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
Melanie Tod
Caroline L Coderre
What a beautiful and moving service, in honour of a truly remarkable & magnanimous man. My thoughts are with you, dear family of Bill, while you navigate during these difficult times. May the light shine on you. Caroline L Coderre - retired lawyer, CRA Legal Services
Shaukat Lakhani
One of the nicest man and a very inspiring and caring individual I have ever met. My deepest condolences to his family.
May his soul rest in peace.
Cyril Martis
Very nice man. Sad to learn passing of Bill. My condolences to the bereaved family. I knew him in his early career. During early 90's he used to travel by OC Transpo bus from Barrhaven. He lived close to my house. Spoke to him several occasions. May his soul rest in peace.
Tania Louisseize
So incredibly sad to hear this news. Bill worked with my mom for many years - I had the chance of meeting him many years later when I joined the CRA… He knew exactly who I was when we met - he was such a kind man! Over the years, he continued following my professional journey and was the type of person who let you know he was proud. I hope he is at peace and smiling up above. ?
Faye Linseman
Hard to believe that I have known you Bill, since 1989. I have such respect and admiration for the person you were in this life, am so unhappy that we have lost you, but so happy that I could call you a friend. Bill, I hope you know how valuable you were to everyone around you. Heavenly prayers for you.
Carey Roeske
My deepest sympathies. Thinking of you all as you celebrate the life of your beloved.
Maria Stewart
I started working for Bill when he was a director in the then Revenue Canada Taxation. Such a skilled and passionate public servant who really cared about his staff. He changed people's lives. I saw it happened. He was my touch stone for the right and honourable thing to do in my work. I am shocked and saddened over his passing. My condolences to his family, friends and former staff and colleagues.
Sharon Mariados Doucet
My deepest condolences to the family on the loss of dear Bill. He was a true leader & like no other - integrity, grace, intelligence, humility and humour. While he knew me in the CRA, when we’d bump into each other at International conferences and/or US Embassy functions, Bill always took the time to stop and chat & get caught up. He always had sincerity & interest. An amazing man & legacy. Taken too soon and a profound loss.
Sue Wormington
My sincere condolences to the Baker and Jauvin families on your devastating losses. I knew Bill from the CRA. He was a truly wonderful person who led by example. Bill was genuine, smart, funny, kind and so much more -- people gravitated toward him. Your celebration of Bill's life was beautiful and touching and so filled with love. May Bill and Nicole rest in peace.
I’m so sorry to read of the passing of Bill, at far too young an age. I knew him socially and was glad for his smile, humour and smarts. He will be deeply missed by his and Nicole’s families, of whom he spoke with such love. And deeply missed by colleagues and friends alike. Bill made a difference in this world. Bill, rest in peace. We have the watch.