Joseph BAKER

BAKER, Joseph
Architect
1929 - 2015
Joseph Baker died at his home on December 30 surrounded by his loving family and wife, Béatrice Vizkelety. He will be deeply missed by his wife, his children Kaarina (Phil Kretzmar), Polydora (Matt Canti), Charles (Sandra Katsiou) and Rachel (Michael Rhodes), from his previous marriage to Jone Stadius, as well as his brother Bernard (Sheila), his brother-in-law Barry, his grandchildren Rose, Jacob, Simon, Hannah, Ben, Theo, Isobel and Levy, and his nieces and nephews. Born in Manchester, United Kingdom, he obtained his degree in architecture, B.A. (Hons.) Arch., from the University of Manchester. He moved to Canada in 1952, practised architecture in Toronto and Montreal and, in 1968, was elected President of the Ordre des architectes du Québec. His teaching career was marked by a profound commitment to the community and involvement in matters relating to urban development. While at McGill he initiated the Community Design Workshop offering architectural services to community groups and residents with field offices set up with students in Point St. Charles, Griffintown, Verdun, Mile End and Milton Parc. He directed Loge-Peuple in Point St. Charles, a pioneering non-profit organization, that purchased and renovated over 100 units with the support of government funding to ensure affordable housing. Invited in 1975 to head the École d'architecture de l'Université Laval, a position he held until 1981, he also provided students with the opportunity to study abroad in London, Rome and Venice, courses that he organized until his retirement in 1997. Friends, family, former colleagues and students will remember Joe, 'Professor Baker', as passionately committed to his chosen profession of architecture, to the conservation of urban heritage and the preservation and renovation of low- income housing. He will also be remembered as an avid cyclist, a marathoner and an enthusiastic traveller. A gathering to celebrate his life and career will be held at McGill University's School of Architecture in March. Expressions of sympathy may be conveyed through donations to Les amis de la montagne.