In Memoriam: Holbrook “Hoby” Baker 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Hoby Baker, who left us peacefully on Halloween, surrounded by his loving family and hospital friends who had diligently cared for him.

Born with a motor in his soul, Hoby was a man defined by strength, speed, and an unwavering loyalty to his chosen family. Though an amazing and gifted athlete, he never participated in organized school sports, preferring instead to channel his prowess into the raw power of anything with an engine. He was the strongest man many knew, a feat made even more remarkable by the fact he never had an alcoholic beverage in his life.

Hoby was a respected builder and participated in much of the renovation work in downtown Darien. His construction knowledge was well known and served him well throughout his career.

Hoby was a proud member of the “Seldom Seated” Offroad Motorcycle Club and a known figure in the Naples Road gang located in Boston in 1971.  His love for life was evident in his passion for motorcycles, sports cars, and boats.  As a “transportation official of sorts,” he was always on the move, leaving a trail of stories about his epic strength and natural ability.

A true fixture at the Gavin household in the 60’s, Hoby was loved by many. He leaves behind cherished and countless friends who will miss his unique spirit and powerful presence.

Though he has taken his final ride, the legend of Hoby Baker will live on in the roaring engines and shared memories of those who loved him. May you rest in peace.

Darien Edges Staples in Shootout to Capture FCIAC Field Hockey Title

In another thrilling chapter of their growing rivalry, Darien reclaimed the FCIAC Field Hockey Championship with a dramatic shootout victory over Staples on Thursday. Top-seeded Staples (16-0) entered the final unbeaten and looking to defend both their conference and state titles after defeating Darien in last year’s FCIAC and CIAC Class L championships. But the Blue Wave, who had won three of the previous four conference finals, were determined to flip the script.

Darien struck first, taking a 1-0 lead that held until the fourth quarter, when Staples found the equalizer to tie the game 1-1. After a tense 10-minute overtime period produced no goals, the match came down to penalty strokes. Each team is alloted 5 shots and Darien was able to seal the win on their final shot, clinching the FCIAC crown in a 2-1 (5-4 shootout) victory. 

The state tournament starts November 5 for Darien, seeded No. 3 playing Newton. 

Many of us remember John Konrad, DHS '68. After graduating from Lehigh, John opened Johnny's Records in 1975, a beacon for Fairfield County record enthusiasts in a shop tucked away on Tokeneke Road near the town's train station. October 18 marked its 50th anniversary. Konrad admits there were plenty of times the shop almost had to close, including in the early 2000s, when everybody was downloading their music. He even put a "going out of business" sign on the door and set a date, but as it got closer, John couldn't pull the trigger. 

"I just felt physically ill, I couldn't do it. I just love this store too much, it's so much a part of who I am, so I figured I'm going to do whatever I have to do to make this work," he says. So he began selling clothing and hats, along with the vinyls. There was even one year where he says only selling Simpsons shirts carried the business. 

Richard Melville Hall — who is best known by the stage name Moby — got his first job working at Johnny's Records in the 80s and shared a congratulatory video telling Konrad, "your store is arguably the greatest thing about Darien." Moby has gone on to sell 20 million albums and be nominated for 6 Grammys. 

In the end, Konrad says the shop has been about the people just as much as the business - especially some of the younger kids, who would end up wandering into the store regularly."They could come in here and have a place to feel at home," Konrad said. "If you remember being a teenager, feeling at home was really a hard thing to do. I don't know how stuff happens - it just does. You put a little love, you put a little energy, you put a little soul into something and whoop - you got something."

Congratulations on 50 years, John.

Some folks remembering  Jordy Perry Kay (right) at her Memorial at the  Weed Beach Hut. 

Left - Josie and Lauren with Jordy's son Andrew

Eddy, Eric Joosten, Lauren Fair and Tom Tyler

Kathy Micha Frate, Paul Hendrickson, Jeff Frate

Paul Hepp 1950-2024

Classmate Paul Frederick Hepp passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024. 

See full obiturary in the Memorials Sections. 

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Do A 55th Reunion?

Lots of classmates are talking about holding a 55th reunion of the DHS Class of 1969. Probably something on the lighter-side, a casual Friday get-together and then a restaurant dinner Saturday night.

If this sounds good, you can contact classmate Jeff Myers, someone brave enough to put his name out-there.

Jeff can be reached at myerspercussion@gmail.com . Could be fun!

Tim and Jamila Potts
 

Mark Paddock, Dennis Sullivan, Sue Venardi Mahoney, Janet Martin Fisher, Martyn Goossen, Kathy DelleFontane Goossen, Steve Craig

 

Rick Weber, Chris Weber, Eric Joosten, Paul Hendrickson

Choir

Vandy Van Wagener and Family

Anne Marie McGarry

Greetings Anahid!

Steve and Patti Craig squishing apples from their apple trees. One year they report harvesting over 20 bushels of apples. (Note: 1 bushel = 48 pounds). The Craigbo Cider Co. made 16 gallons of unadulterated apple cider, while also donating apples to a local farmer and food pantry.
 

 Terry Cummings, Tim Maul, Cliff Powell

 Shot of trip out west during summer of '69 when we hitchhiked to California. Mark Tinker's dad bought us the car to roam around California and back to CT. Thought I lost this. Great memories from that trip. Those were the days!  -George Wehmann