Vale Frank Baker: Moranbah ‘legend’, grandfather, footy coach remembered

Hundreds are sharing their condolences following the death of a Moranbah grandfather who was well known among the mining, sporting and Greater Whitsunday communities.

Moranbah father Frank Baker, and wife of former Isaac Regional Council mayor Anne Baker, died on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. Picture: Contributed

Moranbah’s Frank Baker is being remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and a “tough footballer”, but perhaps the funeral notice sums it up best: “Long Live the Legend”.

The 66-year-old died on Wednesday leaving behind his wife Anne Baker, the former mayor of Isaac Regional Council; his children Louise and Michael and their partners Mark and Tegan; and three grandchildren: Rocco, Ollie and Frankie.

“It is with broken hearts that we share with you our Frank passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning surrounded by family,” Mrs Baker posted to Facebook.

Mr Baker was well known in the Greater Whitsunday, mining and sporting communities and had earned life memberships with the Mining and Energy Union, West Tigers Walkerston and Moranbah Miners.

The late Frank Baker with wife Anne and their children Louise and Michael at their home in Emerald, 1997. Picture: Contributed

MEU general vice president Stephen Smyth said he was “devastated” by Mr Baker’s death.

“I loved Frank as a brother and he taught me a lot about life from a young age including always having a go and having your mate’s back,” Mr Smyth wrote.

“Later in life in the union there was no greater leader who spoke about respect, integrity and honesty.

“We are all better for knowing and having him in our life.

“RIP comrade.”

The late Frank Baker was well known in the rugby league community having played and/or coached at multiple clubs. Picture: Mitchell Magpies Rugby League Football Club

Mitchell Magpies Rugby League Football Club will hold a minute’s silence for Mr Baker before the A-grade game on Sunday afternoon in memory of the club’s former coach.

“He coached Mitchell to the 1980 grand final against Cities, going down by an intercept pass,” John Birkett posted to the club’s Facebook page.

“To me that side on paper is one of the best teams Mitchells has ever had.

“Frank was one tough footballer and played at a high level.”

Moranbah father Frank Baker, who died on Wednesday August 7, was formerly a coach and player with the Collinsville Miners rugby league team Picture: Anne Baker, Facebook

Hundreds have shared their condolences with the Baker family online including Eli Bleakley who wrote Frank was a “truly great man”.

“He will be sorely missed and never forgotten in how he shaped so many futures,” Ms Bleakley said.

“Much love, rest in peace Frank the Tank.”

Mr Baker will be farewelled with an 11am service at Moranbah Miners Rugby Leagues Ground on Thursday, which will be livestreamed by City Funerals.