Philip Baker

Philip Baker
It is with great sadness that I have to report the death of my ex-colleague, Philip Baker. Philip came to Skinners' in 1959 and taught Geography until his retirement from teaching in March 1999. He then rejoined the school a matter of days later as Bursar, a post he held until his final retirement in 2002; a total of 42 years and 10 months of loyal service to Skinners’.

Philip enjoyed the great outdoors and when he was made Head of Geography in 1977 he led a number of highly popular and successful expeditions to the Scottish Highlands. An accomplished sportsman, Philip coached the school's 1st XV for many years and was actively involved in cricket and athletics. He ran the school's voluntary funds for well over a decade and his work in this area, and later as Bursar, helped the school through some difficult financial times.

As a colleague, Philip was kind and thoughtful, never one to judge another professional harshly and always available to his students for extra help. He made a lasting impression on me as a newly qualified teacher, and it was a genuine pleasure to have known him.

For those wishing to attend the cremation, it will be held at The Kent and Sussex Crematorium on Friday 15th May at 1:15pm.

Craig Fleming