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
Pamela Brown
Gail Inglis (CRA)
Very saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. He was an inspirational leader in the Public Service writ large, and the CRA in particular. There should be more William V. Bakers in the Public Service of Canada.
Glynn Williams
Bill was a truly decent and humble man. At a netional conference I was seated with Bill, my branch director and another exec to prepare a presentation. They elected me to present and I couldn't help comment on how irrational but ultimately kind and supportive they were to step back and let this guy from NB speak for them. My respect for Bill was cemented that day. And I killed the presentation. Thanks Bill.
Colette Gentes
I worked with Bill very early in my career on an award program. I enjoyed his sunny outlook and his "smarts". We had many conversations about the "Baker Boys" and his eyes were always especially bright with pride. My sincere condolences to his family.
connie bielby
It is indeed a sad day when someone special passes. Your father and grandfather was such a person. I very recently reread a presentation he made at our leadership conference and one of his messages was to leave a legacy. Bill most certainly did, he inspired many individuals at CRA to be better people and leaders. He led by example, and he epitomized his messages of respect, integrity, passion, attitude and communication. Bill made a difference.
Sandra Hitchinson
There are no words to adequately express my sorrow at Bill’s passing. I hope his loved ones will find some comfort in knowing that Bill was respected, admired and extremely well liked by many many people. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Bob Hamilton
I had the pleasure of working with Bill over the years. He was a kind, thoughtful and practical man and a great colleague. A good man who left us too early. Rest in Peace Bill.
Susan Cartwright
Bill was the nicest colleague one could ask for and it is heartbreaking that his grief was so difficult to bear. I admired him and enjoyed his warm sense of humour, his intelligence and his commitment to public service on many occasions. My sincere condolences to his children, grandchildren, wider family and friends.
Johanne D’Auray
I worked with Bill at the CRA. He was an impressive person and always so pleasant to work with. It is so sad, that he has passed so young, but I know that he is now in peace and with Nicole.
Steven Albert
Bonnie, I am deeply saddened to hear of Bill's passing. The Baker family has certainly had its fair share of grief over the years. May Bill's memories eventually bring you peace. Hugs, Steven.
I am so very saddened to hear of Bill's passing. He was an honest and genuine individual with a wonderful sense of humour. He could be counted on to lead during challenging times and I admired him greatly. As a Champion of the MMDP Program within the CRA, he demonstated the qualities all good leaders aspire to. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Please know that your father and grandfather was integral to the success of many in the Public Service, and he will not be forgotten.