Last updated at 16:36, Thursday, 27 September 2012

THE brother of a 45-year-old Barrow man found dead in his flat has described him as “a caring lad”.

PHILIP BAKER

Philip Baker worked for 12 years as a chef at popular eatery Salvana’s until his sudden death last Monday.

Mr Baker’s brother, Derek, said despite being raised on standard 1960s fare of meat and two vegetables, Mr Baker’s flair for cooking more diverse food quickly shone through.

According to Derek his love for his job was matched only by his love for his family, including mum Barbara, dad Keith, stepmum Linda, girlfriend Lynn and uncle David.

Derek said the tight-knit family was “coping as well as could be expected” with the tragic loss of someone they described as, above all, a “caring lad”.

“He absolutely loved his job and his family,” he said. “He used to come to his mum’s every dinner time for his dinner because as a chef he worked very long hours, as all chefs do.”

Derek said at this stage the family had no explanation for why Mr Baker died in his sleep at his Albert Street home last week.

He said: “It has just been put down as a sudden death.

“Unfortunately, he just passed away in his sleep at the flat. He didn’t have any illness or anything.”

Mr Baker grew up on Walney and went to South Walney Junior School before finishing his schooling at Walney School. When he was not working in the kitchen, he indulged his passion for rock ‘n’ roll, horror movies, computers and other assorted gadgets.

Derek said the family was deeply touched at the support they had received over the past week from Salvana’s.

“He was very, very well respected at Salvana’s,” he said. “They all thought the world of him and have been calling regularly to pass condolences over and offer help. They are going to close for the day as a mark of respect for him, which is very, very nice of them, and all the past and present employees are coming up to the crematorium.”

Mr Baker’s funeral was due to be held at Thorncliffe Crematorium this morning. His family requested no dark clothes and no flowers but donations could be made to charity Scope.

First published at 16:26, Thursday, 27 September 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk