Gov. Beebe, others comment on Baker death

Following are statements made by public and private officials on the Mar. 4 passing of former Fort Smith Mayor Ray Baker. (Link here for more information on Baker’s life.)

• Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe
“Ray Baker was a ball of uncontained energy who was an ambassador like no other for Fort Smith.  His eagerness to achieve and his undistilled love for the city always made you smile, whether you were a citizen, a visiting CEO, or a governor.”

• U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers
“It is a sad day for Fort Smith and for all of the region because our friend and loyal public servant has passed away. He was one of a kind, and the greater Fort Smith area has really prospered under his servant leadership. His style, his passion and his love for Fort Smith was unequaled. We join with the citizens of Fort Smith in celebrating the life of Ray Baker, and our thoughts and prayers are certainly with his family.”

• Sen. Jake Files, R-Fort Smith
“I always appreciated the Mayor’s passion for Fort Smith and his commitment to doing whatever he could to make it a better place. We all benefited from his years in public service, and we wish his friends and family the very best. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

• Fort Smith Mayor Sandy Sanders
“Fort Smith has lost one of our most outstanding citizens, and we are deeply saddened by the passing of Ray Baker. Ray was passionate about the city and our people, and about teaching both young people and adults. He was a public servant who devoted nearly three decades of service to the city. Our sympathies and prayers are with Nancy and all the Baker family.”

• Fort Smith City Administrator Ray Gosack
“Books and college courses can teach someone about the mechanics of city government. Ray taught me a lot about understanding how the political process fits into the things I learned in the classroom. Personally, that’s how I’ll remember him – as a teacher. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mayor Baker’s family and the community. We’re saddened by his passing, but find comfort in celebrating the many accomplishments of his life.  His legacy will serve Fort Smith for many years."

• Dr. Benny Gooden, superintendent of Fort Smith Public Schools
“Few teachers have matched the record established by Ray Baker with the Fort Smith Public Schools. During his 46-year teaching career he was recognized as Arkansas Teacher of the Year in 1984, the nationally acclaimed Milken Award in 1995, and held the distinction of being on the original faculty at Southside High School when the campus opened in 1963. His American History teaching at Southside actually covered multiple generations as parents and their children experienced Ray’s intense patriotism and practical application of the democratic system of government.

“When Ray entered public service as a City Director and later as Mayor, he was putting the lessons in government he taught to his students into practice.  His legacy lies in the enduring lessons about love of country and public service which he taught to thousands of Fort Smith students.”

• Wayne Haver, principal, Southside High School
“I have never known ay one as organized and thorough as Ray Baker. He arrived at school around 7:00 every day and had an outline of the day’s lessons for every student ready when class began. He was so personable and acknowledged your birthday, anniversary, or special accomplishment.  Many of us received those cards from Ray.
Ray Baker’s ability as a teacher earned him the respect of his colleague’s and he was selected the Arkansas Teacher of the Year in 1984 and was one of three finalist for National Teacher of the Year.  He was selected as the Daughter’s of the American Revolution National American History of the Year in 1984.  He was also a Fulbright Scholar, and a Milken Foundation Award winner.  Ray was also the President of the Fort Smith Classroom Teachers Association and the President of the Arkansas Education Association.

“Ray was also the Senior Class sponsor for many years and worked with our seniors to plan the Prom, graduation, and many other senior activities.

“I know of no other teacher that had a much positive impact on student s as Ray Baker.  I would tell people, give me a school full of Ray Bakers and I could change the world.”

• Ben Shipley, Fort Smith attorney and former Fort Smith City Director
“He lived the values he taught as a teacher regarding citizenship and community service.”

• Barbara Hardcastle, Baker friend and political supporter
“As a mayor, Mayor Baker was sensitive to the needs of everyone in the city. I can’t speak for his role in the classroom, but I know when it came to Fort Smith, he was always fair and even-handed, and he wanted the people to feel good about themselves and their city. He loved this city, and he loved being a part of it.”

• Strib Boynton, former Fort Smith City Administrator
“Ray was a gentlemen. He had a passion for making sure the city met the needs of ordinary citizens. He was very gifted and talented with that passion he had. Ray made sure we did not forget mom and pop in the neighborhoods, because he felt they were the heart and soul of the city.”

• Ann Dawson, daughter of long-time Baker confidant J. Fred Patton
“It is truly the end of an era in Fort Smith.”