Baker, A.W. (Albert Wesley), 1891-1974

Professor emeritus A. W. Baker dies<p>
<p>
Professor A. W. Baker, professor emeritus,
and former head of the Department of Zoology,
died in Sunnybrook Hospital, August 26,
at the age of 83. A graduate of OAC in 1911,
he played an active role in the OAC Alumni
Association for many years, and hosted alumni
picnics each year at his home at Beaverton and
at his winter home in Florida. He was named
Alumnus of Honor by the alumni association
in 1973.<p>
Professor Baker took an active part inihe
OAC Festival Week celebrations as honorary
chairman of the OAC Centennial committee,
playing much more than a figurehead role.
He was chairman of the committee for the
college's 75th anniversary in 1949, and a
member of the committee for the 50th
observance in 1924.<p>
He suffered injuries in an automobile
accident a few days before Festival Week, and
came directly from the hospital to Guelph
for the nine days of events and special functions
taking part in all of them.<p>
Professor Baker was a member of the faculty
of OAC from his graduation until he retired
in 1955. He became head of the Department
of Zoology in 1922. Professor Baker played a
key role in the development of the graduate
study program on the campus, serving as the
first secretary of the conjoint committee of
Guelph and Toronto faculty which administered
the program when it was established in 1926.<p>
Professor Baker had an active interest in
naval affairs, and during the war worked to
set up naval training divisions on campuses
across Canada. He was also active in student
athletics, both in an executive capacity and as
basketball coach for 25 years