Published: Thursday, 8th March, 2007 12:00
Fife’s oldest man, 106, dies
By News Desk
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Pic by: Dunfermline Press
FIFE’S oldest man has passed away at the age of 106.
War veteran Wilfred Baker (right) was closing in on his 107th birthday, but passed away quietly at Newlands Care Home, Dunfermline, on Monday.
Born in West Sussex in June 1900, he joined the Royal Navy in 1918 and served until 1948 having achieved the status of Lieutenant Commander.
His work during World War Two supplying ships brought him to Rosyth and his wife May and daughter Muriel followed him to the area in 1941. His last job was at HMS Cochrane in Rosyth.
In the early 1980s, Mr Baker moved to Milton Green, Dunfermline, where his wife unfortunately passed away soon after. Mr Baker remained on his own in Milton Green until failing health required him to move into the Newlands Care Home nearly two years ago.
At the time of Mr Baker’s 105th birthday, his family comprised a daughter, four grandchildren, two great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
The Royal British Legion was always a welcome haunt for Mr Baker, who enjoyed a drink and a blether. He was made honorary vice-president of the Rosyth club more than 10 years ago.
Alan Tyson (78), the vice-president, said, “He was never a heavy drinker but he enjoyed a gin and tonic. He was always good company and once you got him going you just couldn’t stop him talking.
“He had an amazing memory and he knew what was going on despite his ailing health. He could tell you all the ships he had worked on and what he did. His memory recall was still sharp.”
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