Archive, Industry News

Cummins stalwart Col Baker passes away

Former truck driver and highly valued Cummins executive Colin (Col) Baker loses his brave battle with cancer at age 52

 

One of the most respected, dedicated and genuinely liked people in the Cummins realm, Col Baker has passed away at the age of just 52 after a long and fiercely fought battle with cancer.

A true gentleman of the trucking industry and an immensely trusted colleague within the Cummins company and its vast customer community, Col is survived by his wife Jenny and three daughters.

Born in Longreach and a Queenslander to the core, Col first trained as a mechanic before turning his hand to truck driving where he gained a founding appreciation for the world of truck operators and the road freight industry.

He joined Cummins in 2000 as a mechanic working in the Darra (Brisbane) branch where his commitment to customers and mentoring others in the Cummins network saw him rise to a leadership role in the engine company’s Queensland truck and bus markets.

With an engaging personality and inherent appreciation for the importance of customer satisfaction, all mixed with an almost insatiable initiative, Col was able to nurture and maintain the respect of a wide cross-section of industry partners from customers to truck dealers and brand executives.

His friendships spanned all sectors of the trucking industry, from drivers and mechanics, fleet operators to chief executives.

Given his abilities and experience, it was perhaps inevitable that his services would eventually necessitate a move to Cummins head office in Melbourne during a difficult time for the company when senior people of Col’s ilk would be an invaluable asset in maintaining customer relationships.

“Col Baker was the best example of living out the values of integrity, caring, teamwork and the pursuit of excellence,” says close friend and Cummins colleague Mike Fowler.

“The courage he demonstrated during his fight with cancer has been nothing short of inspirational but in truth, it was just so typical of him.

“We truly mourn the loss of a dear friend and our sincere and heartfelt thoughts are with his wife Jenny and family,” Fowler says.

“Cummins and the wider trucking industry have lost someone very special.”

 

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