Dennis Baker

I've just heard the news and I can't believe it.
My thoughts are with Den's family and expecially Eileen at this time.
Den will be missed by all that knew him.
David Hookings - Ex-YAT

Friday 14 September 2007 at 04.01PM
Posted by David Hookings

Eileen - I am so very,very sorry. It's a long time now since I've been around the theatre to come into contact with yourself and Den, but the time makes no difference. Den was a real gentleman, charming and kind...he was a dab hand with the camera too! I'm thinking of you, and your family. My love - Charlotte (Goddard)

Saturday 15 September 2007 at 09.26AM
Posted by Charlotte Andrews

Eileen- My thoughts are with you, i am so very sorry for your loss. Den was such a wonderful man and he will be sadly missed by everyone. My love to your entire family- Stephanie Wiera

Saturday 15 September 2007 at 09.40AM
Posted by Stephanie Wiera

Eleanor, Den's daughter, phoned me to tell me of her father's death.

It was Eleanor, when a teenager, joined YAT and offered to use her special talent to choreograph Jesus Christ Superstar in 1984. She brought her parents along to see what she was up to and "Den & Eileen" arrived on our scene.

They were fascinated by the production, to see the fifty-sized cast, costumed in old sheets and bubble-wrap paper, the work of YAT-member, Irene Palko, now living in Paris, and wanted to become part of it.

They have never left us since and have made huge contributions to all subsequent YAT productions.

Personally, we became very close and trusted friends. I took all my personal and YAT problems to ask Den's wise and helpful advice.

Without "Den & Eileen" YAT would never have achieved so much with such success and with Den's death, I, and YAT, have lost a treasured friend.

I feel devastated. Eric

Saturday 15 September 2007 at 10.12AM
Posted by Eric Yardley

Just got the YAT email about Dennis, please send my love to Eileen and tell her i'm thinking of her, i have very fond memories of the both of them from my yat days.

re xxx

Saturday 15 September 2007 at 10.16AM
Posted by Rebecca Field

Eileen and all of Den's family - I was so sorry to hear this news and am thinking of you. Den was such a kind man, always had a smile on his face and made any new or returning memebers of yat feel welcome. He will be missed very much. With love,
Clare Younger.

Saturday 15 September 2007 at 10.20AM
Posted by Clare

Dear Eileen, we are so very sorry to hear about Den. He was such a lovely man and will be greatly missed. We will always have such fond memories of you both and how you were the surrogate parents on our trips away to Kiev and Berlin.

Lots of love to you and all your family at this terribly sad time.

Michaela (Key) and Jim Millard xxxx

Saturday 15 September 2007 at 10.39AM
Posted by Michaela Millard

Dear Eileen,

Just read the email about Den- I'm so sorry and sad to hear the news, he was a really great guy- so level headed and calm amongst all the drama and teenage temperaments! And all those fantastic photographs too. Am thinking of you and send you lots of love and strength,

George xxx

Saturday 15 September 2007 at 11.25AM
Posted by George Richmond-Scott

Dear Eileen,

I'm so sorry to hear about Den, my thoughts are with you and your family. I have wonderful memories of Den from the shows I did with YAT, and he will be greatly missed.

Lots of love

Faye xxx

Saturday 15 September 2007 at 01.34PM
Posted by Faye Jamison

It's hard to sum in words the impact Den had on the people around him in YAT and otherwise. From my experience he was a constant - warm and friendly, endlessly supportive and a fearless adovcate for YAT. He was my neighbour, friend, an absolute gentleman and he will never be forgotten.

With all my love to you Eileen,

Jenxx

Saturday 15 September 2007 at 05.42PM
Posted by Jenna Powell

Dennis was such a strong supporter of YAT, both the organisation and it's members. Friendly, encouraging - a true personification of the Irish phrase,
"A lovely man."

My thought and love are with his family and you all

Ben

Saturday 15 September 2007 at 06.29PM
Posted by Ben Furey

Eileen - I'm so sorry for your loss. Anybody who met Den knew what a wonderful man he was. He made everybody feel comfortable and he is going to be missed by anybody who knew him. My thoughts are with you and your family.
All my love.

Diane.

