Gordon Thomas Baker

1925 - 2013

Gordon Thomas Baker obituary, 1925-2013

BORN

1925

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Marlatt Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

615 Main Street East

Hamilton, Ontario

Gordon Baker Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 23, 2013.

BAKER, Gordon Thomas O.D., June 16, 1925 - December 21, 2013.
Peacefully on December 21st with his beloved wife of 64 years and family at his side. Born in Bishop Briggs Scotland in 1925, Gord emigrated to Hamilton in 1929. Growing up he attended Stinson Street School and Central Collegiate. He was a choir boy at St. Thomas Anglican Church and became a King's Scout at age 16. World War II interrupted his schooling, and he went oversees as an Air Gunner in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was honourably discharged in 1945 and returned home to enroll at the University of Toronto. He graduated from the School of Optometry in 1950 and received his Doctor of Optometry designation in 1962. Gord became active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce and went on to build a thriving optometry practice in Hamilton for over 40 years. He was also a proud founding member of the Hamilton Probus Club. During high school he met Mary Louise Allaster and they married in 1949. Gord leaves their four loving children; Ruth Ann (Michael), Sara (Will), Elizabeth (Keith), and Christopher (Elaine); 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He will also be missed by his nephews and nieces here and in the States. An active sportsman all his life, Gord ran track and played basketball in high school, enjoyed tennis and became an excellent golfer. He and Lou sailed together competitively (Albacore Fleet RHYC) and were 'husband and wife' Canadian Champions. He was an avid skier until his 83rd year. He hiked the conservation trails around Hamilton and had a special fondness for exploring the British Isles. A lifelong learner and dabbler, Gord experimented with wine making, photography and most recently oil painting. Gord joined the Central Presbyterian Church in 1963 and became involved in many facets of church life, including membership in the choir for 40 years, serving as its president for 2 years. He was Chairman of the Board of Managers and an Elder of the Church from 1976 until 2012 when he was appointed Elder Emeritus. His love of gardening led him to undertake some garden improvements at the church, eventually earning the Central Presbyterian Church gardens a Trillium Award. Gord was also a co-founder of Central Church's 'Out of the Cold' meal programme. Family and church gave Gord endless joy, as did his many friends. Cremation and a private family service took place on December 24th. A Memorial Service will be held at the Central Presbyterian Church, corner of Charlton and Caroline Streets, Hamilton, on Friday, January 17th, 2014 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Central Presbyterian Church Choir will be gratefully accepted. On-line tributes may be made at www.marlattfhhamilton.com.

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13 Entries

February 12, 2014

marion standon

We are so sorry to learn of your loss. Love Doug and marion

January 13, 2014

Sandra Russell

Dear Sara, I am so sorry to hear about your father. Give my condolences to your mom and your family. Love Sandie

January 6, 2014

cathy hillgren (cox)

I spent a lot of time at the Baker house when I was young. I remember Gord as a gentleman and a very classy guy. He seemed involved with the kids even in a time when many fathers weren't engaged in childhood discussions and activities.

December 31, 2013

Don Brown

Dear Gordie: Our boyhood friendship ended abruptly when you enlisted from our grade 12 class at Central Collegiate. We both attended Stinson Street Public School and were members of St.Thomas Anglican Church Choir as boy choristers. Remember for some minor misdemeanor you were expelled from the choir and in sympathy I walked out with you? How close as pals we were! You loaned me your bike in order to learn to ride before I had my own bike. We both lived on Emerald St. South. Played endlessly on the side of the escarpment: softball, football, British Bulldog, tennis, the lot. I even remember your parents providing us with the equipment to play Cricket. I'm sorry our paths did not reunite: sailing and golf may have brought us closer once again. Rest in peace old chap; and condolences and good wishes to your wife, Mary Lou, and all your family. Don Brown, Waterdown. ([email protected])

December 31, 2013

Joanne St Louis

Our deepest condolences to Mary-Lou and the family. May Gord be singing in the choirs of Heaven right alongside his old pal Peter. Jack and Joanne St louis (Gellatly)

December 30, 2013

To Mrs. Baker and Family,

I read with regret the Spectator report of Gord's passing. I well remember him as my first and long serving optometrist during the time he carried on his practice in Hagersville. My sympathy to you and your family.

Ed McCarthy, Hagersville

December 29, 2013

Tabitha Marshall

We will miss Gord so very much. Our sympathy to Mary Lou and all the family.

December 28, 2013

Emily Burnham

I have fond memories of Gord from when I was in Central choir. He and Mary-Lou were so welcoming when I first joined. The highlight had to be the choir's trip to England. My thoughts are with Mary-Lou and her family as they navigate this diificult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

December 24, 2013

Linda Bosela

I have fond memories of Gord. We sang in Central choir together. We called each other darling and Mary Lou just laughed. Although I moved to BC in 2007 I will always cherish my memories of those days. Gord was a real darling and he and Mary Lou were such a fun loving couple. They created the waves in Central's production of Noye's Fludde with magnificent animation. They were celebrating their 40th anniversary at the time. Much love to the family. I know that Gord will be greatly missed especially at Central. Xo Linda Bosela

December 24, 2013

Larry Szpirglas

Our sincere condolences on your loss. My recollection of Mr. Baker was of a husband and father who was a decent person who cared deeply for his family and community. I know what a loss it must be for your entire family. May his memory be a blessing for all of you.

Larry and Fern Szpirglas.

December 24, 2013

Sincere sympathy to all of you. I will always remember the times I spent at your house and felt part of your family. I look back with fond memories.Diane Snelling

December 24, 2013

Bob Furtney

Mary Lou and family, our hearts go out to you and we wish you God's peace. In the few years we were privileged to know Gord, we found him to be a true gentleman and a true friend.

Bob & June Furtney

December 24, 2013

Lynda Gellatly

Gord Baker you will be greatly missed, however, you are now up in the heavens with your dear friends and travelling partners, Peter and Doris Gellatly. They will be so thrilled to see you. Love David and Lynda Gellatly

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Marlatt Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

615 Main Street East, Hamilton, ON L8M1J4

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