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
Davie Duncan
Cindy Langill
I am so sad to hear this. Mr. Baker was our deputy minister at the CRA for many years .. he was a kind man .. my condolences to the family.
Mary & Ian Glen
Our grief is profound. Bill's grace, strength, generosity and kindness remain vivid in our memory. To the family so recently united in sorrow by Nicole's final journey, may you find solace within and without. Bill's legion of friends and colleagues are holding all of you in our hearts and our prayers. May peace surround and love uphold us all.
Marthe et Gerry Oliver
Il n’y a pas de mot pour décrire la tristesse et l’incompréhension qui nous envahissent en ce moment. Plusieurs larmes seront versées en souvenir d’un homme tant aimé et admiré. Son sourire illuminait, son regard instruisait. J’ai (Marthe) travaillé pour Bill dans les années 90. Il savait rendre le travail agréable même dans les instants les plus sombres. Il a toujours su relever les défis autour de lui. Gerry et moi offrons nos très sincères condoléances à toute sa famille et aux nombreux amis. Nous avons tous perdus un être cher.
Colin McCorriston
My sincere condolences to you all. May your memories carry you through this difficult time…
Gordon Majcher
To Bill's family, I am so sorry for your loss and my deepest sympathies. It is indeed a sad day. I had the good fortune to have Bill as my mentor starting early in my career. No matter how busy he was, he would make time for me and others. He had a wonderful talent to find the positive in situations and help people grow. I know he helped shaped me in a good way. I still remember his lessons 30 years later. He was one of the good ones and will sorely missed.
Brenda Watkins
I'm so sorry to hear this. Bill was such a warm and caring man. I had the pleasure of working directly with him at the CRA. He left a lasting legacy here. My thoughts are with his family.
Deborah Danis
I had the pleasure of working with Bill at the outset of my career and periodically thereafter. He was the finest example of a dedicated, talented and inspirational public servant and leader. My condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.
Linda Lizotte-MacPherson
My condolences to Bill's family. I had the pleasure of working with Bill. He always spoke so highly of his family and how much you meant to him. Bill could lite up a room with his smile. He had a tremendous impact on the CRA and left a legacy of excellence. My thoughts are with his family at this most difficult time.
Betty Bannon
Having worked with Bill in the Union/Management forum for several years I must say that he was one of good guys. You could trust his word and he always had a smile. He was fair but firm which are excellent qualities for a Boss. My thought are with his family during this very difficult time. He will be missed by many.
My deepest sympathies to the Baker and Jauvin families. I am so saddened to here this very sad news. Bill was a great friend, he will be sadly missed. Bill, Rest In Peace Buddy, Big Hugs.!