Senate Resolution No. 2900

BY: Senator GALLIVAN

MOURNING the death of Douglas H. Baker, founder
and president emeritus of Mercy Flight, loving
husband, father and grandfather, and devoted member
of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Douglas H. Baker was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Douglas H. Baker, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, A true pillar in his community, Douglas H. Baker of
Buffalo, New York, died on Friday, August 19, 2022, at the age of 79;
and

WHEREAS, In 1981, Douglas H. Baker, owner and operator of LaSalle
Ambulance for nearly three decades, had a vision to assist more patients
in need; during this time, he approached several individuals within the
healthcare field to jump on board, but due to the immaturity of EMS as a
whole, they felt current practices in place were sufficient; and

WHEREAS, Douglas H. Baker remained dedicated to his mission and
found Sister Sheila Marie Walsh, Dr. Matthew Burke, and Dr. James
Ehinger who shared his vision of providing air medical services to the
communities of Western New York; and

WHEREAS, Mercy Flight was established as the pioneer air-medical
service in New York State and one of the first of its kind in the United
States; it began from one base in Buffalo, New York, operating 12 hours
a day and utilizing one leased 206B Jet Ranger helicopter (N902EH)
staffed by two pilots and three LaSalle Ambulance Paramedics; and

WHEREAS, For more than 40 years, under the able leadership of
Douglas H. Baker, Mercy Flight has provided countless individuals with
compassionate, rapid and safe emergency air medical transport; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this vital organization performs its life
saving mission without regard for its patient's health insurance status
or ability to pay; and

WHEREAS, A truly courageous and compassionate man, Douglas H. Baker
brought untold good to thousands upon thousands of people, not just in
Western New York, but across the globe; and

WHEREAS, While he was passionate about many things, above all his
greatest passion was being a husband, father and grandfather; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his son, Todd, and his brother, Warren,
Douglas H. Baker is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; his loving

children, Karen (Todd) and Stephanie (Josh); and his adored
grandchildren, Taylor, Connor, Julia, Hadley, Drew and Myles; and

WHEREAS, Douglas H. Baker's infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Douglas H. Baker leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will
be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Douglas H. Baker, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Douglas H. Baker.