Vale Michael Baker: the Australian advertising recruiter who was everywhere in the 80s and 90s
The Australian advertising industry that was around in the 80s and 90s will be saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary and well-loved creative advertising recruiter Michael Baker, who passed away last week in Sydney
Baker, who started his career as an account director in Melbourne, formed Michael Baker Recruitment in the 80s, and was a regular advertiser in the recruitment pages of the Australian trade press. The slogan on his ads was always: ‘Call Baker. He’s Everywhere’.
In a message to friends just prior to his passing, his long-term partner Di Singleton wrote: “He wanted all the people who are special to him to know how important you are for giving him the wonderful memories you have created. He feels he has had a good ride and although incredibly sad to leave he has accepted his fate. I have not.”
Producer Chris Gardiner, principal of Black Crow Productions, sent in this tribute to his old friend: “Sadly Michael had been ill for some time and had broken his hip. His partner for some time Diane found a bed on the Greenwich Hospice. His medical team decided he was too ill for surgery so they made him as comfortable as possible. We all know what that means. Michael bravely faced the inevitable. Diane was with him when he went. Which was a good thing.
“As a long time mate we had been in contact, ringing each other for Christmas and birthdays and trying to arrange another lunch catch up. Sadly not to be, even though his natural optimism kept him trying to make it happen.
“Back in the 80s at many a long lunch at whatever restaurant Peter Tan was running, it was a great point of discussion what jobs he had advertised.
“We stayed in touch having the occasional lunch and beers at my local The Oaks in Neutral Bay. Then one day he rang and asked if I’d like to join him in a share house in Northbridge with Ian McDougal, another good bloke I’d met through Michael in the Willoughby pub. Four bedrooms, open fire, pool cabana. What’s not to like. When asked what room I’d like I said the cabana. Henceforth he referred to me as the Shed Dweller. Own ensuite, French doors overlooking the deck and pool, pet blue tongue. Some shed. Michael would yell out from the deck. ‘Hey, Shed Dweller. We’re having a dinner party Saturday night. Are you bringing someone?’ Yes, no, maybe. Good fun.
He started running his consultancy out of the downstairs front room. Some very interesting people were in and out. But like a well known TV show German Guard I knew nothing. Our Australia Day lunches were epic. Good times.
“It was during this period he met and started his wonderful relationship with Diane. She was a good match and wouldn’t take any bullshit. Eventually the house was sold on us and we went our separate ways. Michael living with Diane. I’m so happy that Di was there to comfort him in his end. Enjoy your rugby wherever you are Michael. You were one of best.”
Baker’s memorial service will be held at Christ Church in Lavender Bay at 11.30 on October 16, followed by drinks at the Neutral Bay Club.