Gordon Gord David Baker

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Gordon David Baker. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Gordon was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

Gordon was born on Lakefield Ontario. He was the son of Walter and Hilda Baker. Gordon was raised for 6 years in Lakefield then Oshawa. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Gordon was a child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Gordon's personality throughout his life.

Though Gordon was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Gordon was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Gordon worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Gordon was raised with six siblings. He had Doris, Ruth, Jean, Sylvia, Grace, and Kenny. Gordon and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Gordon was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Gordon was always tactful. One thing Gordon will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Gordon had a number of interests and was an active child. Gordon took part in Fishing. In his spare time he liked fishing and boating Gordon's memorable achievements included being very helpful as a big brother.

For Gordon, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Gordon was also adept at details. Gordon was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favourite class in high school was Shop.

There was one thing that all of Gordon's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Gordon was such a popular person throughout his life. But Gordon was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Gordon was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Gordon was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Gordon was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Gordon was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Gordon made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were Bill Baker. Later in life, he became friends with Coffee shop friends.

Gordon was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Gordon cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On September 24th 1960, Gordon married Dorean Sleep at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Whitby, Ontario. Compassionate and devoted, Gordon worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Gordon and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Gordon was blessed with two children, Cherie and Lori Ann; and were also blessed with three grandchildren, Chelsea Erin, Payton McKenzie, and Aidan James Robert. Gordon was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Gordon was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Gordon would listen before he would act.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Gordon, and he expected the same from those around him. Gordon was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Gordon was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Gordon handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was Tool and Dye General Motors. He was employed at General motors for 38.6 years and fittings for 7 years. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

A methodical man, Gordon enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favourite pursuits were Fishing and wood working.

Gordon enjoyed watching some sports including hockey and golf.

His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Gordon to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Gordon did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout his later years, Gordon was a volunteer Fire fighter in General Motors.

A generous and compassionate man, Gordon accomplished much during his lifetime. Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Gordon was recognized and given awards for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included Tool and Die.

Not only did Gordon enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favourite places. Favourite vacations included a cottage, Florida and abroad.

Gordon was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favourites was missy the Dog, who was a best friend for 16 years.

Since it was easy for Gordon to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Gordon was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1994. In retirement, he found new pleasure in Being a Grandfather “Papa”. Even in retirement, Gordon stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

Gordon passed away peacefully, with family by his side, at the Lakeridge Health Oshawa, on Monday, June 15, 2015, at the age of 83 years, of heart failure. He is survived by his dearly beloved wife Dorean (nee Sleep) of 55 years. Loving father of Cherie Trevor (son-in-law Richard) and Lori Gilliland (son-in-law Sean). Cherished “Papa” of Chelsea Trevor; Payton and Aidan Gilliland. Dear brother of Doris Maiel (late John), Ruth (Late Cas), Jean (late Fred), Sylvia (Joe), Grace (late Denny), and Kenny (Hazel). Brother in-law to the late Jim (Barbara), late George (Linda), and sister in-law Linda (Bill). Visitation was held at the COURTICE FUNERAL CHAPEL, on Wednesday, June 17th, from 7 to 9 pm. A funeral service was held in the chapel on Thursday, June 18th at 1:00 pm. Interment was held at Thornton Cemetery.

Gordon was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Gordon was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Gordon David Baker.

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BAKER, Gordon David

(Retired Tool and Die employee of General Motors Canada)

Passed away peacefully, with family by his side, at the Lakeridge Health Oshawa, on Monday, June 15, 2015, at the age of 83 years. Dearly beloved husband of 55 years to Dorean (nee Sleep). Loving father of Cherie Trevor (son-in-law Richard) and Lori Gilliland (son-in-law Sean). Cherished “Papa” of Chelsea Trevor; Payton and Aidan Gilliland. Dear brother of Doris Maiel (late John), Ruth (Late Cas), Jean (late Fred), Sylvia (Joe), Grace (late Denny), and Kenny (Hazel). Brother in-law to the late Jim (Barbara), late George (Linda), and sister in-law Linda (Bill). Thank you to the staff of Critical Care Station 3 – LHO. Visitation will be held at the COURTICE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1587 Highway 2, Courtice, (905-432-8484) on Wednesday, June 17th, from 7 to 9 pm. A funeral service will be held in the chapel on Thursday June 18th at 1:00 pm. Interment to follow at Thornton Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.courticefuneralchapel.com