Obituary of John F. "Jack" Baker

BAKER: John Franklin (Jack) Baker of Brandon, beloved husband of the late Ruth Baker, passed away at the Wawanesa Personal Care Home on Monday, April 26, 2010 at the age of 76 years. Jack was born March 27, 1934 and attended Brandon Hills School. He was a member of the 4-H Seed Club and received a Diploma Certificate in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba in 1951. Jack began farming with his family upon his graduation. Jack met the love of his life, Ruth Mulholland of Killarney, while she was on staff as teacher in Carroll, Manitoba. They married on July 5, 1958 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at their farm in 2008. Jack and Ruth farmed in the Delton District in the RM of Oakland. He was later joined by his brother, Melvin (Linda) in farming both of their properties until his retirement in 1989. Jack was active in farming and community activities. He was trustee at Delton School. Jack helped to initiate and support the Southside Rink located at his brother's farm. After his retirement, Jack was still involved in farming by helping his friends and neighbors during seeding and harvest times. Jack and Ruth spent their retirement years attending many auction sales, flea markets, camping at Spruce Woods and working on various projects in the shop on the farm. Perhaps most enjoyable were the times spent at their cabin at Pelican Lake. Jack, Ruth, his sisters and their husbands, along with his cousin Lyle, built the cabin in 1973. Fishing year round, snowmobiling and socializing were a great part of their lives. Family, especially their grandchildren, brought lots of joy and laughter into their lives. Jack and Ruth also enjoyed long walks, gardening, bird watching, shop projects and visiting neighbors at home and especially at the lake. Jack was able to stay at his home, even after becoming ill with Alzheimers/Parkinsons. Ruth lovingly cared for her Johnny at the farm until she became too ill to look after him. Jack was placed at Glenboro Hospital in mid-August 2008 and moved to Wawanesa Personal Care Home in mid-October 2008. Jack spent the last 18 months enjoying visits from family and friends. Jack enjoyed taking road trips and crop tours to visit with his neighbors while they were working. Jack enjoyed trips to the lake and visiting with his family and friends there. Jack was also able to have many trips home to the farm and enjoy supper with his grandchildren listening to their exploits. Jack is survived by his daughter Cheri (Albert) Legare of Brandon; grandchildren Marsha, Kayla, Michael and their father Kevin Kindrat of Brandon; daughter Kim (Fred) Weber and grandchildren Thomas, Britney, and Katryn of Brandon; son Murray Baker of Pelican Point, Ninette and Marie Bruce and her children Jennifer and Michael of Killarney; sister Shirley (Glen) Spratt of Souris; sister Marlene (Jim) Johnson of Calgary; brother Melvin (Linda) Baker of Brandon; also many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jack was predeceased by his parents Purcell and Nellie Baker, and sister Dorothy (Charlie) Clark. Many thanks to the staff at Brockie Donovan, Glenboro Hospital, and especially Wawanesa Personal Care Home. A Memorial Service for family and friends will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Friday May 7, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. with Arlene Robertson officiating. Interment will take place at the Rounthwaite Cemetery. Donations in memory of Jack may be made to the Parkinson Society Manitoba, 7-414 Westmount Drive, Winnipeg, MB, R2J 1P2 or to a charity of choice.