Chris Savage & Mike Baker
RIP
RIP
Chichester Harbour Federation are incredibly sad to announce the loss of Chris Savage, Chairman of the Federation.
Those associated with the harbour will know of Chris’s dedication and his keen sense of humour that brightened every meeting.
His enthusiasm and commitment to the Federation will live on in the results he achieved during his period in office.
Chris Savage peacefully passed away in the early hours of 9th July at St Wilfred’s Hospice after a short but determined fight against cancer.
Chris, born in Scotland, had enjoyed a successful business career with Barclays Bank, and had taken early retirement at the age of 55. He was always a lover of the sea and apart from his love of Chichester Harbour, frequently returned to Salcombe where he spent many happy times, the last being at the end of January this year. In addition, many hours of enjoyment were given to carefully restoring a number of Salcombe yawls.
Never one to be idle, he quickly became involved on his retirement in the management of Chichester Yacht Club and played an important role in the development of their additional facilities which are now widely enjoyed today. He served as Commodore from 2005 to 2007. Chris joined the Federation Chairman’s Committee in 2006 and following completion of his term as Commodore volunteered to be Hon. Treasurer & Secretary, where he was particularly supportive with a number of initiatives to advance the work of the Federation.
He later served as Vice Chairman for 5 years, before being elected Chairman of the Federation in December 2018. Chris served as the Federation’s representative on RYA South for four years. In 2013 he was appointed one of the Fed’s representatives on the Advisory Committee, and with his extensive financial background joined the Conservancy Budget Advisory Group, later to be renamed the Finance Risk and Audit Group, where he gave invaluable contribution and advice. In September 2019 he was elected chairman of the FRAG, and was elected Chairman of the Advisory Committee in November last year. At its last meeting on July 3rd, 2020, the Conservancy awarded Chris the Freedom of the Harbour for his substantial contribution to harbour life and to the well-being of the Conservancy and its staff.
Chris was without doubt one of life’s givers, and while never suffering fools gladly, was never backward to share his extensive knowledge and experience from his rich life, always keen to encourage others to contribute, and delighted in sharing a story over a pint of beer or glass of wine.
We shall miss his valued insight and knowledge mixed with his defining acerbic wit and share the loss with Maureen, and their children Gavin and Andrea.
Mike Baker has died after a long bravely fought battle with cancer. Mike served as Commodore of Hayling Island Sailing Club from 1975 to 1978, and was a trustee from 1980 until his passing.
He led the development team which in 2003 completed the new clubhouse and facilities which are widely enjoyed today. As part of the lottery funding agreement for the development he undertook to ensure that the facilities were made available to local residents and set up the thriving ‘Thursday Club’ which offers opportunities to local children who would otherwise enjoy little chance to sail and participate in waterside activities in Chichester Harbour.
Mike served as Vice Chairman of the Federation for 11 years until March 1999 when he succeeded Stuart Garnham as Chairman, standing down in 2004. Whilst an officer of the Federation Mike also served on the Conservancy Advisory Committee.
Mike will be best remembered as a Race Officer for Federation Week from 1980 until 2002, as well as serving as Chairman of the Regatta Committee for 19 years. It was working with fellow Race Officer Nigel Roper in the early 1980s that the format for racing was changed to that still recognised today, with the classes split over two courses, all with committee boat starts, and originally with Mike’s events finishing at the committee boat, whilst Nigel returned ashore to finish his classes on the club line from the Race Box, and to also supervise coordination of the patrol boats. Prior to this all classes had started and finished their course on the HISC club line.
Mike was a keen sailor racing Contenders and latterly Flying Fifteens, and with his late wife Jean, were generous with their hospitality amongst their many friends from both HISC and around the harbour. Mike enjoyed his family and was ever mindful to encourage the younger generation to contribute to and enjoy life’s opportunities.
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