John Baker

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John Baker joined his mother in the family practice after his father died. After a few years he took up an appointment in Uganda (1966-68), and his work included rural unsupervised acute major surgery. In 1968, he joined Paddock Wood Practice, where his colleague shared his aspirations for GPs and the then new Royal College of GPs. John later sat on the RCGP’s council, was an examiner for the membership examination, and was local provost. The first health centre in Kent was about to open, and John was one of two organisers of the GP training scheme in Tunbridge Wells. He was appreciated by many trainees over the next 10 years. His enthusiasm was infectious, by the time he retired, 30 years later, the practice had provided two more course organisers and numerous GP trainers. John continued to enjoy encouraging developments within the practice and for its population. In retirement he served as a borough councillor and, although restricted by arthritis, enjoyed theatre, the arts, and the garden with Ruth; they had met as Oxford undergraduates. He leaves Ruth, two sons, and four grandchildren.