Paul Baker

In the wee hours of the morning of June 26, 2025, in the house that he built with his own hands, Paul Lucas Baker passed peacefully in his sleep, with his loving wife Rosemarie, as always, by his side. Cancer will hurt him no more.

Paul was born in Cromwell, Manitoba on August 13,1938 and spent his childhood on the family homestead near Seddon’s Corner on the edge of the Agassiz Provincial Forest. His stories of encounters with bears and coyotes while growing up kept us spellbound as kids.

Paul worked for decades in construction, including many years alongside his brothers in their Bakers Drywall business. After meeting Rosemarie and starting a family, he set about building a house - after working all day at his regular job.

When he retired, he took on a new role as a babysitter to his grandkids Payton and Quincy. It was his first experience with changing diapers, but he figured it out pretty quickly! Those years with the grandkids were a lot of fun with so many good memories with their ‘Papa’, as they called him.

Paul had a great sense of humour and loved to create and build. He loved his trees and topiary and liked to tinker in his yard- though some of his creations might have had the neighbours scratching their heads.

He also enjoyed many long walks with his ‘grand-dogs’. He wore out many a pair of shoes taking them for walks - they led, he followed.

His adult children often found a surprise visitor to their homes, trimming trees, cleaning eavestroughs, shoveling snow and whatever else needed to be done before “MacGyvering” pretty much anything that needed to be fixed. He showed his love by doing.

Although he continued to be our fearless mountain goat, climbing on roofs well into his eighties, he began to move a bit more slowly. He had managed to avoid doctors until his later years, but once he became sick he valiantly tried every available treatment.

Driving to Pinawa for medical appointments, Paul provided a storybook of experiences. That house was built for so-and-so. This one was built for so-and-so’s daughter after they sold some livestock. His sharing of those memories was wonderful.

Papa so much wanted to stay at home until the end. Mom moved heaven and earth to make that happen.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years - Rosemarie, son Duane (David), daughter Candace, grandchildren Payton (Scott), Quincy (Learyk), support-dog Lola, brother Jack, sister Barbara and sisters-in-law Marlene, Elaine and Sharon.

Paul was predeceased by his daughter Lisa Marie, parents Jacob and Anastasia Baker, brothers Peter, Marion and Nick, and brothers-in-law Ron Singbeil and Bill Kozyra.

Paul’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his outstanding care team: Dr. Hannah (who got the ball rolling), CancerCare MB, Dr. Nikesh, Dr. Czaykowski, Dr. Bruno, Lisa Kroeker and all the staff at Pinawa and Beausejour Hospitals. Many thanks to the Home Care and Palliative Care teams, with a special thank you to both Laura and Dr. Clark who provided such compassionate support and care.

Dad was an amazing man of quiet courage, kindness, grit and laughter. He will be greatly missed.

At Paul’s request, a private family goodbye will be held at a later date.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com