Donald Henry Clinton Baker

From: http://www.passagesmb.com/obituary_details.cfm?ObitID=98006

DONALD HENRY CLINTON BAKER
On the July 5, 2005 Donald Baker of Winnipeg, MB passed suddenly. Donald the eldest of four children was born March 5, 1927 in Morden, MB and was predeceased by his mother Violet Ann Baker (nee Hopkins); father Thomas Elgin Baker; stepmother Isobel Baker (nee McKay); sisters, Joyce Granger and Pearl Sarrasin; and his loving wife of 51 years Bernice Mae Baker (nee Last). As a 17 year old facing the death of his mother (December 26, 1944) placed added responsibilities upon dad, this young boy quickly matured into a young man. Helping raise his two sisters and younger brother, on top of working long hard days on the farm were common to dad. Born the eldest, dad always accepted added responsibilities and challenges, never sidestepping them. In August of 1953 he married his sweetheart Bernice Last, a young career motivated schoolteacher from Homewood, MB. Just one month later dad was stricken by polio, this was a time that dad never forgot, because through mom and her commitment to nurse dad back to health she had to decline a teaching position in order to remain and care for dad, exercising his right side and taking a job doing chores as a farm hand. As dad's health improved enough of his strength returned and he was once again able to sit and drive a tractor for Weidman's at Starbuck, MB. This is always something dad never forgot since at the time of the polio epidemic many wives left their husbands and vice-versa. Times were hard enough to look after one person, let alone two people. Dad worked underground, coal mining in Canmore, AB and then went to an open pit mine in Atikokan, ON where they mined iron and then after being married worked on bridge construction throughout Manitoba and was on the crew that built the Natural Gas Pipeline distribution into Winnipeg at the City Gate . In 1958 dad and mom moved into Winnipeg where he was able to apply all the mechanical knowledge that he had gained. Good with his hands and solid understanding of anything mechanical was dad's ticket to independence and a career in the HVACR/P Industry. He began working for Siemen's Plumbing and Heating where he worked for one year until Red River Co-op took over the heating department. He worked there until 1970 when he and partner Lou Steenssens started Custom Vac Limited. Within the next few years Donald became full owner along with Bernice as partner and for 25 years they successfully ran one of the best HVACR companies in Manitoba. A testament of their desire and willingness to satisfy customers was displayed by the number of companies that approached them to take over their companies when they were retiring and looking for a good company to take care of their customer base. Brian and Denise Baker took over in 1995 and to date many of the original customers and their families are still being served with the same level of service. Dad always enjoyed travelling to the country fairs, rodeos and tractor pulls, but most of all the times that he was able to spend at his cottage at Betula Lake, MB in the Whiteshell Provincial Park. These out of everything were the best times even if there were many hours spent simply in the seat of the boat driving water skiers. Many people will remember different things about dad but the most important thing that he will be remembered for is the generosity that he displayed throughout his life by letting many young people stay with him and mom when they had no place to stay or needed someone to care for them. No matter the reason they found his doorstep they knew that they would be unconditionally welcomed. Dad was also a prankster, loved to tell humourous stories and tease, laughter was never very far away when he was around. A good stiff drink with a little Pepsi was as much a trademark for dad, as was his 'cocked to the side' hat. These and many more memories will long be remembered by the many lives that he touched. A come and go memorial gathering will be held Sunday, July 17 between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. at the Canad Inns Transcona, 826 Regent Ave. with Brian Baker officiating. A light lunch with coffee, tea, juices, soft drinks, wine and hard liquor will be served. Join with the family and if moved to do so, say a few words in memory. Donald leaves to mourn three sons and one daughter, Brian (Denise) Baker, David (Bev) Baker, Clinton (Debbie) Baker and Patricia (Eugene) Henderson; 10 grandchildren, Melissa, Donald, Allison, Justin, and Brandon Baker; Matthew and Kaitlin Henderson; Cory, Melissa and Jennifer Martin. Donald also leaves to mourn his brother Jim (Doreen) Baker and brother-in-law Phil Sarrasin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Kidney Foundation of Canada (Manitoba Branch) or the Canadian Diabetes Association. When somebody dies, a cloud turns into an angel, and flies up to tell God to put another flower on a pillow. A bird gives the message back to the world, and sings a silent prayer that makes the rain cry. People disappear, but they never really go away. The spirits up there, put the sun to bed, wake up grass, and spin the earth in dizzy circles. Sometimes you can see them dancing in a cloud during the daytime, when they're supposed to be sleeping. They paint the rainbows and also the sunsets and make waves splash and tug at the tide. They toss shooting stars and listen to wishes. And when they sing wind songs, they whisper to us, don't miss me too much. The view is nice and I'm doing just fine. - Ashley

