successful in life to have accomplished what you did, and you will be dearly missed.

“Truly a sad day for our industry”

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Graham Stapelberg, vice president of marketing, Billabong

“It’s not often you get someone from outside our world that gets it and seamlessly integrates himself into our community. Dick was one of those rare individuals who achieved just that, and we are all the better for it.

“Dick was a true friend to me and my family and a mentor for many young and old in our industry, regarded as Mr. Switzerland but a man of action, he will be sorely missed.

“I look back at all the good times we had together and I will cherish those memories forever!”

Kelly Gibson, CEO, Rip Curl USA

“I am happy to say that I knew Dick Baker. We can learn a lot from a man like him. He has always been very inclusive and had a way of making all of us feel like we are on the same team. The way he faced his illness you can say was very brave. The last time I saw Dick a few weeks back was typical. He gave me shit and I gave him shit back. You will be missed Dick! My condolences to Una and his sons.”

Bobby Abdel, co-owner, Jack’s Surfboards

“He was a true leader and friend, and very, very helpful. He helped anybody, everywhere. He was a good friend to Jack’s, and we are all very sad about his passing. I’ll never forget his coming in his condition to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to the Board Retailers Association Summit last year, to speak and support BRA.

“When I saw him at the SIMA/BRA Boot Camp three weeks ago, he asked how we were doing, and I said it was tough out there. He said, ‘Hold on tight, keep the stores stocked, and we’ll see you one day in San Clemente.’

“He was really, really loved by everyone – he did not have one enemy. What he accomplished for the surf industy was incredible. Thank God he was sent to us. I hope we find another person like him, but I don’t think we will.”

Nat Norfleet, former design director, Op. Currently creative director at TCW Trends

“When Dick Baker first walked through the door of Ocean Pacific, some of us said ‘Whoa,’ who is this guy? He told me later, his reaction when seeing us, ‘Oh no, did I make the right move?’ Well, he made the right move, he turned Op around, as well as the whole surf industry. God bless you, Dick, you taught me a hell of a lot, when I thought I knew a lot. The Industry will so greatly miss you, but no one more than your beautiful family, Una, Ryan and Jack.”

Peter “PT” Townend

DICK BAKER. R.I.P.

Today it is raining in Orange County, the sky is crying!

My mate Dick baker passed away this morning after a two year long battle with cancer.

“F*** CANCER!”

In the Nineties Dick Baker came back to where he was born in Southern California, to his roots from his New York garmento background at brands like Esprit and Tommy Hilfiger and intergrated himself back into Southern California surf culture.

He took the helm of OP an original Southern California surf brand and re-invented it with a crew of talented sidekicks whilst having his sons Ryan and Jack with the love of his life, Una.

When I was President of SIMA at the end of the 1990s he was the Vice-President and after my term was up, Dick took the position of “El Presidente” and led us through the next decade until today, leading our industry organization to unprecedented new heights.

I will never forget Dick picking me up early one morning at the Brasil Babes’ in a limo to go to Ecuador in 2004 to try and convince the surfing nations of the world to give the National Governing Body (NGB) status to Surfing America. We convinced them to do so and it was the beginning of bringing US surfing back to international credibility.

Was one of the many things he did that changed the face of our industry.

We will miss him, more than we know!

To my Mate:

You can shed tears that he is gone.
Or you can smile because he has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back.
Or you can open your eyes and see he’s left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him.
Or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday.
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he’s gone.
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn you back.
Or you can do what he’d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

---

Mark Fewell, SVP International, Hurley

“Dick was a shining light – the sort of person that made you want to be all that you could be. A role model for life.

“I met Dick thru Pat O’Connell, and the warmth and generosity of he and his entire family was overwhelming. His son Ryan became the first student journalist at our Boost Mobile Pro at Trestles. From the use of a hot shower after a session at Cottons, to sitting down over a cup of coffee in the bench nook of their home and solving the problems of the world, Dick was always there with support, ideas, love for the surf industry and a smile. He was a good man who leaves behind a legacy of excellence and authenticity, and a wonderful family who will continue his heritage.”

Francine Garcia, Dick’s former assistant at Op

“I was in complete disbelief when I heard the news yesterday. I hadn’t spoken to him since August, in which he told me he had just finished up a chemo session and was feeling great. He forwarded my email to Una and she dropped me a line and sent me pictures of them and the boys at the Diabetes Association Father of the Year ceremony.

