Mr. Michael Baron

MICHAEL BARON, 88, died peacefully on 14 June 2012 at his residence at the Irene Baron Eden Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Son of William Baron and Anne Maluga, Michael was born on July 22, 1923 in Brandon, MB, but he spent his childhood in Dauphin. After his marriage to Irene Beyette on 17 July 1947, they moved to Winnipeg where, with their daughter Colleen, they spent the rest of their years together. They were married for 62

years before her death in June 2009.

During WWII he joined the Air Force where he trained as a pilot, but served as a chef in Quebec. Following the war, Michael worked for CN Rail for 45 years as Service Manager in the Dining Car. During this time he entered into the care home business. In 1954 they opened the Baron Nursing Home, then went on to open the Arcadia Nursing Home; together they built the Maples Personal Care Home, River East Personal Care

Home, Baron Estates, and most recently, the Irene Baron Eden Center. Michael was a pioneer

for seniors care in Winnipeg and worked tirelessly to build personal care homes that had top of

the line care with a loving and warm atmosphere.

A lover of animals, Michael always had a dog at his side. In his earlier years Michael enjoyed hobbies such as aviation, sailing, canine training and cooking. He was an avid ornithologist and looked forward every year to the return of the Purple Martin to his backyard bird houses.

Michael is survived by his grandsons Joshua (Allison) and Jordan van Leeuwen, great-grandchildren Noah and Benjamin Van Leeuwen, brother Archie Baron, and sister Isabelle (Bill) Holtz. He is predeceased by his wife Irene (nee Beyette), daughter Colleen van Leeuwen, brother Steve Baron, and sister Mildred Hepting.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 23rd at 10am at Thomson “In the Park”, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.