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
Josée Jauvin and John Raymer
Bob Russell
I am really saddened to learn of Bill’s death. I was at Revenue Canada/the CRA, from 1998 to 2006, and I served as a member of the senior team, along with Bill, and many other wonderful people. Another former colleague, Dan Tucker, told me that Bill had passed. I extend my kindest wishes to his family. He was an incredible public servant, and he was a role model for me as I pursued my career. In closing, he was just “a great guy”, and all who knew him will miss him deeply.
Morag Humble and Don Hubert
We were deeply saddened to learn of Bill’s sudden passing. We will remember him as unfailingly kind and good-humoured, and very much enjoyed the times out paths crossed his and Nicole’s on a hiking trail or over a glass of wine or a late evening nightcap. Deepest condolences to all the family. Gone far too soon.
Cheryl Fraser
I was saddened to see of Bill’s passing. Bill was a colleague for many years and a terrific boss when I moved to CRA in 2009. To Bill’s family, please know he was respected and adored as one of the greatest public servants there could be. I pass on my condolences. I can imagine this must be very hard. With the deepest sympathies.
Filipe Dinis
My deepest sympathies to Bill’s family. Bill was a role model to many by his actions and by always treating people with respect. He was an influencer who left a legacy wherever he was and he did It with integrity. He will be truly missed.
Renee Jauvin
Bonnie, Steve, Greg and Michael, you have my deepest sympathies. You have all my love and wish you peace and courage.
Fred O'Riordan
I worked with Bill for many years at the CRA, where Bill embodied not just the leadership qualities, but also the integrity that we all strived for. Like so many other CRA colleagues who have left their fond remembrances of Bill here, my condolences go out to family members at this difficult time of sorrow and loss.
Ann McMonagle
I well remember Bill from my time at CRA and that is way back in the mid 1990s. He made an impression on me as a dedicated person but also a wonderful and kind gentleman and the model for an outstanding public servant. My most sincere condolences to his family. So many people share your loss - if not as deep - very much heartfelt. Gone too soon.
Gordon McDonald
I was fortunate to have worked with Bill during his time at the CRA. Simply the nicest, most thoughtful, funny, inspiring and kind person ever. My thoughts are with Bill's family.
Guy Proulx
Deepest sympathies to all the family and close ones. Bill was such a nice and inspiring person. Such an unbelievable loss. It is a priviledge to have worked with you and to have known you. Bon repos Bill.
Greg, Mike and Steve, our deepest condolences on the loss of your Father. We loved Bill as a brother and we will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.