Richard Baker, formerly of Askham Bryan, York coach operator Hopwood’s Coaches, died on 26 April. He was 72.
Described as “a very pleasant man” by friend and colleague Philip Thornes, who is a director of nearby operator Thornes Independent, Mr Baker was drawn into the industry when he married Mandy Hopwood, the daughter of Philip and Doreen Hopwood, who had founded a coach operation in Askham Bryan during 1969.
In its heyday, Hopwood’s Coaches ran around five vehicles. When Mr and Mrs Hopwood retired in 1997, they handed over the reins to their daughter and son-in-law, who continued the business and its operation of home-to-school transport and private hire services.
In later years, the fleet size was reduced, first to three and finally to one, a Dennis Javelin that Mr Baker primarily drove to serve a remaining home-to-school route.
In 2015, that tender was lost, and at over 60 years of age, Mr Baker decided to sell the Javelin. However, his choice was reversed by Jane and Zoe Thornes, owners of Thornes Independent.
Mr Baker had enjoyed an excellent relationship with Thornes for many years, and from that point he worked closely with the business at its Hemingbrough base until he wound up Hopwood’s Coaches in 2023. Its work then transferred to Thornes and he became a part-time school service driver.
On 23 April of this year, Mr Baker suddenly became ill after completing his afternoon duties. Later that evening he was admitted to York District Hospital, where he suffered a stroke. He died three days later.
Thornes Managing Director Jane Thornes has paid tribute to Mr Baker, noting: “The whole team is reeling from the loss of our friend and colleague. We are all lost for words at what has happened. We send our condolences to Richard’s wife Mandy and their two children, Adam and Kirsty, and their respective families.”
Mr Baker’s funeral will be held at 1100hrs on Thursday 21 May at St Helen’s Church, 5 Westfield, Skipwith, YO8 5SJ.
