The nematologists of Canada deeply regret report the death of Dr. Alexander Douglas Baker on December 9, 1974, at the age of 80.

        Dr. A.D. Baker had a long and distinguished history of scholarly studies and contributions in Entomology, Helminthology and Nematology. After surviving a 3 1/2 year tour of duty as an artillery spotter with the Canadian Army during World War I, he returned to Canada in 1918 to complete his academic studies. He obtained the M.Sc. from McGill University in 1925 and the Ph.D. in 1933 from the University of Toronto, specializing in medical and agricultural entomology, invertebrate zoology, taxonomy, bacteriology and chemistry. He subsequently held teaching positions in both Universities until joining the Federal Departmen of Agriculture in 1935.

        From 1927 to 1937 Dr. Baker's research was mainly concerned with Helminthology and Entomology reflecting his broad academic training and interests. During this period in his career he published over 30 important papers on such diverse topics as structure, function and theories of feeding of the Pentatomidae (Hemiptera), habits and control of the onion root magot, a survey of the mites and insects of wild birds of Quebec an the life history and control of the pea moth, which was instrumental in saving the green pea industry of the Gaspe' coast. His detailed studies of the internal and external anatomy of the caecal worm of fowl, Heterakis gallinae, was widely cited and regarded as a major contribution in Helmin-thology.

        Following the discovery of the sugar beet nematode in southern Ontario in the late 1930's, Dr. Baker's interests soon shifted to nematodes. BY 1940 he was actively conducting surveys for  this pest and had established extensive chemical control trials and host range studies. This was soon followed by studies on the potato rot nematode and the oat cyst nematode and his publications provided valuable information to the growers. In 1945, Dr. Baker was placed in charge of Nematology in Ottawa, a position he, held until his retiree in 1962.

        Dr. Baker has left a legacy of significant contributions and devoted service to his fellow nematologists that will remain indelible in the history of nematology. Alex was foremost a meticulous, dedicated worker who excelled in all his undertakings. During his tenure as Chief of the Nematology Section in Ottawa, Alex established, at no small personal sacrifice, a badly needed library and card index file of taxonomic literature which by the time of his retirement, ranker as one of the most complete in the world. His widely acclaimed publication "Check Lists of the Nematode Superfamilies Dorylaimoidea, Rhabditoidea Tylenchoidea and Aphelenchoidea" and the subsequent publication of his card index file in cooperation with Dr. M. Oostenbrink attest to the thoroughness and dedication with which he pursued his research interests. His contributions in nematode systematics earned him an international reputation as one of the top authorities in nomenclature. Following his retirement, Alex continued to devote long hours to cataloguing and indexing taxonomic literature until a stroke in 1968 left him partially paralyzed and unable to continue his work.

        Through his leadership and example, Dr. Baker exerted a profound influence on the development of nematology in Canada. He is remembered with respect by his former staff and friends as a man of small stature that was a giant among his peers.

        Dr. Baker married late in life and in this respect he was fortunate in having a devoted wife and daughter who cared for him during his lengthy illness.