Norman Baker

Norman Baker

September 5, 1936 - Hove, England 

September 17, 2025 - Columbus, Ohio

Norman "Norrie" Baker, age 89, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio.

Born in Hove, England, on September 5, 1936, he was the eldest child of Sydney and Marjorie Baker and brother of Richard and Janet. Norrie lived a full and adventurous life. He served in the Royal Marines and Military Police and spent time in Northern Rhodesia, where he married Sheila Mann. Together they shared nearly seven decades of partnership, recently celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary in August.

Following his service, Norrie earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Southampton and later received his Ph.D. from the University of London. In 1969, he moved with his family to Buffalo, New York, where he joined the history department at the University at Buffalo, alongside his lifelong colleague and friend, Arthur Bowler. Arthur and his wife Sheila became best friends with Norrie and Sheila living two blocks apart in Buffalo for forty years. While at UB, he served as assistant coach for the men's soccer team, faculty representative to the NCAA and later as director of the interdisciplinary studies program. He mentored and inspired countless students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Beyond the university, Norrie was an active member of the Buffalo community. In the 1970s and 1980s, he coached youth soccer for the Riverside Hammers and Buffalo Shamrocks and was a color analyst for the Buffalo Stallions radio broadcasts. He gained recognition for his research in sports history, with a particular focus on the Olympic Games and was active in the National American Society of Sports History (NASSH).

After his retirement in 2000, Norrie continued to be deeply involved in Buffalo life. A loyal supporter of the Bills, Sabres, and Brighton & Hove Albion, he was also known for his wide-ranging knowledge and engaging conversations. Above all, Norrie cherished his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sheila; sons Brooke (Kimberly) and Todd (Christiane); and grandchildren Ashleigh, Kyra, Noah, and Sophie. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the many students and community members whose lives he touched

Memorial services are not currently planned