Saturday 15 September 2007 at 06.29PM
Posted by Diane Taylor

Such sad sad news. Eileen my thoughts are with you. Den was such a charming gentleman and was most definitely the ying to your yang. A truly remarkable pair - he will be missed by all.

Thinking of you Eileen
R

Saturday 15 September 2007 at 07.12PM
Posted by Ruth Hutchinson

I remember the reply I got from Den regarding Yat and how it worked back in the summer of 2005. That was my conversation with Den and Eileen. And it resulted in me joining YAT and being an active member ever since!

Den's incredible selflessness. His keeness to share with YAT (and I would imagine everyone he came into contact with). His wisdom generally, but particularly his ability and knowledge when it came to building sets and photography. His work with the committee right until the very end.
But most importantly his constant committment, his presence. His presence during rehearsals from the beginning right up to technicals and dress rehearsals, his delight at watching the end result...these are the things that I will remember about Dennis Baker.

The hugely positive contribution to a theatre company that has brought positivity to many young people, old people, middle aged people...that's what I will remember. And it's something to be incredibly proud of. Yat will never be the same.

A true stalwart, one that YAT will miss terribly. My thoughts are with you Eileen, and those who were and are close to him.

Tom Kirkin

Saturday 15 September 2007 at 07.27PM
Posted by Tom Kirkin

Joining YAT in 1999, I was given the opportunity to work with Den on a number of productions. So many memories of Den wandering on stage with a hammer to nail something in during a rehearsal. His countless devotion to dropping off/picking up Eileen. To fill the time he would recline in the car to read his paper with incredible patience. Den was always keen to photograph/ video the productions and always on time delivering them for the cast to buy.

I really am going to miss him, a backbone to YAT's success and one who has always been a support to one and all. I find it hard to say in words how detremental his passing will be to YAT's future success.

Always in our thoughts you will be greatly missed.

I offer Eileen any support or help that she needs...down to a chat and a cuppa.

Miles Orru

Saturday 15 September 2007 at 07.54PM
Posted by Miles Orru

I only started YAT this year and Den and Eileen were the two people I met first. Feeling scared and nervous, Eileen and Den made damn sure i would feel right at home. A grand job they both did. I love YAT and will always learn from the experiences I get. Den was like the wise Grandad that all of us would go to if we had a promblem and really always had the answer. I will miss the chance to really get to know the wonderful man he is. I give my deepest love to Eileen and the family, for with out this wonderful group i would be lost.

Thank you Den and Eileen!

Saturday 15 September 2007 at 10.50PM
Posted by Hannah Patrice Ledwith

Den was a wonderful friend of YAT. We saw and chatted to him every time we went to a production. He was always there. We will miss him very much. Our thoughts are with you Eileen.

Sunday 16 September 2007 at 12.07PM
Posted by Don and Lyn Gale

I think that the reason that Den will be remembered with such fondness is because none of us has ever, or will ever, meet anyone quite like him. As well as being incredibly reliable and always in good humour, his ability with the camera and phenomenal talent for set building is unrivalled. I personally am most impressed by his building of the ship (Our Country's Good) and a grand piano (Cat With Green Violin). My thoughts are with Eileen and the rest of their family, and everyone else who was close to Den. He was a fantastic man, who will be sorely missed.

Sazzi Collett (ex-YAT)

Sunday 16 September 2007 at 12.56PM
Posted by Sazzi Collett

Its times like this when suddenly finding the right words to say is so difficult. But the feeling I felt when I heard was one of great loss. I have never met anyone like Den before. I cant rememeber when I first met him, but i remember all the times he would take me or trine to people who had never met us and ask us to talk english. Never once did i feel like a performing dog, i felt proud. Den had that way of making you feel proud of yourself, of being amazed about things I myself felt insecure about. I came to Yat very insecure, timid and shy. Neither Den and Eileen judged me on that and let me be who I was. Den would get to know people for who they were, in his own time. Not make a quick judgement from what other people said.
I dont think there are many people left in the world like Den now. He touched people's hearts without trying to make an impact. And there aren't many people who I can look at and think "Ive learned so much about myself, by watching them be themselves" And if there was a word to describe Den. For me it would be "Genuine". Dennis Baker was a genuine good guy. And secretly in my heart he felt like my english grandad.

