Robert Francis Baker

Robert Francis (Bob) Baker was born on November 5th, 1934, in the wilds of Brandon, Manitoba. He attended school, working and learning, for the first 18 years of his life. He escaped to Calgary to attend school at SAIT and learned the craft of surveying, a career that would take him through so many experiences while working for the Alberta Government.

A natural leader, he instinctively climbed to the position of Director of Surveys. He retired from there after 30(?) years at the tender age of 55. The adventures continued for him and he continued learning and working and leading and teaching and inspiring right up until the last few months of his life.

He was also a member of the Clan MacNaughton Pipe Band for decades. The skrill of the pipes and the discipline of playing them was something deeper than anyone could suspect and it carried him through a lot in his life.

He loved fiercely, like a hot prairie sun, and played the game of Love hard. He had three wives in his life. Lorraine was the last wife he had and, in an act of pure and loving devotion that remains largely unspoken, stayed with until her death in the spring of 2018.

He died, peacefully, on May 20th, 2026, in Stony Plain, Alberta, at the stubbornly satisfying age of 92.

He is survived by his children -- his eldest daughter, Jennifer, his son, Kristian. His legacy continues with his grandchildren Lachlan, Alia, Savanna, Jace and great-grandchildren. Two step-daughters entered his life as well, Tracey and Tammy, and they’re no less important to him than his own children. As well, Bob is survived by all of Lorraine’s children -- Carrie (Randy) Guidinger, Tim Boychuk, Susan Boychuk and Candace Cerny.

He is predeceased by his father, Bill, his mother Edith and both of his sisters, Linda and Donalda. He is both survived and predeceased by friends and colleagues as numerous as the stars in the sky.

He persevered, outlasted, out-survived beyond expectation, including his own. The last clear thing he said, two weeks before his death, was he sure loves his kids. We know, Dad -- we sure love you, too. Everything you’ve done in your life said and showed this to us, so loud and clear that Ray Charles could see it from space.

He is as constant as the Northern Star and twice as reliable. He is loved. He is missed. He will not be forgotten.

Safe journey, Dad. We love you.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 29, 2027 in Alberta. For details please email Jennifer Vallee at [email protected].