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
KARIYON SOME
Shanmuga Krishnamoorthy
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.
Rob Kelln
I regarded Bill as a mentor and a friend. I remember facilitating an armchair discussion with him, a truly genuine, sincere person and an amazing leader. The entire Baker family is in our family's prayers. God bless your Bill.
Louise Lambert
I am very sad to hear about his passing. I have known Bill for many years. I also worked for him at CRA and then at Public Safety as his assistant. He was by far the best boss I could have.
My deepest sympathies to family and friends
Philippe Richer
Bill was a down to hearth man. As a new CRA student, I remember meeting him for the first at a random place, we spoke about our weekends, the outdoors and had some good laughs. I didn't even knew he was commissioner. We then met a few times afterwards and his values and dedication has always inspired me and my career. He sure will be remembered by many. Mes sincères sympathies à la famille et amis.
John Scapillati
Very sad news. Deepest sympathies to the whole family during this difficult time. One of the best leaders I worked for in the Public Service. A true leader. Rest in peace.
Richard Montroy
My condolences to the family - your dad and grandfather was a great leader and one of the best that I ever worked for. Always kind and happy. He had a huge role in my career, and I will be forever grateful. Rest in piece my friend!
Joelle Smith
I offer my condolences to his family and friends and am so very sorry to hear of his passing. I will remember him as one of the great leaders of the CRA. May he rest in peace.
Lison Lefebvre
To Mr. Baker's family, Please accept my deepest sympathies during this difficult time.
Bryan and Cathy McLean
A tragic loss - sincere condolences to the family.
Really sad,
I am deeply moved by this loss. I arrived at the ARC in 2008 and I still remember this charismatic man who did not hesitate to stop and chat with us on the 6th floor of the Connaught building. A man of heart and humility who sometimes came to send us his congratulations and thanks directly for the presentations we prepared for him in international tax forums. A strong advocate for diversity.
That his soul rests in peace.