Sunday 16 September 2007 at 01.35PM
Posted by Eirin Taraldsvik

dear Eileen and Eleanor

Den was never anything but a great gentleman, even under extraordinary provocation. The world needs more men like Den not less. when i first met Den and Eileen i was aware even then that i was in the presence of a great tag team. For all those that met Den, he will have a place in their heart.

lovingkindness

David

Sunday 16 September 2007 at 06.53PM
Posted by David richmond

I am truly saddened to hear this news.

I first met Dennis back in the late 90's and we immediately bonded with our common interests and scientific backgrounds. His great knowledge always amazed me, and he was such an interesting and caring gent to talk to.

I recall an afternoon at his house, as we tried to devise some mechanical contraption to integrate into a set, whilst being showered with costumes by Eileen!

But we must focus on the great life of a great man. Den - The Engineering & Scientific community won't be the same without you. God Bless.

John Battersby.

Sunday 16 September 2007 at 10.18PM
Posted by John Battersby

Den was a wonderfully talented man, but moreso he was a true gentleman and a friend who will be sorely missed by all those that have had the good fortune of meeting him.
It is with deepest regrets that we hear this painful news and our hearts go out to Eileen and the rest of the family.

With much love,

Mark Wren and Alana Huson

Sunday 16 September 2007 at 11.26PM
Posted by lana

Despite not being around for a number of years now I was deeply saddened by this news. As said by many people posting comments he was one of lifes true gentalmen who I always remember as being calm, kind and helpful. My thoughts are with Eileen and the family,

with much love,

Mark Crossland

Monday 17 September 2007 at 08.27AM
Posted by Mark Crossland

Dear Eileen,

I was so terribly sorry to hear the news. From my first YAT production Den was one of the bedrocks of the group. He was a wonderful man who's quiet patience and giving benefitted hugely those that knew him as individuals, as well as to the group as a whole.

The comments written on this page, from people who new Den both from many years ago and far more recently, all applaud the same remarkable qualities that Den possesed. What a powerful testament to Den's genuine character and spirit.

My thoughts and love are with you and your family.

Miles

Monday 17 September 2007 at 09.17AM
Posted by Miles Hawkins

Eileen - To me, Den was this great man who was kind, honest, charming, witty, constantly involved in the group's activities and passionate regarding the preservation of the group and its members.
He truly was one of the better people in the world.

Much love to you and your family,

Michael Bishop

Monday 17 September 2007 at 09.24AM
Posted by Michael Bishop

Den was a remarkable man, who touched so many peoples lives. He was friendly and always there when you need him. I remember first speaking to him on the phone and his gentle voice and kind manner made me not scared of coming to yat. And I remember meeting him in the dressing room of my first play and he made me feel, just by talking to him, that I could act and that I would not forget my lines. He had such a positive and caring personality that I feel affected every one that he meet.

My deepest sympathy’s go out to Eileen and to all his family. And to all that new him and cared for him.
My prays go out to you .

Monday 17 September 2007 at 11.25AM
Posted by Adam Brett

I am so very sorry at this sad news. YAT and TTC have lost someone very special - one of life's gentlemen who was always so positive. We will all miss him. My thoughts are with Eileen and family.
Love
Laurie

Monday 17 September 2007 at 11.51AM
Posted by Laurie

Eileen and Family,

I have been reading all the messages already posted and agree wholeheartedly with the thoughts expressed - what a kind, knowledgeable, considerate gentleman he was. YAT and TTC owe him so much. Michael and I are thinking of you all at this time.
Michael and Bridget Norman

Monday 17 September 2007 at 12.33PM
Posted by Michael and Bridget Norman

Dearest Eileen

Eleanor passed on to me the desperately sad news about her father, and even now I can't really believe he isn't sitting in his corner of the sofa at Oakhill, watching the goings on or making us all laugh with his wonderful dry humour.

There are many entries here about his invaluable work with YAT. But as an indestructible team you were not only the guiding force behind one of the happiest and warmest families I've had the good fortune to know, but you were tirelessly generous in extending that love and support to us friends, particularly at a point when we were embarking on adult life, and all the confusions and worries that go with that. It was a wonderful and irreplaceable feeling.

