November 23, 1948 - May 7, 2020
Words inadequately express our loss. Ron left us far too early, on May 7th, 2020, at the age of 71. He leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Charlene; his children Andrea (Chris), Shanna (Kris), Kristen, and Ryan; and his little granddaughters, Charlize, Aura, and Kinsley. Also mourning his loss are his brother Geoff Baker (Annie), and two sisters, Barbara Maher (Bob) and Kathy Godsman (Bill); his nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law, Phyllis Smuchilla; and many extended members of the family and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Ursula and Cyril Baker, and by his father-in-law, Russell Smuchilla.
Ron was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, then moved with his family to Winnipeg where he graduated from the University of Manitoba, was married, and launched his career with his first management position in Calgary with Gulf Canada. He went on to work for various companies, relocating with his young family to the Okanagan in 1981. Ron spent the longest stretch (23 years) of his diverse career with BC / Terasen Gas. Too ambitious to stay retired for long, Ron went on to hold several more positions, concluding his career as Community / Protective Services Manager with the Regional District of North Okanagan, retiring in 2015. He worked tirelessly for his community and was very involved with the volunteer fire departments and emergency response programs. He was instrumental in the BX / Swan Lake firehall expansion and was recognized for his leadership during emergencies.
Ron loved spending time with his family and enjoyed boating and swimming on the lakes, snowboarding on Silver Star Mountain, and golfing with friends. He had an adventurous spirit and lived life to the fullest.
Ron was his family's pillar of strength. We miss his intelligent and quiet nature, his kindness and generosity, his integrity and unparalleled work ethic, his many skills and attention to detail in everything he did, and his ability to fix everything we needed fixed, including our hearts.
He will be forever missed.
Plans for a memorial gathering will be announced at a future date.