“I worked as Dick’s assistant at Op for over three years. Dick was one of a kind! He definitely had a colorful way with words. Some of my favorite quotes from him include, ‘It was right out of the Star Wars bar scene,’ ‘If you were a horse, you’d be put down by now,’ and my all time favorite, ‘Just when I think you’re an idiot, you’re right!’

“I’m happy to say that working with Dick, although tough at times, shaped me into the strong, confident person I am today. The ultimate compliment Dick paid me was on my last day working with him, he said ‘In all my years in the apparel industry, you are the only assistant I never made cry.’ To that I replied, ‘Never in front of you!’

“He will always be dear to me and will be missed.”

Maria Nation

“I’ve known Dick since the 80’s and we have many friends in common. The years have blown us all to the winds but I remember our times fondly.

“Dick was one of the most generous men I’ve ever met. I could give you a thousand examples but here are two:

“When I lived in New York I had a horse in the country but no car. Dick, who was living in the city at the time, offered to let me use his car. Not once. Not twice. But absolutely whenever I wanted it. He put me on the parking attendant list so I just had to call and there was his car, waiting for me. Now here’s the thing: it wasn’t just some beater car for the city. It was an enormous and brand new Mercedes Benz! I had it at my disposal for years. Once, the car got filthy at the barn. Dust all over it. I knew I couldn’t return it in that condition so I washed it off and found a barn towel to dry it before I drove it back to the city. It was dark. In the morning when Dick went to get his car it was apparent that all I had done in “washing” it was smear huge paths of now-dried and caked on mud and horse hair all over the fabulous car. How did Dick respond? He laughed and laughed and loved to tell the story.

“In the 80’s Dick bought a huge estate in Wilton. We called it ‘Tara’ because that’s what it looked like. Shortly after buying it he took the Esprit job and moved to California. Instead of selling the house he just turned the keys over to John (Dalzell) and me and said: ‘Use the house.’ So every weekend we went up to Tara and lived in his beautiful estate and invite ‘the gang’ of friends we shared. Often he would return to New York for business and I’d get the call: ‘I’m coming in,’ he would say, ‘gather the gang.’ I’d make the calls and by the time Dick got back the house would be filled with friends and we’d have a great, drunken feast. I still hear the laughter from that table – old friends coming together and sharing stories. We would laugh till we cried. Today I’m crying different tears for Dick and my deep sympathies go to Una and the boys. But in time, the Dick Baker I will remember will only bring the smiles and laughter and the sweet memories he created. He was an amazing, positive, forward thinking and incredibly kind human being. I will miss you Dick.”

Mark Price, CEO, Firewire

“Dick Baker might not have surfed, but he lived his life with passion, integrity, and most of all, courage. In that sense he was a true Waterman an

d he will be remembered as one of the greatest ever. We have lost a titan of our industry and a valued presence in all of our lives.”

Steve Zeldin, founder, Water and Foam magazines, publisher/chief executive, Bluewater Publishing

“Dick was a legend. A visionary. He embodied the spirit of stoke and passed that feeling on to everyone he came in contact with. He had an appreciation for me that few could have, and supported my endeavors beyond what was even financially realistic. I will always remember him and his beautiful wife and the good times we shared. Aloha brother.”

Santiago Aguerre, co-founder, Reef

“Something many people do not know is that Dick was part of the effort to bring SurfAid to the surf industry. He gave his blessing and time from his lunch ‘state of the union’ speech in Cabo for a presentation on SurfAid. He was always there to counsel the organization and was part of the advisory board for many years. Every person he touched felt good next to him, even as far away as the jungles of Indonesia. Dick Baker, here forever. Santi.”

Fernando Aguerre, co-founder, Reef

“Dick was a mix of father, brother and friend. I feel a bit like an orphan today. He will continue to live in the hearts of the ones that knew him. Gracias Dick.

“Here’s a fun photo of Dick. He’s holding my pants after his winning bid for $4,000 at Liquid Nation Ball 2.

“One month later he was back at my home for dinner. He brought me the pants, in a dry cleaning bag, and told me: ‘Here are your pants. They belong to you.’

“That was Dick. A class act, very uncommon in this world.”