Den was an extraordinary man, the kind we see too few of - caring, loving, encouraging. Eleanor described him to me as 'awesome'. To have that term applied is not only the highest accolade for a parent, it's also the greatest gift to give a child.

My love and thoughts are with you and all the girls and grandchildren at this very sad time. I will remember Den with extreme fondness always.

Warmest love

Monday 17 September 2007 at 01.12PM
Posted by Zoe Ross

Dear Eileen,

I haven't been around YAT for many years now but I still remember those times, and especially you and Den, with great fondness. I was really saddened to hear today's news and can only echo all the comments above.

Daisy Hughes xxx

Monday 17 September 2007 at 01.22PM
Posted by Daisy Hughes

Den Baker. The wisest man I ever met. Den you will be sorely missed.

Steve xx

Monday 17 September 2007 at 02.58PM
Posted by Steve Hogben

All i can say is that Den was one of the most genuine people i have ever had the pleasure to meet. He was, as many people have already said, one of lifes true gentlemen and I will miss him a great deal.

All my love to Eileen and her family

Sxxxx

Monday 17 September 2007 at 05.44PM
Posted by Sarah Perkins

Eileen, I am so sorry for your loss. You and Den were a great team and I hope it makes you feel a little better when you read all the comments that have been posted. You and Den truly touched generations of YAT and also the Green. Den was one of nature's gentlemen - we shall not see his like again.

My thoughts are with you.

Love

Cath
-xXx-

Monday 17 September 2007 at 06.40PM
Posted by Cath Messum (nee Hardy)

To all our friends, I am overwhelmed by your wonderful tributes to Den. I really appreciate your kindness. I can`t express how much comfort they have given me and the girls. Den would have been amazed at receiving such lovely messages from you all. Bill will post details of the funeral and you all will be welcome if you wish to come.
Love Eileen.

Monday 17 September 2007 at 08.30PM
Posted by Eileen Baker

What a wonderful man. Possessed of great wisdom but he never made you feel stupid. A sharp sense of humour but he never took the mick out of you. He did so much but always had time for everyone. He wasn't loud but you would always listen to what he said. And he would always listen to what you had to say, even if it was nonsense!

When I bought a new bike frame in America with YAT, he saw the flimsy cardboard box I planned to use to bring it home, and immediately set about reinforcing it with wood and nails, making it stronger and stronger until I think I could have actually put wheels on the box and ridden that instead! But the bike got home without a nick on it and I still ride it today.

I am very sad that Den is no longer with us. But I am extremely grateful to have known him and had him as a friend, especially as a young man in such a formative time in my life.

Thank you Den. We'll all miss you very much.

And to Eileen thank you too and my thoughts are with you.

Love,

Robin. x

Monday 17 September 2007 at 09.10PM
Posted by Robin Nurse

Dear Eileen

For the many years I have been associated with YAT Den has always been a pillar of strength, there to help out when difficulties arose, such a calming and steady influence. He was wise, honest and good; a gentleman who somehow managed to bridge the generation gap. He led the group through the process of change when Eric stepped down, making sure the spirit and ethos remained and he would always be there to vigorously defend its reputation. His generosity of spirit was such that even when he was extremely ill he was still organising venues, arranging camping trips and making sure workshops continued as normal. It was a privilege to know him and an honour to call him a friend. I will miss him greatly.

With much love

Rick
xx

Monday 17 September 2007 at 10.03PM
Posted by Rick de Kerckhove

Dear Eileen.

I was so sorry to hear the very sad news about Den. I will always think of Den as being a true gentleman.

Den was tireless in his work for YAT and always willing to apply his sense of humour to any challenging situation. Such situations occurred frequently - whether it was a YAT show here in this country or one of our many trips abroad - but Den always rose to the challenge.

My thoughts are with you Eileen and your family.

With love, Peter.

Monday 17 September 2007 at 10.19PM
Posted by Peter F.Gardiner

Eileen and family
May I say how sorry I am for your loss.
I didn't know Den as much as I might have and I regret that. He was always there, someone to rely on, a rock to lean on if needed.
As so many have already said he will be missed.
Our love and prayers are with you all.