From: http://www.passagesmb.com/obituary_details.cfm?ObitID=90797

BERNICE MAE BAKER (nee LAST)
Bernice passed away peacefully on December 12, 2004, after a long, hard fought battle with diabetes and all its complications. Bernice was born the eldest daughter of Rose and Ernest Last. Born and raised in Homewood, MB, Bernice was fortunate to have achieved many of her life's ambitions. Bernice left home at the tender age of 17 to begin her life's passion of teaching. Bernice taught throughout Manitoba for 14 years. Bernice married Donald Baker in 1953 - together they raised four children and anyone else who came to their door. In 1970 Bernice and Donald started a heating company called Custom Vac Ltd. They ran the business successfully for 26 years, until blindness forced Bernice to retire in 1996. Bernice was very involved in Red River Co-op, serving on the Board of Directors for 14 years as President, Vice President, Secretary, enjoying many friendships over the years. Bernice unselfishly did for others all her life. Bernice leaves to mourn Donald, her husband of 51 years; her daughter Patricia Henderson (Eugene); her sons, Clinton (Debbie), David (Bev), Brian (Denise); grandchildren, Melissa, Donald, Allison Baker; Justin, Brandon Baker; Matthew, Kaitlin Henderson; Melissa, Jennifer Martin. Bernice also leaves to mourn her brothers, Reg (Gwen), George; sisters, Roseanne (Walter), Frances (Grant), Olivia. The family wishes to thank Dr. Mauro Verelli and his team of very dedicated doctors for their 20 years of care and all staff of 5B St. Boniface Hospital. A very special thank-you to Seven Oaks Dialysis Unit - you went above and beyond, and we will always be grateful. A funeral service will be held in Carman, MB, on Saturday, December 18, 2004, 10:30 a.m., at the Grace St. John's Church, 80 2nd St. S.W. There will also be a memorial tea to be held at the Transcona Funeral Chapel, 1800 Day St., Winnipeg, MB, on Saturday, January 8, 2005, 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.

James Elgin Baker
1935 - 2005
With his family by his side, it is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of James (Jimmie) Elgin Baker on August 16 at the St. Boniface Hospital.
Jim was born and raised in Morden, Manitoba where he met his wife of 49 years. The love and companionship they shared touched not only the lives of their family, but also those that they came into contact with throughout their lives. Dad loved the Lord and his greatest desire was for everyone to know God. Through his faith he was instrumental in guiding his family to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Jim will be dearly missed by the many who had the privilege of knowing him. Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
Left to celebrate his life, is his beloved wife Doreen (nee Penner) of Oak Bank; son Terry and Margaret Ann of Winnipeg; daughter Joanne and Alan Marshall of Darlingford; sons Tom and Cara of Fort St. John, BC; and Bob (Darlene) of Winnipeg; grandchildren, Nicole (Lee), Tyler, Brittany, Brent, Stephanie, Kristen, Lisa, Terri, Steven and Joey: great-grandchildren, Aiden and Gracie. He is also survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Violet, father Thomas, step-mother Isobel, sisters Joyce, Pearl and brother Donald.
Funeral Service was held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 21, 2005 at the Morden Alliance Church with Rev. Morris Vincent officiating. Interment followed at Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Christian Programs Committee, c/o George Martens, 21 Leslie Drive, Morden, Manitoba R6M 1P7.

Thomas Elgin Baker

Donald Henry Clinton Baker

Pearl Ellen Baker

James Elgin Baker