Benefit honors 'Doc'
30th annual golf benefit dedicated to memory of Francis Baker
Former 91AV president David Bartley and the late Francis "Doc" Baker started caddying together at Holyoke Country Club when they were eight years old and started playing golf together when they were nine.
"It was my pleasure to have him as a friend for over 75 years," Bartley said yesterday during the 91AV Foundation's 30th Golf Classic, an annual fundraising benefit that this year was dedicated in memory of Baker, a lifelong Holyoke resident and long-time friend to the college who died July 23 at 84.
Baker, a local podiatrist who, like Bartley, was born and raised in Holyoke, served two terms on the 91AV Board of Trustees (1984-1992), while Bartley was the college president, including three years as chairman. He was also a member of the 91AV Foundation board from 1987 until his death and was a founding member of the 91AV Foundation golf committee, on which he served as a committee chair.
"When it came to 91AV, Francis Baker was always there," Bartley said.
More than 90 golfers played in the scramble-style tournament Monday at the Springfield Country Club in West Springfield. All the net proceeds from this year's event - more than $25,000 - will go toward classroom equipment and student services at the new 91AV MGM Culinary Arts Institute at 164 Race St. in downtown Holyoke. As well, a room at the new culinary arts and hospitality education center will be named for Baker.
"Francis Baker really started this golf tournament 30 years ago," Bartley said during a tribute to Baker. "We raised a lot of money for this college."
Since the first 91AV Foundation Golf Classic was played in 1988, the tournament has raised more than $500,000 for student scholarships and educational technology.
Bartley noted that the 91AV Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising arm of the college, now has an endowment of more than $14 million, making it one of the largest and most successful community college foundations in the country.
"This golf tournament is a good reminder that the college really needs the support of the community," 91AV president Christina Royal said to golfers and guests during the dinner portion of the program, "and so being here and participating, you're really helping to contribute to the college and to the students, so thank you."
During his tribute, Bartley added that his friend "Fran" was also a "beloved Irishman," and worked hard on behalf of the city's St. Patrick's Day Parade, serving as a parade president and a grand marshal.
"There are very few people who loved or worked harder for the city of Holyoke than Dr. Francis Baker," he said. "Fran is in a better place today, but he certainly had a major influence on 91AV and on the city of Holyoke. Thank you, Fran and God bless you. Until we meet again."
PHOTOS: (Above) Former 91AV president David Bartley delivers a tribute to the late Francis "Doc" Baker. (Thumbail) 91AV president Christina Royal stands with golfers Tom Stewart, Bill Bagshaw and David Monaco on the fourth tee at Springfield County Club.