Cathy & Grace Early
xxx

Tuesday 18 September 2007 at 12.28PM
Posted by Cathy Early

Eileen and family

Den will be greatly missed he was a delightful man such a gentleman. My condolences to you and your family.

Tuesday 18 September 2007 at 02.09PM
Posted by Karen Heyworth-Taylor

Eileen
So sorry for your loss, you and Den were very much what was the best of YAT for me. Great fun, always there and never shockable...oh we did try.
Sorry i cannot be at the funeral, my thought will be with you. X

Tuesday 18 September 2007 at 03.26PM
Posted by Sarah Renton

Dearest Eileen,

So Saddened by the news. What a perfect gentleman Den was and so kind. He will always be part of the many many great memories I have of my YAT days. Always cool and calm despite the madness going on around him. Hampton Hill Playhouse will not be the same without him.
My thoughts are with you Eileen and the family at this time.

All love

Andy

Tuesday 18 September 2007 at 05.19PM
Posted by Andy Everett

Eileen and family
As a former YAT Member I would like to thank Dennis for making me welcome to YAT and giving me the opportunity to work with new people and giving me confidence on putting myself on stage in front of an audience. Dennis was the most important person to set up the whole company and with out him I don’t think I will be at university studying performing arts. I would like to send my thoughts and prays to you, your family and friends and he will be sadly missed. I hope that YAT will become stronger after what Dennis has archived and I am sorry for a big lost.

Nishantha Gunatunga (Nish)
xxx

Tuesday 18 September 2007 at 09.29PM
Posted by Nishantha Gunatunga

I always loved my chats with Den and seeing the results of his photography. I hadn't seen him in ages, but he was always ready to chat and have a joke together.
Our thoughts are with Eileen and family.
Best wishes x

Tuesday 18 September 2007 at 10.25PM
Posted by Chris Nash

I am deeply sorry! I shall miss my chats with Den. Den and Eileen are such wonderful people! I love them both and feel privileged to have had them in my life. My deepest sympathies and thoughts are with his family and Eileen. X

Wednesday 19 September 2007 at 12.55AM
Posted by Annie Kanani

Eileen,

This is so difficult to write because it's hard to imagine that Den is really gone. He was such an active member in YAT that he will be sorely missed by everyone who has ever met him.

I'm so sorry for your loss Eileen,

Charlene
xxx

Wednesday 19 September 2007 at 09.41AM
Posted by Charlene Sargeant

Den and Eileen were a wonderful team at Yat, when I was a young teenager and very nervous about my first public performances, Den and Eileen had a way of making you smile and feel at home. My heart goes out to you Eileen and I have lovely memories of working with you both in those days. Laura xxx

Wednesday 19 September 2007 at 10.34AM
Posted by Laura Melcion

Dear Elieen

I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Den. As everyone has been saying he was a lovely man and will be sorely missed by us all.

My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.

Love Ann

Wednesday 19 September 2007 at 12.16PM
Posted by Ann Beauchamp

Eileen and family,

Dry sense of humour is what I remember particularly of Den. And his "youthful" attitude. As I said in my card, didn't seem the "pipe and slipper" sort of gentleman. I shall miss the chats. Sorry I can't be at the funeral but I'm sure you're all give him a marvellous sendoff.My thoughts are with you.
Denise xx

Wednesday 19 September 2007 at 12.37PM
Posted by Denise Truscott

I was so upset to hear the news of Den - i will always have such fond memories of him, he was such a big lovely gentle man and seemed to have a big enough heart to hold a place for every single yat member that ever was!
Eileen, my thoughts are with you and your family at this time, its such a great loss
all my love
Jo
xxx

Wednesday 19 September 2007 at 12.49PM
Posted by jo viney

Dear Eileen,

Den was one of the first people I met when joining the theatre and I will always remember how warm, kind and welcoming he was.

I am sure that he will be sorely missed by all and hope that everyone of us can take a little piece of his gentle and sound wisdom to heart and keep up the good spirit of the theatre.

Such a charismatic man!

