BUFFALO, N.Y. — Mercy Flight founder and CEO Douglas H. Baker was laid to rest in Buffalo on Monday.

What You Need To Know

  • Doug Baker founded Mercy Flight in 1981
  • It was the first helicopter EMS service in the state of New York
  • His staff remembered him fondly
  • Hundreds were in attendance as he was laid to rest Monday

The 79-year-old started his career as an ambulance attendant for the City of Buffalo at 13 years old. He went on to pioneer the state’s first EMS helicopter service, saving thousands of lives since its founding in 1981. He died on Aug. 19, 2022.

His employees remembered him fondly at his funeral service at Temple Beth Zion.

“Mr. Baker certainly broke the mold,” said Tommy LaBelle, flight medic and clinical outreach coordinator. “He loved to have a good time. He really enjoyed making sure that you felt comfortable at work.”

One young aspiring aviator came to the service to stand outside and pay his respects. Colin Weaver, 12, of Depew, wore a Mercy Flight baseball cap and t-shirt. He said he has visited the Mercy Flight crew over the years to learn more about aviation and can’t wait to be a pilot someday himself, thanks to the kindness and encouragement of Mr. Baker.

His message to the late entrepreneur: “May you have blue skies and hopefully you will have more peace than you do today.”