William (Bill) Baker

May 7, 1949 - February 1, 2024

In loving memory ~

It is with profound sadness our family announces Bill's passing, at the age of 74, with the love of his family surrounding him. Born in Nanaimo to Jim & Muriel Baker, Bill spent most of his school years in Victoria & Burnaby but spent many summers in Lantzville where he developed life-long friendships.

He excelled in football, baseball and basketball during his school years.

The family moved back to Nanaimo where Bill completed Grades 12 & 13. In his senior year, he went on a European school trip which heightened his interest in travel, history and geography.

He returned to the mainland to attend BCIT for a business degree, returning every weekend to work in the family business, Baker Supply, which his parents opened in 1965.

In 1970, he attended the World's Fair in Osaka, Japan.

After BCIT, he decided to stay in the family business and purchased it in 1996 which is now a third-generation business in Nanaimo.

With wife Diana, son Ryan and daughter Jamie, he built and balanced a solid family and business life as he was totally devoted to both. As well as family vacations, Bill & Diana were able to travel to some amazing places meeting wonderful people but having family at the lake was the top of his list. Bill was an honest, generous businessman always supporting local teams and charities.

He wanted anyone who took a risk of owning a business to do well and consequently built very good relationships with customers, suppliers and staff - a testament to having staff stay 30 years plus - and so many special friends.

He was devoted to the family and leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Diana, son and treasured co-worker Ryan (Lisa), beloved daughter Jamie (Mike) and wonderful grandchildren Savannah, Darian & Kaylee whom he was so very proud of.

Survived by his brothers Robert (Fay) and Richard (Kim)

We would like to extend our gratitude to his Dr. of almost 20 years, Dr. Willie Pewarchuk and most recently Dr. Pieter Boshoff.

We appreciate all the wonderful cards, flowers, messages and phone calls. Donations in his memory would be appreciated to Nanaimo Hospital Foundation, BC Cancer Foundation, Junior Diabetes or a charity of your choice, There will be a Celebration of Life for Bill on March 24, 2024 from 1:00- 4:00 at the Nanaimo Yacht Club, 400 Newcastle Ave. Nanaimo, BC.

Additional Photo(s):