Stories about Baden
If you have a memory that you would like to share,
please send it to us by filling in the box below.
Our Memories
From: Zoe Cooke
Fond memories of the Landcruiser arriving at Grandma and Grandpa’s in Port Vincent, all the way from Humpty Doo. Tanned cousins, Uncle Baden and Auntie Anne spilling out, full of adventure and fun.
I’ve enjoyed Uncle Baden’s stories in recent years and hearing of his ventures, and adventures. Love to all the family at this sad time. Thank you for the wonderful pictures. Zoe Cooke, Dandaragan, WA
From: Brad Allen
My memories of Baden are recent, I've only been in his life over the past four years. Baden was clearly a man of great intellect, and knowledge that can only be forged in the fires of many winters. We had time for robust conversations on politics, religion and the medical system. The latter was a system which he saw as failing his needs, but which may have failed mainly to unlock the limited ways one could engage him. What I enjoyed most was hearing his extreme knowledge on soil and the environment, which were sometimes in apparent conflict with his political views. He was from the age where “lefty” political views were seen as weak, yet he was a man with a history of providing free support to Landcare groups, and being able to expertly destroy the notion that agriculture practices have been in any way beneficial to the environment he loved. Baden was an optimist in his many ideas, yet somewhat closed to the feelings and love of those closest to him. So an intelligent, caring, complex man of his time is how I will remember him.
From: CSIRO Alumni
Beloved husband of Ann (deceased). Father to Marie-Louise, George, Nicole and grandfather to Alethea, Lincoln, Patrick, Zoe, Liam, Murray and Philip.
Friend and dear colleague to many across Australia and dear brother to Ruth and Barbara.
A respected advocate for soil conservation and sustainable land use who gave his expertise, labour and time generously to farmer, students and rural communities.
From: Murray Coombe
Grandpa Baden has left me with so many memories, lessons and skills which I will take with me through the rest of my life. He taught me the importance of a healthy work ethic and being generous to those less fortunate.
Every project he started, he put 100% of his effort into and saw it to completion - successful or not, and the lines etched in his hands told the stories of decades of his hard work. Through his dedication and passion for Landcare, science, the environment, and conservation Baden has transformed how I think about the earth on which we live and the people we share it with.
Some of my fondest memories of him are from working on the farm in Mongarlowe and going on long car trips in the Hilux to help with whatever latest project he had taken on.
He was a complicated man who was tough, kind, generous, grumpy, intelligent, caring, and funny.
I miss you Grandpa.
Sketches by Baden
