In Memoriam: Past President Robert “Bob” Baker
Robert “Bob” Flowers Baker of Durham died Feb. 10 at the age of 90. Born in Durham, Baker graduated from Davidson College and Duke University School of Law. He served as president of the North Carolina Bar Association and Foundation in 1982-83. During his term, Baker sought to provide NCBA members with increased organizational awareness and to treat all committees, sections, divisions and departments with respect and humility, a hallmark of his career as an attorney, mediator and arbitrator. Baker was recognized for being forward-thinking and willing to tackle tough topics head-on.
In addition to leading the NCBA, Baker provided volunteer leadership to the IOLTA Board of Directors and many other organizations, including the American College of Trial Lawyers, where he was a fellow and former state chair. Baker received the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine from the State of North Carolina, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor.
Baker was a partner at Spears, Barnes, Baker & Wainio, where he practiced for 37 years and specialized in criminal and family law, product liability and insurance defense. A memorial service will be held Thursday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Durham.