Gerald Robert Baker
November 12, 1947 – November 20, 2006
It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, husband, grandfather and friend, Gerry Baker after a hard-fought battle against cancer. Born in Barnwell, Alberta, Gerry was raised in Calgary with his sister and three brothers. A natural athlete, he excelled at both baseball and basketball, leading his high school team, Ernest Manning, to a basketball city championship while only in Grade 11. His playing days over, Gerry continued to teach the game he loved to young people in Calgary, active as a coach for both community and high school teams.
After graduating from SAIT, Gerry began a very successful forty-year-long career as a plumber, most of that time spent operating his own company. He married his high school sweetheart, Susan Kell, on January 31, 1969 in Cardston, Alberta. An energetic member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gerry was particularly active in the Scouting and youth programs, lending his time, talents and wisdom to hundreds of young people whose lives will forever be enriched by their association with “Brother Baker.”
For those who knew him best, he will always be remembered as a man of honesty, integrity and unfailing devotion to the family he loved beyond all else. We will miss his smile and laughter, but mostly the great example we witnessed each day of his steadfast dedication to living life the way it should be lived. Gerry always said that all we get in this life are memories; to everyone who knew him, he has given the most cherished memories of all – his love, his laughter and his wisdom.
He is remembered by his devoted wife, their six loving children and their families: son, Robert Baker, his wife, Julie and their children, Megan, Isaiah, Peter, Brooklyn and one on the way; daughter, Lori Shackleton, her husband, Tom and their children, Alex, Erin, Emilee and Beth; daughter, Shelley Jackson, her husband, Sam and their children, Levi, Luke, Joseph, Ruby and Isabelle; son, David Baker, his wife, Kim and their children, Chloe and Olivia; son, Steven Baker, his wife, Sarah and their son Brett; and son, Adam Baker, his wife, Sarah and their son Tyce. Gerry is also survived by his mother Pearl Baker of Cardston, his father Ralph Baker of Calgary; his sister Trudy Haycock (Bob); his brothers, Doug Baker (Barb), Don Baker (Karen) and Larry Baker (Laurie); and many other relatives and friends.
Susan Lindsey Baker, nee Kell
April 26, 1948 – February 9, 2018
It is with deepest sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our dear mother, grandmother and friend, Susan Baker. Susan was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, along with her two brothers and younger sister. Always full of energy, Susan lead her cheer team at Ernest Manning High School, and then attended SAIT, while working for the Hudson’s Bay Company.
She married her high school sweetheart, Gerry Baker, on January 31, 1969, in Cardston, Alberta. Susan spent countless hours supporting Gerry’s plumbing company, serving in many, varied capacities for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, all while raising their six children.
Susan had an easy smile, infectious laughter and kindness for those around her. Susan was a woman of strongly held beliefs who was most comfortable spending time with family and her closest friends. She often said that her greatest gift was her children and grandchildren and often likened them to “Jewels in my crown”.
While we all grieve her loss, we do take some small measure of comfort in the knowledge that Susan is now reunited with her loving husband, Gerry. Susan is lovingly remembered by her six children and twenty-three grandchildren. Susan is also survived by her brother and her sister.