Gilbert Baker

Gilbert was born to Raymond and Della Baker on February 9, 1940, in the farming community of Neerlandia, AB. He was the fourth of five children. When Gilbert was 4 years old, his father Raymond Baker passed away in January of 1944. Unable to continue farming, the family moved to the hamlet of Neerlandia where Gilbert spent many hours skating and playing hockey at the local rink and playing with other community children. Gilbert and his brother John, also enjoyed spending time at their Uncle George Anema’s place. When Gilbert was fourteen the family moved back to the farm and after a couple of years, he and John began farming. In the winter John and Gilbert would take turns working away from home.

In 1970, Gilbert married Jeannette Wegner. Jeanette was recently widowed and had children, Karl, Connie, and Timothy. Gilbert and Jeanette were blessed with three more boys, Raymond, Kelly, and Brian. They were also foster parents to ten children.

Gilbert and Jeannette bought the Wegner family farm in 1973 and farmed there for many years before moving to the hamlet. Gilbert continued to stay busy driving school bus for Pembina Hills and grain trucks during harvest for his brother in-law Simon Tiemstra. Gilbert enjoyed being involved in church and community activities, loved singing and was part of the CRC men’s choir. He volunteered as a Boy Scout Cub leader and hockey coach.

In his later years Gilbert moved to Barrhead. He continued to be involved in community. He delivered Meals on Wheels and was always willing to give a neighbor a ride. He loved to socialize and could often be found having coffee or lunch at the Barrhead COOP, chatting it up with friends and family.

Gilbert loved sports, he bowled with Simon and Dorothy in the bowling league for many years. He enjoyed golf and would golf regularly until his health started to decline.

Gilbert will be lovingly remembered by his children; Karl (Heather) Baker, Connie (Jeff) Mindus, Tim Wegner, Raymond Baker, Kelly (Chrystle) Baker, Brian (Jaylene) Baker.

Grandchildren; Brittany (Scott) Measures, Kyle Baker, Chantele Mindus, Kaitlyn (Greg) Carroll, Alyssa ( Luke) Barendregt, Jazzlyn Baker, Kaidan Baker, Tristan Pattison (Makayla), Liam Hadwell, Bradley Baker, Tyson Baker, Chloe Baker, Allie Baker.

Great Grand Children; Giovanni Mindus- Nagra, Olivia Carroll, Bo Carroll, River Carroll, Finn Carroll, Octavia Barendregt, August Barendregt.

Graveside Service at Neerlandia Cemetery on September 4, 2026, at 12:30 pm. Fellowship to follow at the Neerlandia Christian Reformed Church Hall