My sincerest condolences and my thoughts are with you and your family.
Gabriella De Angelis

Wednesday 19 September 2007 at 02.31PM
Posted by Gabriella De Angelis

Dear Eileen,

We were very upset to hear the news about Den. He was a lovely man, and will be missed by us all.

With our regards and sympathy,

Dominic and Jason Evans

Wednesday 19 September 2007 at 06.47PM
Posted by Dom and jay

Dear Eileen,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Having only done two shows at YAT I remember Den very well, he was a true gent and very talented.

Take care!

Love and kind regards

Zoe Michael x

Wednesday 19 September 2007 at 07.14PM
Posted by Zoe Michael

I think my lasting memory of Den will be (a couple of years ago) being cut up by Him doing close to 40mph on a quad bike, in torquay at Simon Roose's Stag weekend. "God" I thought at the time "I hope I'm like him when I'm in my fifties let alone my Seventies!".
That he was doing such infantile things as biking , archery, raft building (acting the perfect gentlemen to the female instructor the rest of us were learing over)with a group of men he was at least 40 years older than and that no one thought this in the least bit strange was testament to the man: Polymath, Raconter, generous to a fault: the day I bought my house he without batting and eyelid, offered to lend me several thousand pounds in cash when our solicitors "lost" a bank draft on the day of completion.
Thanks for sharing him with us auntie eileen, the world is a duller place with him gone but just look at the number of lives enriched by his touch.

Ben Davies. Old Yat (you are never ex-yat)

Wednesday 19 September 2007 at 07.40PM
Posted by Ben Davies

Dear Eileen

I was so very sad to hear about Den, and I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family.

During my association with YAT, I found Den to be wise and gentle and full of integrity. He was so supportive and always ready with kind and comforting words during times of stress.

I'm aware that this reads a bit like a reference, but if there was ever a man who didn't need one, who could get a job 'up there' on reputation alone, then it's Den Baker! He will be sorely missed by us all.

All my love,

Andy

Wednesday 19 September 2007 at 08.33PM
Posted by Andrew Thackeray

Dearest Eileen,

How sad I was to hear of your loss, both you and Den have been such an incredible support to YAT, I know I always felt they were so secure in your charge. He was a lovely man, with such a lovely gentle sense of humour, he will be so missed by us all.

With love Sue Viney

Wednesday 19 September 2007 at 09.09PM
Posted by Sue Viney

How sad we were to hear that Den is no longer with us. He was such a bright light , spreading joy and freedom and thus empowering others to find good in themselves. Den touched so many people's lives in so many ways, he radiated a resonance of honesty and integrity and warmth. He accepted all people as they were, and never judged, he reached out to the lonely, drew out the shy, and included those who felt isolated and comforted the sad. In return your lives were blessed and filled with love. We hope you will find comfort in everyone's words and memories of the lovely, unique charming and irreplaceable Den. Eileen both you and Den have given so much in your lives let everyone now tell you how much. All our love and thoughts to you Eileen and your dear family. Mike and Janey Elgey

Thursday 20 September 2007 at 10.28AM
Posted by Mike and Janey Elgey

Dear Eileen,

As everyone has already expressed so well, Den was a truly wonderful and generous man and an ‘institution’ of YAT. He made a huge difference to so many people’s lives and will be deeply deeply missed.

I have many very fond memories of Den, too many to list, but some that instantly come to mind are how he was incredibly welcoming and encouraging when I arrived for the first time at Collis, quietly creeping around the front of the stage to take close up photos during dress rehearsals, building a massive ship for Our Country’s Good, teaching me how to use power tools, whilst NOT cutting off my own limbs and being the first to arrive and the last to leave during the get-out and somehow always remaining to be cheerful no matter how early on a Sunday morning it was. Den was always such a strong supporter of YAT, he was always the first to defend the group, to offer his time and help, a voice of reason and to take a real interest in all our lives.

My thoughts are with you and your family

Love
Sarah Stewart
xxx

Thursday 20 September 2007 at 11.20AM
Posted by sarah

dearest Eileen, we are so sorry to hear of ypur loss. Den was such a kind gentle and very dry individual! we can't think of YAT without thinking of Den working on some wooden project or other!! He will be missed immensely by everyone who knew him. All our love and deepest sympathies to you and all your family. much love and many cherished memories, Sarah & Mark Brindley. (jelly & Breif) XXX

Thursday 20 September 2007 at 02.31PM
Posted by Sarah Brindley

I am very sad to hear about the passing of Den. I have many wonderful memories of when he came to visit in the U.S. and of the times he and Eileen were so good to me when I went to visit the U.K. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.

