JOHN EDWARD BAKER

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JOHN EDWARD BAKER Passed away suddenly on the evening of Friday, November 17, 2000 in St. Boniface Hospital. John was born in Winnipeg on June 26, 1938, and attended schools in St. Vital. Following completion of a drafting course after high school, John was employed by Winnipeg Hydro for many years. His career with the City of Winnipeg spanned over 36 years, including positions with Streets and Transportation, Communications, and Corporate Services. John retired in December, 1993 and soon became busier than ever with his varied interests, volunteer activities and family obligations. A highlight of Johns life was the publication in May, 1982 of a history of Winnipegs Electric Transit, a record of the operation of the citys streetcars and trolley buses. He had begun the research for a second book on City of Winnipeg buses, and was known as the local transit historian. He was an active member of several local historical groups, including Midwestern Rail Association, Manitoba Transit Heritage Association, Heritage Winnipeg and The St. Vital Historical Society (past president). John had completed 21 years service with Scouts Canada and had received several merit awards. His past service included positions as Cub, Scout and Venturer adviser at the 100th Winnipeg Group at St. Vital United Church, as well as District Commissioner and special events coordinator. He had wonderful memories of his experiences at Canadian Jamborees in Prince Edward Island in 1989, Kananaskis in 1993 and Thunder Bay in 1997. Until his recent illness, he had been planning to attend the next Jamboree in Prince Edward Island in July, 2001. "Skip" made many friends of all ages during his Scouting career. There have been many other volunteer organizations that have benefited from Johns belief in sharing his time and talents, among them the Kidney Foundation, St. Vital United Church Official Board, the City of Winnipeg Employees Charitable Fund and the Red Cross blood donor program. John was one of many St. Vital residents to receive a "Heart of the Community" volunteer award in March, 1999. John was a voracious reader of mystery stories, current affairs and transportation publications. He loved big band and jazz music of the 1930s and 1940s, and was known to insist that all Scouts in his group be exposed to his favourites in the "Skipmobile" on their way to and from camps. Last August, Johns high school gang (the Road Roamers) spent a few days together in Ontario. He treasured these very special friendships, which have been an on-going source of fun and companionship during his life. John is survived by his wife of 35 years, Lorie; his sons, Dan (and Julia Allon), James (and Stacey Noyes) his mother Margaret; brother Bill (Erma) sister Judi Conway (Ray) brother-in-law Jim Reger (Joan) sister-in-law Wendy Reger; nieces, Kimberley Truscott, Tara Conway and Natasha Reger; nephews, Dale Conway and Brayden Reger; great-nephews, Jordan, Matthew and Riley; uncle Jack Livingstone (Janet) aunts, Doreen Livingstone and Isabel Baker, and cousins, Gail Willox, Richard, Greg, David, Ian and Bruce Livingstone. He was predeceased by his father Edward and his uncles, Albert Baker and Bill Livingstone. The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Boniface Hospital for the care extended to John since he was admitted on October 22. We also want to thank the many neighbours and friends who have shown us so much compassion and care during the past few weeks. We are grateful for Johns constant love and devotion to all of us, his sense of humour, and his unswerving loyalty. His strong arms have enveloped us all so many times with affection and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stroke Recovery Association of Manitoba, Inc., at 1 - 333 Vaughan St., Winnipeg, MB, R3B 3J9 or to a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 23 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Vital United Church, 937 St. Marys Road. THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2000