Dylan and Dustin Odbert, Ambsn

“Dick Baker was an amazing man, a fantastic mentor and friend, an apparel guru and a great son, brother, husband, and father to his loved ones. Although we only knew Dick a short while, he really made a monumental impact on our lives and our business. He had hope for our little brand.

“Even though we had no apparel background, we had no business training, and rather than being from Orange County, we were from pretty much the middle of nowhere California, (which at any chance he would remind us of and as he would put it, “Here’s the analogy… You guys are like the concrete workers who one day decided to start an apparel brand”) he still took us in and helped us anyway.

“Dick always told us how special ambsn was and how clearly he saw our niche in the market.
Dick inspired us to make the move to San Clemente telling us our brand needed to be centered in the thick of it all. When it was a business plan we needed, of course he knew of just the guy, his old buddy Bob Mignogna, who has come to be an intricate part of our growing success and a mentor in his own right. When store owners went to Dick to find out what the latest and greatest was, our brand was the first thing out of his mouth. We would spend hours with Dick going over each and every nook and cranny of our business to help get us off in the right direction and he would do it out of the kindness of his heart without hesitation. Dick brought us into his home, invited us to his parties and made us feel comfortable and welcome in an area and industry that we were so new to. He has shared his passion with us and inspired an entire industry like no one else ever could.

“He had an enthusiasm for his family and friends like few we have ever seen. He would tell us how great his Dad was and who at the ripe young age of 90 drove the hottest Cadillac, played golf regularly and never missed a Sunday diner at the house regardless of the two-hour drive. He bragged happily about how incredible his wife, Una, is and how he had no idea where he would be without her. When it came to Ryan and Jack, it was nothing but smiles and endless stories about how they cracked him up, how talented, smart and artistic they were, and last but not least, how much the girls at school admired his boys, which always made his smile extra big.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you feeling this empty spot in your hearts right now, we are all very lucky and better people thanks to Dick Baker and it’s time to celebrate his life.

“Thank you Dick for everything, God bless you and we can’t wait to see you again some day.”

Dylan Odbert – Creative Director/concrete finisher
Dustin Odbert – Sales Director/concrete grunt
ambsn

Dac Clark, C&C, Sanuk, L*Space

“Dick was an icon in this industry. He tirelessly gave the industry the leadership it needed. Dick earned the SIMA “Lifetime Achievement Award” by his dedication to the industry and the values we all hold so dearly. It is a shame that we can’t celebrate this honor with Dick in person – he will be missed.”

Robert Gerard, ASP lawyer, partner, Friedman Stroffe & Gerard, P.C.

“What a terrible thing to return home from a surf trip to learn that my dear friend Dick is gone. Dick has been a bright shining light in so many ways to me and my family and my law firm. Dick never missed an opportunity to do something we in the surf industry do not do enough of, which is to thank others for their service and contributions to the industry and its various worthwhile causes ranging from SIMA, to Surfing America, to ASP, to The Surfing Heritage Foundation, to SurfAid, to Surfrider, to Life Rolls On, and so many more. He ‘got it’ when it came to appreciating others and motivating them to be all they could be.

“He was always there to counsel and advise me when I was Chairman of SurfAid – USA in the difficult period after the Tsunami, and also in the often difficult role of ASP Lawyer and Athlete Rules & Discipline Judge — in the midst of some big ASP controversy I could call Dick 24/7 and he’d always laugh and say he’d been waiting for my call.

“I’ll still call on you Dick and I know your calm wisdom will still find its way to me. To Una, Jack, and Ryan our thoughts, prayers, and full support are with you. Love & Aloha, Robert”

Bryan Friedman, partner, Friedman Stroffe & Gerard, P.C.

A sad day we all knew was coming. Dick will be missed by all who knew him or had any dealings with him. Although he started as an outsider, he has earned his place in the history of the industry and the Lifetime Achievement Award was so well deserved. Dick showed such immense bravery and spirit through these trying times so that when you were talking to him about it, you finished up being comforted by him! Whenever you met or spoke with Dick he left you with the feeling that you were special in some way. For that and so many reasons, he was special. Peace to him and his family.

Peter Burke, PJ Salvage

“Dick my man, we will miss you. We had many good glasses of wine together. Great memories. Thank you.
You were an inspiration for all of us and you were never too busy to give anyone advice. You maintained your sense of humor right to the end. A true friend.”