David Keith Baker

David Keith Baker

Born: 26th March 1948, St Leonards on Sea

David, the eldest of four siblings Anne, Rhett and Paul, spent his childhood on Edinburgh Road, creating lasting memories of adventures to the marshes, beach, and beyond. Known affectionately as "Erky," short for Hercules a nickname from his friends and later as "Biscuit," for guarding the biscuit tin on his sailing holidays, he was full of playful pranks and daring escapades, from roaming the local countryside to days at sea without life jackets or radios.

Music was already part of his life in these early years. He was captivated by the sounds of Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones and nearly transported the Stones out on his fishing boat from Hastings Pier when it was unsafe for them to leave via the front entrance.

David's career began shovelling coal as a railway fireman, quickly progressing to train driver, a role he cherished for 29 years. His love for adventure led him from fishing boats to the Mediterranean and eventually to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.

In his middle years, music continued to be a source of excitement. He never forgot the night he saw The Cure, describing the concert as an experience “he loved, but it made his insides rattle.” Afterwards, he found calm in oil painting, often with Kate Bush playing softly in the background.

Married to Lynette in 1978, their life was filled with laughter, pranks, travels in a beloved Land Rover, and a shared love for the seaside and family. Father to Mark ("Buster") and grandfather to Libbie, David treasured every family moment, from amusing mishaps to emotional milestones.

David was incredibly kind and generous, the sort of person who was always there to help if you needed him. Friends and family knew they could rely on him, whether it was for practical advice or a helping hand.

Alongside his love of music, David developed a real talent for painting and wood carving. He took up oil painting, capturing landscapes and moments with warmth and precision, and became highly skilled at carving. He loved sharing his creations with friends and family.

In later years, David’s musical tastes evolved, finding joy in the uplifting performances of André Rieu, which brought a different but equally cherished kind of energy to his life.

Despite health challenges in his later years, David remained resilient and positive, facing a Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis with characteristic grace and humour. He passed away peacefully at age 77, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of laughter and love.

Remember David with a smile—especially when making porridge thick enough to stand a spoon upright, which was always his favourite.