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
Susan Bowen
Michael Wernick and Wiebke Merck
Our deepest condolences. I met Bill and Nicole many years ago through the public service and was glad to have them both as contemporaries, colleagues and friends. We got to know them in retirement at their happiest times and then in their most difficult ones. Bill was a wonderful colleague - always driven by purpose and passion for service - always able to find humour in situations and see the best in people. I will now deeply miss the chance to swap an old war story or two over a fine scotch. Our deepest sympathies to family and friends.
Diane and Jim Thomson
Our thoughts are with you. We will miss Bill’s warm smile and cheerful disposition on our Wednesday cycling evenings. Rest In Peace.
Liza-Ann Coates
My deepest condolences to the family. Mr Baker was an amazing human I had the honour to work in his office at Public Safety he always had a smile on his face and always made time to say hi even tho he was such a busy man. So sadden to hear this news.
André Potvin
Mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille. Bill est un homme exceptionnel qui a tout mon respect. Un grand leader avec de grandes qualités humaines. Repose en paix cher Bill ! Mes pensée et prières sont avec toi.
Raza Jadgal
A great loss to family. Rest in peace.
Hye-Kyung Kim
I am so sorry to hear about the sad news about Mr. Baker. I am a CRA employee and used to admire Mr. Baker's charismatic leadership.
My deepest sympathy goes to Mr. Baker's family.
Renée Clarke
I truly enjoyed working with Bill. He was a understanding, patient and always encouraging. He made my first job with the Agency a pleasure. He was truly a great leader!
My deepest sympathies go out to Bill's family and friends. May you take comfort in knowing he is at peace and with his beloved wife Nicole.
Luisa Guyan
Bill was an extraordinary man and I learnt a lot from him. From the first I met him he was extra special and we were close. My condolences to his family.
David & Karen McKendry
Greg, Michael and Stephen, our hearts ache for each of you and your family members. We were shocked and saddened to learn of Bill's passing. We knew Bill for about 33 years. I remember bus trips back and forth from work, and the interesting conversations. He was so distinguished in his black fedora hat and coat. We were thrilled to have you all as neighbours on Dylan Way. I always enjoyed my chats with your dad. His great smile and humour was infectious. We had both serious and just plain fun discussions. He was so accomplished and so interesting. Before covid, I invited him to lunch to meet and discuss career options with a new Federal Service employee. What a great conversation. He provided some great insight. After Nicole's passing we shared a couple of emails. In his final email to me, he said that he was sad. I offered to get together, but received no reply, and I didn't want to pry. We too are sad, and hope and pray for Bill's peace. Sincerely, David & Karen...
I am very sad to hear of Bill’s passing and offer my condolences to his family. Bill was someone I truly admired and enjoyed working with. I remember the time Bill called me into his office to let me know he was going to post for competition my position. I replied “ I guess I better compete for it”. His reply was simply “ I guess you better compete for it if you want the job”. Straightforward, clear and often with some dry humour. He was open to new ideas, he could laugh at situations and he knew how to break tension when needed. He had an inclusive management style which is an example of how senior executives should manage. He will be sadly missed yet remembered by many.