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
Lisa Anawati
Linda Hebert
My condolences to the family.
Manon Quesnel
I am without words. My heart goes out to the family. Mr. Baker was a great leader and charismatic. Met him at an work event, he sure knew how to make people feel comfortable. Wishing the family peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love during this sad time.
Nancy Villeneuve
I briefly knew Bill during my career. He was the first Director I've worked for when I arrived at the ARC from Quebec City. He was an exceptional man. He always nice to people, smiling and helpful. I will never forget him. My deepest sympathies to your family.
Barbara Lyon
I knew Bill briefly when he was DG of Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs. He was wonderful, and I am so sorry for his family. This must be a devastating loss.
With sincere condolences,
Barbara Lyon
Maureen Tapp
My sincere condolences to Bill’s family. Bill was a pleasure to work with….kind, caring, supportive, professional. So sad….a good man gone way too young.
Shalene Losier
My thoughts and condolences are with Bill's family. He was a truly remarkable leader who always had a moment to chat or share some excellent mentoring advice. I was always amazed by his ability to connect with people and remember them years later. The world is a sadder place today.
Amal Gedeon
When I started my career at the CRA, he was the Assistant Commissioner of the Compliance Programs Branch. He would walk the floor and chat with employees. One of a kind. condolences to the family and may his soul rest in peace.
Surinder Sharma
May God bless his soul. Sincere condolences to the family.
Philip Gammon
I wish to offer you my sincerest sympathies for your loss. I've only ever briefly met Bill when he visited our CRA call site, but I could tell just by the energy/charisma in his presence that he was someone special. May he rest in peace and be reunited with his love Nicole.
Bill was an extraordinary person and he will be dearly missed. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Lisa