RALPH CHARLES BAKER

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RALPH CHARLES BAKER Peacefully, at home on Wednesday, August 22, 2001, Ralph passed away at the age of 70. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Madolin Baker and his sister Virginia. Ralph was instrumental in the construction of many Manitoba landmarks. As a young man, he worked for Pioneer Grain Elevators and actually selected the elevators signature orange and yellow colours that became their trademark. Ralph left Pioneer Grain to pursue his education at the University of Manitoba and became the first member of the family to graduate with a university degree. Upon graduation, Ralph began a career with the City of Winnipeg Parks and Recreation Department as a city planner. Ralphs legacy includes the Assiniboine Park Bicycle Path, The Forks River Walk as well as a plethora of school and park playgrounds. An avid downhill skier, Ralph was a longtime member of the Winnipeg Ski Club. He used to walk up Mount Agassiz to ski before it was a designated ski hill. He worked as a ski instructor in Aspen, CO, and in his mid-50s became a columnist for the Winnipeg Sun writing their ski column as well as being one of Manitobas oldest active members of the Ski Patrol. He loved Canadian history and even found time to explore an interest in archaeology. He assisted in a variety of digs including the wall of Upper Fort Garry and The Forks Historic Site. Left to remember him are his daughters, Holly Baker and Jodi Hutchison and family. A graveside service will be held Thursday, August 30 at 2:00 p.m. in the Garden of the Last Supper in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the many volunteers and staff at Meals on Wheels for your efforts, seeing that Dad was taken care of. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ralphs memory to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 5 Kent Rd., Winnipeg, MB R2L 1X3, as tokens of remembrance. Arrangements in care of: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 29, 2001