Much love,
Estelle

Thursday 20 September 2007 at 03.27PM
Posted by Estelle Meyers

I know that I did not know Den as well as so many others, but what I do know is that Den was a wonderful man. He was such a gentleman to everybody. My thoughts are with all that knew him and all that loved him.
My thoughts go out to his family, Eileen, and his family especially. He is a great man that will be missed.
Tim Patrick (Ex-YAT)

Friday 21 September 2007 at 09.14AM
Posted by Tim Patrick

Something about seeing Den and Eileen at the Playhouse made me feel secure that good people were around me. Den was one of natures gentlemen who always had time for everyone and made you feel you mattered to him. His photographs brought out the essence of the show in production - a rare talent.
We feel privileged to have known Den and our thoughts are with Eileen and the family at this time.
With much love, Clare & Wesley Henderson Roe

Friday 21 September 2007 at 04.46PM
Posted by Clare & Wesley Henderson Roe

eileen i am so so sorry... i dont even know what to say that could make any difference - except that sitting with you and den and watching dads rehearsals have always been among my happiest childhood memories. i always felt so special to be sitting wiht grown up that had time for me. and even when i came back and you were both still there it was wonderful to think that you i could still sit with you and watch. im so sorry i cant be there on the 27th but i will be thinking and praying for you both.

mim

Saturday 22 September 2007 at 04.56PM
Posted by miriam early

To dear Eileen - I was so sad to hear of Den's passing - he was such a dear man and talented photographer, it's thanks to him that I have so many memories to keep of all the happy times with friends at TTC With love, Virgina R-S

Sunday 23 September 2007 at 12.14PM
Posted by virginia richmond-scott

Dearest Eileen,

I send my deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time.
I will always remember Den as being so gentle and kind.He was so dedicated to YAT, and so supportive to the many young people who passed through it.
He took such wonderful photos, so we could keep our memories of the amazing time we shared there.
He will be sorely missed.

All my love, Tania xxxx

Monday 24 September 2007 at 09.49AM
Posted by Tania Foley

Dear Eileen and family
I am so sad to hear of Den's passing. He was such a lovely man; kind self effacing, a dry wit and always a twinkle in his eye. His presence , and yours, at rehearsals and productions, always gave a sense of re-assurance and calm. He will be greatly missed. Take care of yourself Eileen.
Love Dorothy

Monday 24 September 2007 at 10.31AM
Posted by Dorothy Duffy

We echo all the wondeful comments posted here and they make you realise what what a huge infuence Den and Eileen have been on YAT and TTC members. Den's kindness and support will be sorely missed, but I am sure, each in our own way, we are a better person because of him. Our thoughts are with Eileen and her family at this time. Charles and Kathryn Halford

Tuesday 25 September 2007 at 09.01AM
Posted by Charles and Kathryn Halford

Den was one of those special sorts that imprint themselves on a person's life - like your favourite teacher at school, or a childhood best friend.
I've read the other comments and tributes and just want to add that I too, as a member of YAT, feel like the Bakers are a part of my family. His passing is a great loss and I will remember him always.
Sending all my love to Eileen and her family. Lynn Howes.

Tuesday 25 September 2007 at 01.20PM
Posted by Lynn Howes (Lewsey)

Den always wore such a warm happy smile on his face, always brightening any room he walked into. He was a wonderful man, and will be sorely missed.
I am glad I had the chance to know him.
My deepest love and thoughts are with Eileen and her family.

