William Victor Baker, 68, of Ottawa, Ontario, passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 11, 2023.
William (Bill) was born on November 11, 1954 in Ottawa. After graduating from Sir Robert Borden High School, he completed a Bachelor's Degree in both Psychology and Political Science, and then went on to complete his Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
Bill’s career in the public service began with the Saskatchewan government in 1979, and then he held positions of increasing responsibility through the CRA’s evolution, including the director general of the policy and intergovernmental affairs directorate, policy and legislation branch; assistant deputy minister, appeals branch of Revenue Canada; and assistant commissioner of the compliance programs branch with the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency. Bill also spent time in the Department of Public Safety before returning to the Canada Revenue Agency in 2006 as Deputy Commissioner of Revenue.
In 2008, Carleton University awarded him the Bissett Alumni Award for Distinctive Contributions to the Public Sector by the school of public policy and administration.
Bill is survived by his three sons, Gregory (Julia), Michael (Amanda) and Stephen (Alexandra), his six grandchildren, Rylan, Aurora, Jack Ella, Eléonore and Catherine, as well as his sister, Bonnie, and his stepchildren Laure (Sarah), Weldon and Anthony (Caitlin).
Bill lost his beloved wife Nicole Jauvin, on September 28, 2022 after a long and arduous battle with brain cancer. The loss of his wife Nicole devastated Bill, with the grief of the loss taking a tremendous toll on his emotional and mental health, which eventually led to his passing.
It is our hope that he has found his peace. We love you Dad.
A Memorial Service will be held at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery & Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Monday, March 20 at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Ottawa Mission in Bill’s memory.
Digital Guestbook
Judith Labelle
Susan Pollak
We who knew and loved Bill are all heartbroken. I will always remember his warmth, his strength of character, and his wonderful sense of humour. His devotion to his family and to Nicole was unwavering, never more so than during her final years. My deepest condolences to all of Bill’s children, grandchildren and stepchildren on the loss of this exceptional man.
Kaili Levesque
To say Bill had a passion for public policy and improving outcomes for Canadians would be an epic understatement. His passion for his work shone through in the way he tackled some of our trickiest problems with grace, smarts, and good humour. I was lucky enough to get to meet Bill through our shared commitment to our alma mater Carleton, where we each did some speaking engagements and we got to know each other. He was always so kind and encouraging, and he stayed and talked to everyone who wanted to meet him at every event.
My deepest condolences to the whole family, he spoke of you with such pride and love - his clear motivation! People like Bill are rare gems indeed, will hold his memory close.
Dan Pavelic
Bill was a true inspiration. Regardless of the work problem of the day, you always felt that Bill cared the most about you personally. Please accept my deepest condolences. Rest in peace.
Louise Michaud et Henri Racine (CRA)
Bill was a good example of a great leader. It was a pleasure working with him and for him.
Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Sebastian Michael
Condolences and prayers for the family. May his soul R.I.P.
Anne Morin
Such incredibly sad news. Bill was a smart, vibrant man who was in addition a great leader with a wicked sense of humour. My sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones.
Jean-Louis Soucy
My deepest condoleances to family and friends.
Tina Namiesniowski
It’s hard to put into words the sadness I feel. Thoughts and prayers are offered to all members of Bill’s extended family and wishing you all strength and courage at such a difficult time. Bill was a true leader, a true gentle “man” and a wonderful public servant. He will be missed.
Rachel Fitzsimmons
My sincere condolences. My thoughts goes out to the family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
You will be remembered dearly!