ROGER RONALD BAEKELAND

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ROGER RONALD BAEKELAND November 16, 1937 - June 8, 2015 Suddenly, and with his best friend and loving wife of 57 years at his side, Roger Baekeland passed away on June 8, 2015 in Winnipeg at St. Boniface General Hospital. Born and raised in St. Boniface, Manitoba, Roger graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1958 with a degree in geological engineering. He was employed by Imperial Oil, Texaco, Forest Oil and Trend Exploration. In 1975 he founded his own company, Jaya Resources in Calgary, from which he has just recently retired. He proudly served as a second-lieutenant in the Canadian Army Reserve, Loyal Edmonton Regiment (PPCLI) from 1960 to 1965. He was at his happiest being a long-term member of the Chaine des Rotisseurs (Calgary Bailliage). Roger joined the Chaine in 1986 and over the course of his Chaine career held almost every position on the local council, including Bailli Regional. He was then appointed Echanson for Canada and opened the first Order Mondial in Canada, in Calgary. He also held memberships in the Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club, the Glencoe Club and the Petroleum Club. These all fed his favourite hobbies: food, wine, travel and golf. His intellect, mischievous nature and magnetic personality were only surpassed by his generosity and genuine love of family and friends. He was truly one of a kind. Roger is survived by his wife Lee (nee Janssens); three sons Allen (Jennifer), Steven (Holly), and Gregg; sister Rena (Jim) Parker; grandchildren Page, Kamaren, and Silas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He was predeceased by his parents Omer and Eva Baekeland; brother Gus and sister-in-law Ruby Baekeland; and nephew Richard Baekeland. The family would like to thank the cardiac staff at St. Boniface General Hospital and the cardiac unit of Concordia Hospital, especially Nancy, as well as their kindness and professionalism. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael Catholic Community Church (800 85 Street S.W.) on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the Calgary Golf and Country Club. Graveside Service to take place at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens (west end of 17 Ave. SW) on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to St. Mary's University, 14500 Bannister Rd. S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 1Z4, info@stmu.ca. In living memory of Roger Baekeland, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5 Telephone: 1-800-661-1599

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 24, 2015