International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians-
North America Chapter (IFMR-NA)

IFMR-NA: Welcome to our website, from President Bob Shriner.

Chapter President Robert D. Shriner 7347 Stuart Circle Warrenton, VA 20187 540-349-8193 bob@shriner.com

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Washington “Ride Guide” Marc Baker Loves Rotary
. . . and Riding

When plans were being made for last year's IFMR PolioPlus Ride to the RI Convention in New Orleans, it was clear that we needed someone to organize and lead a group of riders from the Pacific Northwest.

As we began talking with people in that area about possible candidates, Marc Baker's name came up time and again. When we contacted him, he expressed some initial hesitation but soon agreed to take on the tasks of fund-raising and recruiting other riders for the long journey to New Orleans from the Northwest.

The time and distance required for the journey made it difficult for most Rotary riders to make the trip by motorcycle; but Marc persuaded a few to join him and, more impressive, he proved to be the top IFMR fund-raiser, collecting over $10,000 – roughly one-fifth of the total amount collected by all the IFMR members on the ride.

Those who know Marc will tell you this is just typical of him. He joined the Rotary Club of Everett, Washington, in June 1980. According to Marc, “I became a Rotarian after hearing Past Rotary International President Dr Cliff Dochterman speak at a Rotary Foundation Dinner.” During his 30+ years in Rotary, Marc has served on the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Everett and the Everett Rotary Youth Foundation, becoming the President of Rotary Club of Everett for 1999-2000, for which he attended the 1999 RI convention in Singapore.

He has been chair of virtually every club committee, including Attendance, Club Bulletin, Fellowship, Roster, Sergeant-At Arms, Fireside, Youth Exchange, Local Impact, Rotary Foundation, Group Study Exchange, World Community Service, Air Fair, and Rotary Run. He has also been actively involved in District 5050 activities, serving on various committees and project teams, including Chair of World Community Service, Matching Grants, Group Study Exchange Team leader to Turkey 2007, and Alumni Chair.

Marc is a Major Donor to The Rotary Foundation (TRF), a Benefactor and a member of the Bequest Society, has received Service above Self awards from the Rotary club of Everett and District 5050, and been acknowledged by The Rotary Foundation for Generosity, Commitment and Dedication to TRF.

An avid motorcyclist, Marc has been involved with motorcycling since 1969, is member of the “Hell’s Rotarians, the Mild Ones” since 1990, and with the IFMR since its inception, having helped organize and form the organization. Marc has ridden to RI conventions in Calgary, AB; Indianapolis, IN; San Antonio, TX; Portland, OR; and New Orleans, LA. He recently agreed to become IFMR Ride Guide for the state of Washington.

Marc's close friend and long-time Canadian IFMR member Otto Rieve said, “I have ridden with and have been guided by Marc to two RI Convention -- in 2001 at San Antonio and 2011 at New Orleans. In 2011 Marc and I were followed by Elisabeth Saunders from Leavenworth WA in her SUV. While I found Marc to ride hard and sometimes long, he was unfailingly fair even as he grumbled at me. More important, Marc raised over $10,000 for PolioPlus and through his leadership inspired me to raise $3,000 from my District 5040 for IFMR-NA President Bob’s PolioPlus Ride for the 2011 Convention. I have greatly enjoyed Marc's enthusiasm and fellowship over the years”.

Marc has ridden in 49 US States (missing only Hawaii), nine Canadian Provinces (missing NW Territories, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nunavut), and has traveled over 350,000 miles on motorcycles, of which over 300,000 is on Harleys.

Marc says, “I used to be in the ambulance business but I am now employed in my own business, Bakers Services Ltd., which provides medical gases to Doctors, Dentists and Veterinarians”. However, he quickly adds that he now takes more times off from his business since he has a family member running it for him.

Marc enjoys skiing in the winter, but he says his passion is riding and working on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Marc’s family consists of his partner Lori A White, son John Garth, and daughter Gretchen E (Betsy) Baker-Bold, and grandson Josh, and Lori’s son Andrew.

IFMR is blessed to have members like Marc who take the lead when asked and serve with good humor, honor, and distinction.