MATTHEW BAKER 1939-2004

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MATTHEW BAKER 1939-2004 It is with enormous sorrow that we must announce the passing of our father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law and uncle, Sonny, aged 65 years of Ashern, MB, on May 26, 2004, with his loving children at his side. Dad was born in Ashern on February 25, 1939. His mother affectionately nicknamed him "Sonny" because he was the baby boy in the family. That name remained with him all his life. He went to grade school in Ashern and then moved to Winnipeg and completed the remainder of his schooling at Tec Voc High School. After graduating he was employed by Manitoba Highways as a mechanic. On October 12, 1963, he married Beatrice Stewart. Dad worked with Comstock which gave the two of them many opportunities to live in various locations throughout Canada. In 1966 they moved to Stonewall, MB where they resided for eight years and then moved back to Ashern where they lived for the remainder of their lives. Dad became self employed at his own tire shop for a number of years then decided to sell it and work at Ashern Tire where he remained until his retirement in 2004. Dad was extremely interested in the outdoors. He enjoyed hauling wood for the winter and snowmobiling out to "Mattys Cabin" where he entertained his company with a serving of beef tongue with sauerkraut and "Tea". He was very involved with the community and held the position of Council member and Reeve with the R.M. of Siglunes. He was also appointed an Honorary Elk member. Dad was active in the Volunteer Fire Department in Ashern where he was Fire Chief for a number of years. He enjoyed helping out on the farm during the summer by hauling hay with "Boss Hog". Dad will be sadly missed by his daughter Dawn; son, Dale and grandchildren Matthew and Joshua; daughter, Dede (Mark) and grandchildren, Shaylene and Pearce; and son, Doug (Kelly) and grandchildren, Mackenzie, David, Tryggvi and Trystjan. Also surviving are his sisters Elsie, Emma, Liz (Jim), Mary (Harold) aunties Vera, Villa and Dorothy along with many nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by his wife Babe in 2002, his father Ralph in 1970, mother Lizzie in 1991, brothers-in-law Wilbert in 1972 and David in 1991. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 31, at the Ashern Centennial Hall with Rev. David Kowalski officiating. Service will conclude at the Hall with cremation to follow. Pallbearers will be Kevin Gasper, Michael Kufus, Len Kufus, Desmond DeFoort, Walter DeFoort, and Don Miller. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Bezemer, Fred Gasper, Terry Ruchotzke, Barry Zacharias and Harry Openshaw. A heartfelt thank you to the Lakeshore General Hospital, Cancer Care, and Health Science Centre staff members for all the loving care given to Dad when it was needed most. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Room 0N109, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. Matty, you were forced to leave us before your time. We hope you realized how much you were loved. Arrangements by: Arnason Funeral Homes Ltd. Ashern - Lundar 1-204-768-2072

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 29, 2004