Obituaries

1978
Martin Baker
It is with the most painful regret that we have to announce the death of Martin Baker, OHA
President and Secretary, and former Captain and President of OHRFC.
Martin had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in November 2012 and had been
undergoing hormone control and chemotherapy since then. He died peacefully at The Sue
Rider Hospice in Nettlebed on the evening of Tuesday 19th April, having transferred there
from home just a couple of days previously. Our thoughts and love are with Martin's wife
Connie, family and friends.
It is difficult to articulate just how stoic and matter-of-fact Martin was about his illness and
how bravely he bore it. In May 2013, he summarised the situation as "One of those things
and I will enjoy everything I can for as long as I can." He certainly did that, tirelessly
continuing to work for the Association and rugby club until just a few weeks ago. His legacy
is wide and deep and all OH offer Martin a debt of gratitude for his relentless hard work.
As Connie said, "The school association and rugby have been the biggest force in his life
and he values the wonderful and often hilarious memories of all your rugby trips and the fun
you had at home and abroad. I know that he cares dearly for you all."
Details of the funeral will be communicated as appropriate, as they become known.
We want to give the final words to the man himself, taken from an email he sent to the OHA
Executive Committee and OHRFC at the end of March:
"At the present time I don’t want to see people, not because I am feeling particularly antisocial
but mainly fatigued I think. Even spending 10 mins with people will wipe me out for the
day. I welcome all your emails but I would prefer to be remembered as someone active
rather than someone confined to bed.