Friends and family gathered on John Canavan Square at the corner of Dorchester Avenue and Roseclair Street last Saturday morning to dedicate a memorial bench to the late Jack and Eileen Baker, and to say “thank you” to their son, former District 3 Councillor Frank Baker for his years of service.

The speaking program highlighted the generosity that animated Jack and Eileen Baker and how that spirit filtered down to their son during his elected service.

“We’re here to thank the Baker family and the values they instilled in this community,” said current District 3 Councillor John FitzGerald. “This bench is the least we could do.”

Councillor Erin Murphy and state Sen. Nick Collins also shared their thoughts about the Baker family. “We need more families like that in the city; we’re losing them,” said Murphy.

Councillor John FitzGerald, state Sen. Nick Collins, Stephanie O’Sullivan, Shaun O’Sullivan, Jim Brett, Councillor Erin Murphy, Peter O’Sullivan, Annissa Essaibi George, and former Councillor Baker.

Frank, who attended the dedication with brothers Stephen, Joseph, Vincent, and James, said his parents were like everyone else’s – supportive and community-oriented in a time when they had to be.

“People could go to my house and there might be 20 people there but still a place for them,” Frank said. “It was the type of place the neighbors were close to because those days we were all poor and I kind of long for those days…we needed to rely on each other. My mom and dad were like every other mom and dad over here. They built us up and kicked us in the ass when we needed it.

“I only had a high school education, but I knew I could give back to Dorchester because Dorchester meant so much to me; I miss being in a position where I could help people,” he added.

He said the entire family was “filled with gratitude” for the tribute, and he noted he would likely be found on the bench from time to time as he isn’t leaving the city any time soon.

The setting up of the bench was handled by Dorchester’s Peter O’Sullivan.