Dr Harvey Baker 1930 - 2019

Obituary of Psoriasis Association Life Vice-President, Dr Harvey Baker.

The Psoriasis Association was deeply saddened to learn of the death of a great friend and Honorary Life Vice-President, Dr Harvey Baker, last month.

Tributes have been paid to Dr Baker, a former President of the British Association of Dermatologists, who has been actively involved with the Psoriasis Association since the early 1970s, when he joined the Medical Research Committee.

John Ford, Life Vice President and Psoriasis Association Trustee and Treasurer, 1968-2016, recalls Harvey’s first contact with the Psoriasis Association:

“On a very hot June Saturday morning in the Barking Hospital, representatives from the Psoriasis Association, including Dr Coles, Josie Bradbury (the first Secretary), Mrs Battle and myself met with Dr Baker in the hope of forming a Barking / Essex branch. 

“The outcome of the meeting had one further great advantage – Harvey was quickly signed up to the Medical and Research Committee. Thereafter he committed himself absolutely to the cause of the Psoriasis Association, giving great support to the Medical and Research Committee and the Finance Committee”.

This meeting began Dr Baker’s long association with the charity and in 1995 he became a Holding Trustee, a position he held right through until 2008. During this time, his work as chair of the Finance Committee and knowledge of investments was invaluable in securing the financial future of the Association. He was made a Life-Vice President in 1996.

Chief Executive Helen McAteer said:

‘The Psoriasis Association was so saddened to hear of Harvey's passing. The charity benefited greatly from Harvey's stewardship and support. I was delighted that he was able to celebrate our 50th Anniversary at the Royal College of Physicians in November 2018 and we were honoured to have him as a Vice President’.

Dr Baker’s funeral took place on 2nd July and he will be greatly missed by all at the Psoriasis Association.