JAMES HUNTER BAKER -

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JAMES HUNTER BAKER 1915 - 2005 Peacefully, at the age of 89, on February 17 in the evening, at The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg, dad passed away. Jim was the son of the late Henry and Isabel Baker, and beloved husband of the late Jean Baker. He was predeceased by his brother Harry and sister-in-law Emily Baker. Dad leaves to cherish his memory his two children, Art (Lorraine) Baker and Jody (Bob) MacKinnon; four grandchildren, Dawn (John) Tubicz and Jamey (April ) Baker, and Christopher and Kevin MacKinnon; and three great-grandchildren, Drew, Terron and Aspen Baker. Jim will also be sadly missed by several nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly. Ever the joker, dad always enjoyed the humourous side of life, but he also knew how to be serious, especially when it came to caring for his family or working at his job with Salisbury House Restaurants. Dad was born and raised in East Kildonan and when he finally moved over to St. James, we are sure that E.K. was never quite the same! He began his career at Salisbury House in his early 20s and he stayed with the company until his retirement in 1980 at the age of 65. During those years, dad literally rose from the bottom to the top of the company, as he was a part owner just prior to his retirement. His main focus in management was as the advertising and merchandise services director. Through his work, dad formed strong bonds with radio station CJOB and with the professional sports teams in the city, especially The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and The Winnipeg Jets, where his efforts did not go unnoticed. Dad had many passions in life that extended beyond his family and his work. He loved to garden in his beautiful yard in St. James, where he also enjoyed time spent with his four-legged friend, Mitzie. He enjoyed curling in the Sportsman's League at The Granite. He loved their annual trips to the Bemidji area of Minnesota and, after several visits, he and Jean settled on the Tomahawk Resort in Blackduck, where dad loved to spend hours out in the boat trying to catch the big one . Those visits to Blackduck can be credited with the start of an annual migration of other Winnipeggers to Tomahawk, which lasted for almost 30 years! Dad spent his last few years living at The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg where he was cared for by a most compassionate group of workers. The family sincerely appreciates the efforts of those people who worked with dad, and we are sure that you were, in part, responsible for the constant smile on his face. The loving care you gave dad also provided us with a sense of comfort, knowing that he was well looked after. Flowers are gratefully declined, but if family and friends so wish, a donation may be made in Jim's memory to The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg, 276 Hugo St., R3M 2N6. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 24 at 2:00 p.m. at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg, 276 Hugo North, with reception to follow. Keep Smiling - Love You Dad Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.chapellawn.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 22, 2005