With love
Tara
(ex-YAT)

Tuesday 25 September 2007 at 06.40PM
Posted by Tara Quinn

Den was a blessing, first and foremost, to you and your family, and, to all who knew him. And you are, also. It is rare to know people as loving, in the true sense of the word, as the two of you. You have made us feel like family and this has never been taken for granted.
To say Den will be missed is beyond understatement but he will live on in our thoughts and deeds and we will smile as we recall how he touched our lives. Importantly, he was a happy man and exuded an inner contentment and joy. You are primarily the reason for this and are both role models for the rest of us in our relationships.
You are in our thoughts and hearts and we wish we were there in person to honor Den and celebrate the life of this most remarkable man.
With love to you, your family, and our dear friends of YAT...
Ellen, David, Ron, and Rob

Wednesday 26 September 2007 at 05.14AM
Posted by Ellen Faith Brodie

Dear Eileen,
I am sad about the news. My thoughts are with you. It was very special for me to get to know you and Den in 1998, each in your exceptional kind way. You are both still in my mind, in that way the distance, however far, makes no difference.
The loss of a dear close person is hard beyond measure. I feel with you and your family,my dearest sympathy with love, franziska

Wednesday 26 September 2007 at 05.25PM
Posted by Franziska Bayerl

When I think of any YAT production that I ever did I always think of the photographs. The memories that ,without any of us realising, were captured by Den. He seemed to come to the end of productions with a folder full of pictures that I hadn't even known had been taken. He would silently take the photographs and build a story. He was a gentle man and it was a privilege to have known him. I would like to express my deepest sympathies towards the family who, with all of us, will miss him greatly. Much love on this sad day.

Thursday 27 September 2007 at 12.30PM
Posted by Julia Early

Even though I have seen Eileen and offered my personal condolences, whilst at the Swan Awards evening we were asked to come here and read the comments about Den just to see how much he meant to everyone and I must say he would have been truly touched by everyone's kind words.

I met Den back in 2000 and he was my very first introduction into the theatre, spending 1-2 hours showing me around and telling me how things worked. Needless to say I've been involved one way or another ever since, which includes helping the lovely Eileen in wardrobe. I can honestly say if it wasn't for Den, I wouldn't have been nominated for any Swans and wouldn't have got such tremendous joy from the theatre all this time.

Den will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on as long as the theatre does. A true gent and an all round lovely guy.

See you soon Eileen and all my love to you and daughters. Joolz xxx

Thursday 04 October 2007 at 04.10PM
Posted by Joolz Connery

Hello Eileen,
I'm so sorry for not writing sooner but i only recently heard about Den. I would have loved to come to the funeral to pay my respects and to see you again, but I did not hear about it until after. I'm afraid im not very good at writing these letters, but I wanted to let you know that I remember you both and think that you are fantastic people who made my time at YAT all the more pleasurable and I still want to adopt you!
Den will be greatly missed and my thoughts are with you at this time.
Love Nadia xXx
(YAT member in Not All Ruins Are Ancient to The Madness of George III - incase you cant remember me!)

Saturday 13 October 2007 at 05.27PM
Posted by Nadia Hanbury-Aggs

Dear Eileen,

I was so sorry to hear about den. I have fond memories of you both rushing around before a production - pulling the show together when things got hectic, never loosing your cool. Den was an amazing man who was always there for everyone.
My thoughts are with you and the girls. take care
Georgie Carter

Sunday 04 November 2007 at 08.31PM
Posted by Georgina Carter

I never met Den, but from what everyone's told me about him he sounds like a wonderful man. Eileen I'm very sorry for your loss, and I think its amazing how incredibly strong you've been in the last few weeks, helping us with the play etc. Thankyou SO much!
Love Miranda

Sunday 11 November 2007 at 06.55PM
Posted by Miranda Marvin

i am so sorry to only just hear that Den such a good man has passed away. he will always be rememberd by those who meet. he was such a nice bloke. my feelings go out to eileen. love from rob

Monday 12 November 2007 at 06.00PM
Posted by robert henry lee

Eileen,
I haven't been on here for a very long time and seriously need a catch up with Sarah, but I was absolutely saddened to hear about Den. I can honestly say that the one YAT production I did made a huge impact on my life and yours and Den's welcome really gave me the acting bug. I'll come and see a YAT production soon so I can give you my sincereties in person. He was a great man and will be missed by so many people who's heart he very much touched. Take care.
Love and hugs
Jamie xxxx

Tuesday 08 January 2008 at 09.23PM
Posted by James Harfield