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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BAKER, David Dennis - It is with heavy hearts that the family of David Baker announces his passing on the morning of Dec. 17th, 2022. David was born and raised in Fort Erie Ontario, son of Grant B. & Marie Mary Baker (Martin). He joined the Royal Canadian Navy at the age of 20 and was later posted in Halifax, NS where David met and married his wife Leona on May 13, 1972 at the Stadacona church. His naval career lasted 26 years before he retired with highlights including being deployed in the early 70’s to Montreal as part of increased security during October FLQ Crisis. In 1982 he sailed in the HMCS Protecteur under command of Captain Rex Guy in support of the Royal Navy’s Falklands Task Force. David also served as a rescue diver during the rescue and salvage of the MV Essi Silje. David spent time in the HMCS New Waterford, HMCS Bonaventure, HMCS Terra Nova, HMCS Cornwallis as well as the HMCS Assiniboine. David will be remembered for his love of the Navy where he got the name known to many as “Bagsy”.
David had a passion for travelling and loved sharing his experiences from his time spent in the Navy as a radar plotter & ships diver. Even as he grew older he always remembered those adventures and it was said he never truly came ashore. David could frequently be heard saying “those were the good old days.” He had an immense amount of love for his family and especially his grandchildren, spending whatever time he could at the rinks or soccer fields cheering them on as he had done with his own children. In his later years he chose the name of “Grumpy” instead of Grampy when his first grandson was born and it became part of his identity.
David loved spending time in the kitchen creating and experimenting with different foods and new ideas and always loved a good cup of coffee. David was always a light in the room with his outgoing personality & sense of humor, and had the ability to make friends or conversation everywhere he went. He is defined by our family as a “character” and was definitely one of a kind. There was always a smirk or a joke or funny face in every interaction with Bagsy. He loved the family reunions and get together where he had an opportunity to chat, snack and socialize and even wear a costume on occasion or act as bartender. He will always be remembered for making us laugh and smile.
David is survived by his wife of 50 years Leona Baker, sons Scott (Heather) Baker, Lawrence Baker and grandchildren Cole Baker, Carson Baker & Kai Baker and many beloved nieces and nephews. David was predeceased by his mother Marie (1998), father Grant (1943), brother Grant Ronald Baker (2018) and nephew David Michael Baker (1992).
David’s family would like to extend our gratitude for the support and kindness from all the staff of Camp Hill Veterans Memorial 5th floor East. We also want to thank all of our close family and friends who have been part of David’s life and adventures while making some incredible memories, as well as and members of Knox united church where he enjoyed being part of your family as an Elder. We know that Bagsy is in the heavens over the seas he loved so much and pray for calm waters.
Due to the holidays a delayed gathering will take place in January 2023. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place under the care of Atlantic Funeral homes. An informal celebration of David’s life with words of remembrance by Rev Bob Chapman will be held on Jan. 8th 2023 -beginning at 2:00pm at Knox United Church, 567 Sackville Drive, Lower Sackville NS.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
The ashes of LS David Baker were committed to the sea from HMCS SACKVILLE on 19 Sep 2023
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