Remembering Fred

Fred was born in Lower Hutt on the 15th of November 1929
He was the oldest child of Fred and Carrie Baker. He had a brother Bob and a sister Brenda
Fred attended school and graduated. He then worked in the Bank for a period.
He was called to ministry and trained at Trinity College in Auckland.
Fred was appointed to Invercargill where he met Marcia.
Fred and Marcia married in 1954. They had been together for almost 63 years when Fred passed away.
Fred had 3 children Graeme, David and Stephen followed in true caring spirit by choosing to bring Gillian, Meryn and Paul in to the family to complete a family of 6 children. Wives and husbands, grandchildren and great grandchildren added to the family and Fred was a loved father in law, granddad and great granddad.
They have served in parishes in New Zealand, England and Papua New Guinea.
It was serving in Mendi Circuit of United Church of Papua New Guinea that Fred found serving the people of Yaken Village a life changing and humbling experience. Yaken people were living in a stoneage times and working with people newly exposed to the outside world was an honour. For part of his time in PNGhe was charged with the role of Bishop for the Highlands region. When the family returned to NZ Fred continued his support of people in Mendi and in particular Yaken. He also returned on several occasions to PNG.
Fred also had a strong commitment for social justice and issues that affected people in unfortunate position.
Fred retired from full time ministry however for him ministry was a way of life not a job. Perhaps in retirement he was actually even busier than ever. He did have more time to devote to other causes that he was passionate about.
Fred died peacefully at home on the 31st of October in 2017
Well done, good and faithful servant