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
Brenda Kozlowski
Nancy Degready
Nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille, amis et collègues.
Judie Hunt
So very sad: the world is lighter one amazing soul.
I was fortunate enough to have had Bill’s counsel as a mentor, and his time as a friend, for almost two decades. He helped me dissect many things (I thought important) over the years, and always made sure I figured out what really mattered.
For many at CRA lucky enough to have worked with him. Bill was unfailingly patience, generous of time and spirit, smart as a whip and he found reason to laugh at many workplace experiences. Bill was the guy you wanted on your side in an argument, because not only did that stack the deck in your favour, his backing meant you were doing it for the right reasons. Canadians will never know how fortunate they were that he chose public service.
Thank you for sharing your brother, dad and very proud grandfather with us. And, no matter what, he loved you most.
Tara Hall (CRA)
I would like to extend my condolences to the Baker and Jauvin families during this difficult time. I came to know Mr. Baker through his various roles at CRA, including as Commissioner. My role was to prepare him for appearances before Parliamentary committees. His respect for the institution of Parliament was beyond compare and a role he took very seriously. He appeared in 2009 before one committee in his role as Commissioner and how he comported himself professionally can be seen here in his opening remarks and over the course of his answers. https://parlvu.parl.gc.ca/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2?fk=273… He was very highly regarded during his time at CRA, and no doubt that was only a scintilla of the sterling person you yourselves know better than anyone else. May your loving memories sustain you in the days ahead.
Clementine Sibomana, colleague.
May he rest in peace.
Klaus Chopka
I am so saddened to learn of Bill's passing. His mark on my life is remembered and celebrated.
Kevin Brosseau
An amazing man who embodied true leadership and compassion for others. My deepest condolences to the family.
Darrell Mahoney
I am deeply saddened by this tremendous loss! My thoughts go out to Bills family at this extremely difficult time. Bill was a true leader ahead of his time - his devotion to the Public Service was second to none and I believe his legacy left a mark that had moved the arrow along towards a more modern public service that saw leaders being more people-focused. I was proud to work in a Public Service where Bill was.
My heart is heavy but it is also fuller to have had a colleague and friend like Bill in my life. I hope that the family can feel the love and support from the community near and far of just how remarkable a man their father, brother, dad and grandfather Bill was.
Darrell Mahoney, friend and colleague
Salma Bhaloo
So sad to hear this. Bill was an amazing leader and a genuine and caring person who was positively impactful to so many people. He will be remembered for his warm smile and sincerity. My sincere condolences to your family, and prayers that his soul rest in eternal peace.
Marilyn McGrath
Such a loss! That's about as coherent a way as I can think to describe this. I have know Bill for almost 30 years. As with many others, I have considered his council over the years as instrumental in helping me maneuver the the civil service world. In the many years since those Ottawa days I have also been fortunate enough to call Bill a friend. My heart went out to him during our last meeting in Ottawa about two weeks before Nicole passed. He knew the struggle that was ahead. I only hope he is now at peace and Nicole is by his side.
Condolences to his sons, grandchildren and extended family.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.