The grandson of the founder of West Country-based coach tour operator Bakers Dolphin died on Monday (December 17) at the age of 79.
Bob Baker was the grandson of the travel firm’s founder, Charles Theodore Baker, and son of John Baker – known as Jack.
After graduating from London University with a BSc degree in Civil Engineering, he joined the family firm in 1961.
He and his younger brother John became directors of J N Baker Ltd in 1968 when the firm was operating 17 coaches.
Under their leadership, the company continued its expansion in the 1980s as Bakers Coaches, acquiring competitor Wems Coaches in 1981.
Bob Baker launched the firm’s travel agency business, opening their first shop in Regent Street, Weston-super-Mare.
The firm expanded through the acquisition of Bowyers Travel in Nailsea and Clevedon; Blue World Travel in Clifton, Bristol; and, in November 1984, Dolphin Travel in Bristol.
Rebranded as Bakers Dolphin, Bob Baker built the travel agency chain as joint managing director with Dolphin’s Kevin Abbey.
The chain was sold to First Choice Holidays in 1998, and he then worked as a consultant to First Choice.
He continued as a director at Bakers Dolphin Coaches, along with his brother, launching a regular Bristol to London service called the London Flyer and expanding the coach fleet and international travel destinations, retaining his directorship after retirement from day-to-day duties.
He leaves behind a widow, Sandra, and four children, Patrick, Deborah, Damon and James.
Max Fletcher, Bakers Dolphin managing director, said: “Bakers Dolphin has always been a family business and everyone knew Bob and the fantastic contribution he made over the years to our success. We all owe him so much for developing the business over the years and our heart-felt condolences go to his family. He will be greatly missed.”
Former Tui UK boss Dermot Blastland met Bob Baker while working as a Thomson Holiday rep for the West Country, and visiting Bakers Travel in Weston-super-Mare.
“The girls said ‘Bob the Boss’ would like to see you. I was of course terrified as an inexperienced rep meeting the MD of an important retail chain,” said Blastland.
“He couldn’t have been nicer and gentle, and all he wanted was more brochures.
“When the merger between First Choice and Tui went ahead, he sent a note saying ‘Well done and don’t forget your friends in the West Country’…[he was] a gentleman.”
Miles Morgan, managing director of Miles Morgan Travel, added: “He was such a lovely man and really well respected in the industry. He was still working and going to board meetings.”
Pictured: Bob (left) and John Baker.