Dandenong truckie Stuart Baker remembered with 57 truck convoy from Hallam to Frankston
A Dandenong truckie who was killed in a tragic workplace accident has been honoured with a special tribute from his truckie mates.
South East
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Friends and family of a truckie have remembered a “devoted family man” who killed in a horrific work accident at an emotional farewell.
A long-time member of the Victorian and Australian trucking community, Stuart Baker’s popularity and reputation was on show, with a truck convoy numbering almost 60 vehicles travelling from his company depot to the memorial park.
Mr Baker, 59, was crushed by a falling gate at a Dandenong South truck depot on Saturday April 23.
In letters read out at the memorial, Mr Baker’s children remembered him as a loving dad, with “the kindest heart”, saying “it just doesn’t feel real”.
“I hope I can be even half the dad you’ve been to me,” son Aaron said.
“You’re my hero dad.”
“I’ll miss seeing your face everyday,” daughter Emma said.
“You’re the truest mate anyone could call on, and the best dad anyone could ask for,” son Shannon said.
Mourners gathered at the Hallam Truck Centre on the Princes Hwy in the crisp autumn air, to begin the send-off with the convoy of trucks led by Mr Baker’s own beloved vehicle.
With a police escort, the rainbow-coloured convoy of trucks put on a unique show for motorists in Melbourne’s southeast.
Once they arrived at the memorial park, Mr Baker’s friends spoke of their old mate and the ‘lights on’ convoy tribute.
Craig Membrey, a long-time colleague, said Mr Baker was a “complete gentleman”, and would be sorely missed.
“He truly was an amazing person,” Mr Membrey said.
“He wasn’t fake if he didn’t like you, but if he took to you, he’d give you the shirt off his back.”
A Work Safe representative said the incident was being investigated.
