BAKER, Gilbert Charles Howard

2018-03-08

Gilbert Charles Howard Baker It is with great sadness that the family of Gilbert Charles Howard Baker, 89, of Lunenburg, announces his sudden passing on Thursday March 8, 2018 at the South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater Nova Scotia. Born on Herman’s Island, Lunenburg County he was the son of the late Earl and Lily (Westhaver) Baker. Gilbert received his education at the Little Red Schoolhouse on Herman’s Island. He started his working career in Lunenburg at Acadian Supplies Limited delivering coal and lumber. At 29 years of age he was recruited as a part time police officer for the Town of Lunenburg. A few years later he moved up the ranks to full time constable and continued to work part time in the hardware store of Acadian Supplies. Over the course of time he was promoted to deputy chief and finally Chief of Police for the Town of Lunenburg. His policing career spanned 35 years until he retired in his 65th year. Gilbert was a member of the United Baptist Church in Mahone Bay until he married Barbara and became a faithful member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lunenburg. His greatest passions were spending time outdoors, enjoying nature and being at the cottage on Herman’s Island. He had a love for the sea and fished for lobster and scallops throughout most of his life. He enjoyed carpentry work and built many pieces of furniture and buildings including his beloved cottage that he and Barbara built together. In his early years he enjoyed hunting and later in life it turned to observing nature. His love of life, family, friends and the community at large were so important to him. All who knew him will fondly remember his many great stories and words of wisdom. He was also known for reciting poetry he learned in school. Politics were always important to Gilbert and he was pleased when his son Michael became involved. He drove throughout Lunenburg County knocking on doors and putting up signs wherever he could. He did everything possible to keep the area Tory Blue. Gilbert adored his wife Barbara and was very proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. He was a father to three and a grandfather to eight and he was Grampy Gibby to many. He had a caring way and lived a life full of love. Gilbert will be remembered for being wise, honest and loyal. Education, faith and family were the cornerstones of his life. Gilbert’s quiet courage, strength of spirit, and sense of right and wrong will be carried forward to all those that knew and loved him. Gilbert is survived by his loving daughter, Valerie (Paul) Burley, Guelph, Ontario; son, Peter (Paula), Sunny Brook; daughter-in-law, Cynthia Baker (Gary Moore), Mount Uniacke; grandchildren, Samantha Baker, Halifax, Alexander Baker (Ceilagh MacDonald), Toronto, Ont., Andrew and Stephen Baker; Matthew Baker, St. John’s, Nfld., Daniel Baker; Joshua Burley (Chelsea Botsford), Thunder Bay, Ont., and Benjamin Burley, Guelph; sister Christine (Hubert) McNeill, Summerside, PEI; brother Vincent (Norma) Baker, Waterloo, Ont. and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife Barbara of 64 years on February 3, 2018 and his son, the former, Honourable Michael Baker, brothers Robert, Laurence (Virginia), Carl (Wanetta), and Bernard (Philomene) Baker. Funeral service for Gilbert was held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 17, 2018, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church,ÊLunenburg, Rev. Rick Pryce, officiated. Interment was in Hillcrest Cemetery, Lunenburg. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church or to the Lunenburg County VON. Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Hwy. # 3, Lunenburg. www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca Card of Thanks The family would like to thank the paramedics, Lunenburg Volunteer Fire Department, Dr. Peter West and the caring staff at South Shore Regional Hospital. A special thank you to all medical staff who looked after Dad’s medical needs over the years, including Dr. Cathy Kelly, Krista Knickle, Carla Tanner and Dr. Christopher Seamone. Thank you to the compassionate VON and Lunenburg County Home Support Services that enabled Dad to stay in his home with comfort. Special thanks to Rachel Bailey, Mayor of Lunenburg and Staff Sergeant Derek Smith and David Ferguson of the RCMP for arranging the colour guard and also thanks to the other members of the RCMP and Fire Departments that participated in honouring Gilbert. A special mention to Pastor Rick Pryce, organist Annette Collins, the choir and Fellowship Group of Zion’s Lutheran Church. Thank you for warmly guiding the family through this difficult time and providing outstanding refreshments. Thank you to Deanna Gear and the staff of Seaside Flowers for the beautiful flower arrangements. Sincere thanks and appreciation to the many friends and family who provided lots of food, memorial donations, messages of condolence and comforting moments. Finally, but not least, a special thank you to the exceptional funeral director, Mike Zinck and his professional and empathetic staff at Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home. The family of Gilbert Baker

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