10364 Geoffrey Baker
Geoff Baker passed away gently at home surrounded by his family in Crossfield, AB on September 4, 2011 at the age of 58 years. Geoff was born in Rivers, Manitoba, March 11, 1953. He moved to various military bases in Canada and Europe during his youth.
Geoff attended university at the College Militaire Royal du Canada in Saint Jean, Quebec from 1970 to 1973 and then the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston from 1973 to 1975 graduating with a B.A. in Economics and Commerce.
Following graduation, Geoff pursued a career as an infantry officer in the Canadian Armed Forces for five years, including a tour of peace keeping duty with United Nations in Cyprus, an exchange with the U.S. Special Forces and two years with the Canadian Airborne Regiment. Geoff moved on to law school at the University of Calgary. He met his wife Kathleen in Whitehorse, Yukon, where they both worked for the summer at a cadet camp which retraced the gold rush route over the Chilkoot Trail and down the Yukon River to Dawson City.
Geoff then articled and practiced with Ballem McDill MacInnes from 1983 to 1988. He practiced with the Ottawa firm Soloway Wright for one year and then returned to Ballem McDill MacInnes Eden as a partner in 1990 where he practiced until 1995. He then became a partner with Carscallen LLP. Geoff maintained a commercial litigation practice with an emphasis on oil and gas, employment and corporate matters. He often said he was fortunate to have gone to law school and then worked with such good people.
Geoff was actively involved with Alberta 4H for many years, volunteering with public speaking and other events. He enjoyed competitive shot gun shooting with good friends nicknamed the Gunn Brothers, making wooden toys, horseback riding, and traveling with his family. Geoff loved music and sang in a men’s chorus for many years in Calgary. He could always be counted upon to lead any group into song.
Never one to back down from a challenge, he learned to ride a motorcycle during his illness. Geoff is lovingly remembered by his wife Kathleen Baker (nee Ryan), children Ryan and Carrie Baker, parents Douglas and Beverley Baker, sister Dianne Watchorn, brother Fred Baker, and niece and nephews Michael Watchorn, Becky Watchorn, and Matt Baker. A Celebration of Life will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary on Friday, September 9, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society at www.cancer.ca . Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.fostersgardenchapel.ca . FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM. Telephone: 403-297-0888. Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial. Source