Owen Michael Baker

When I count my blessings, I always know where to start – my dad. It is an honour to stand in front of you today (in the church he loved to attend) to say a few words about my dad on behalf of my family.

For those of you who may not be aware, my dad struggled in the last stage of his life. He was on full time oxygen and moving around was somewhat difficult for him. My mom was his primary care giver. She slept on a recliner chair for months so she could be right outside his room for when he called her in the night. My dad often told people how much he appreciated my mom for her around the clock care. She demonstrated over and over again why their marriage lasted over 66 years – there was nothing they would not do for each other. The last month or so my sister Chris, brother Mike, Greg and myself, helped out so mom always had someone with her to look after dad. Chris slept over each night. Dad would wake up throughout the night and Mom would go into the room and dad would say, “I think you should get Chris up” Towards the end mom would wake my sister and she would come into his room look at his oxygen levels and say “ Your numbers are good Dad and reassure him he was doing ok” and then he would go back to sleep. I remember one night in particular where we were all called over in the middle of the night to be with my dad. We just sat in his room with him and held his hand all night long. We talked and we prayed. I remember the night well as it was my mom’s birthday. He was very weak but he remembered at 12 am to wish my mom a happy birthday and he gave Mike strict orders to get to the flower shop when it opened to buy my mom red roses. He was always thinking of others. We all told him how much we loved him that night and assured him we would take good care of mom for him and that we would be ok. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, that was the one of the most special nights of my life. He was at peace. It was interesting to talk to him the next morning when he said he really thought he was going to see the Lord last night. And the way he said it made me think: He was glad to be still here with us but he knows that heaven is where he was ultimately going and he was excited about that. I can imagine the smile on his face when he is reunited with Brenda, siblings: Francis, Marion, Harold, his beloved mom and dad and his many friends who have gone before him.

Anyone here who knew my dad knows how important his faith was to him. Everyday my mom and him would watch the televised mass on tv from Manresa. How special that my mom and dad shared a mass together just hours before he passed. (Manresa is a retreat centre that dad loved to go to each year to spend time in prayer and reflection). In addition, his visits from Father Bollo really brightened my dad’s spirit and my family would like to thank Father Bollo for being such a big part of my dad’s prayerful life. I remember one day at Notre Dame, we had a mass that was celebrated by the Archbishop of Toronto, Thomas Collins. It just happened to be their wedding anniversary and my parents attended the mass and Dad was so happy to meet with the Archbishop and have their marriage blessed.

So dad on behalf of us kids, and grandkids, thank you for giving us perhaps the biggest gift of all – the gift of faith.

My dad was also very social. He had a knack for making everyone feel welcome. If you were over visiting, there was always a beer or a drink available. Now you may have to play a game of marbles, scat or bug your neighbour while having that drink but it was all in good fun. Over the last few days, the amount of people who reached out and expressed gratitude for the time spent with my dad was overwhelming and my family appreciated each and every message. Bob, a close friend of the family wrote the following:

After hearing of Owen’s passing, I thought about all the people’s lives that he impacted. Owen was one of my favourite people, period. I was always amazed at how he made everybody feel at home and knew what their interests were and what made their lives happy. Always had a wonderful smile and a great sense of humor. Owen was always someone I looked up to for the way he lived his life and how he made people around him feel. What a great man. He will never be forgotten by any who met him. Truly a sad day.

And my dad’s other passion was definitely his family. We all felt his love each and every day. Dad: Brenda, Chris, Mike and myself did not always listen when you gave us advice although we have to admit you were always right. Many people would often say a good way to live your life and make decisions that demonstrate the love of Jesus is to always ask yourself what would Jesus do in a particular situation? Why this is very true, Darryl, his grandson, used to say when making decisions in life, ask yourself “What would Papa Do”. If we all followed this, the world would be much nicer place. Thank-you dad for this gift. You were there constantly in all of our lives. (He would help us shop for houses, cars etc, look after our kids, our puppies, cheer on our kids in sports, drive us anywhere, pray for us and the list goes on). How will we go on without the loving guidance of our beloved dad? One day at a time and we will treasure the memories of our time together. We will miss watching the Leafs, the Jays, the Generals, the Argos etc with you Dad. (He LOVED watching all sports on tv – just ask my mom!)

I assure you dad your guiding hand on our shoulders will remain with us all forever.

To end I would like to quote a Brad Paisley song because it describes my dad’s final journey beautifully:

When I get where I am going

And see my Maker’s face

I’ll stand forever in the light

Of His Amazing Grace.

When I get where I am going

There’ll be only happy tears

I will shed the sins and struggles

I have carried all these years

And I will leave my heart wide open.

I will love and have no fear.

Yeah when I get where I’m going

Don’t cry for me down here.

So here’s to you dad – we will follow your instructions to smile and limit the tears. We know you are in heaven and will continue to pray for us daily. We love you and thank you for being the best dad ever.

Dad: You may not hold our hands any more, but you will always hold our hearts. xoxo

* * * * * * * * * *

BAKER, Owen Michael

(Retired Employee of CN Express)

Peacefully at his residence on Monday, October 18th, 2021 at 86 years of age. Beloved husband of Marjorie for 66 years. Cherished Dad of Brenda (predeceased), Michael (Cindy), Christine and Rose (Greg). Loving Papa of Danny (Brigitte), Katherine, Jason (Aingeal), Paul (Mel), Owen (Nicole), Steven (Kerry), Darryl, Michael and Matthew. Big Poppa to Andrew, Tyler, Dylan, Mason, McKenna, Kendall, Kholton, Khloe and Veronika. Predeceased by his siblings Francis, Marion and Harold. He will be lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Owen was a member of St. Vincent de Paul and Knights of Columbus. Owen's life revolved around his family, his faith in God, and cheering on his favorite sport teams. Time spent socializing with family and friends alike were some of the happiest times for Owen. Visitation will be held at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Monday, October 25th from 3 – 7 p.m. Please sign up below for visitation using the following link: https://signup.com/go/hepPCbN

Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Monday, October 25th at 6:00 p.m. Please sign up using the above link.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held from ST. MARY OF THE PEOPLE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 570 Marion Avenue, Oshawa on Tuesday, October 26th at 10:30 a.m. Please sign up below for the service using the following link: https://signup.com/go/SPzaNJw

Interment at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial donations to St. Mary of the People Parish or a charity of your choice would be appreciate. Online condolences may be made at www.oshawafuneralhome.com