1952, left- Herman Joseph “Slim” Knights, shaking hands with Russ Baker, right. Slim was the Uncle of Grant Walker. photo taken by Bud Walker. Slim married Bud's younger sister, Thora Walker. Looks like front of Associated's G21 Goose.
He wasn't liked by everyone sad to say. Jim Spilsbury in his book Accidental airline, gives a view of this man completely different than some of the history books do. Shall I say he tells the story of a man who would use what most would consider unscrupulous Business practices to achieve the goal of expanding his airline business. I knew neither men, so all this is alleged, but Spilsbury kind of spells out his reasons why: The special party room he kept full time at the Hotel Ritz in Vancouver reserved for “special favours” for bankers, Government Officials, Executives etc.Per Spilsbury lots of deals were done behind the scenes in this room.
I find researching some of these “Big” business guys there is always a second almost hidden side. They didn't get rich from always doing it the ethical way but that doesn't sound as good in the Bios.Undoubtedly he was a smart guy. And I will not be his judge in the end.
He even got to meet Howard Hughes at Stuart Lodge, at Ft. St. James. Shortly after flying the Spruce Goose Mr. Hughes went to see Russ to brag “he” was the world's greatest flyer,only ending up, after Russ supposedly jumped from a 50ft spruce tree and living, to declare Russ Baker, “the World's Greatest Flyer”.
Margaret Marshall (Madge) Adair
Noni (daughter)
Joy (daughter)
Harry Francis Reid Baker one source says “Henry Francis Reed Baker”
Sarah Denton
Norman Reed Baker
Dundas & Sargent in Winnipeg in 1911.
Mrs. Robert Hiley