RICHARD H. BALDWIN / 1911-2002

Paniolo managed
Haleakala Ranch
on horseback

See also: Obituaries

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By Gary T. Kubota
gkubota@starbulletin.com

Richard H. "Manduke" Baldwin's office was a saddle most of the time, as he ran Haleakala Ranch from his horse, working with other cowboys, mending fences and branding young cattle, friends say.

"I learned quite a bit from him," said Harold Amoral, a retired ranch foreman who was inducted this year into the state Paniolo Hall of Fame. "He was a hard-working cowboy."

Baldwin, born Aug. 21, 1911, died on Christmas Day. He was 91.

Baldwin was the oldest son of Samuel Alexander and Kathrine Baldwin who managed Haleakala Ranch and the grandson of Henry P. Baldwin, one of the founders of Alexander & Baldwin. Inc.

He was a sportsman in the 1950s, riding for Maui at polo matches at the Honolulu Stadium and participating in horse races at the old Maui Fairgrounds in Kahului. He became president of Haleakala Ranch in 1968 and turned over the reins to his eldest son Peter Baldwin in 1979.

Baldwin, who attended Cornell University, also was known for being an innovator in the cattle industry, introducing clover and other grasses to hot pasture lands.

He also brought Santa Gertrudis cattle from Texas and bred them with Herefords from California to create a stock that could withstand hot weather.

"He was always looking after the breeding herd," Amoral said.

Big Island rancher Freddy Rice, who grew up on Maui, said he regarded Baldwin as one of the best cattlemen in the nation.

"Everything he did, he did top notch. He was the last of an era," Rice said.

Baldwin is also survived by his wife Harriet, other son Ben; daughter Katie Achaval; sister Mary Abby Willey; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Maui Animal Aloha Center, P.O. Box 880278, Pukalani 96768.

Donations may also be left during a public memorial service at 1 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Haleakala Ranch polo field. Ceremonies will be held to dedicate the field in his name.