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ANDREW BAINES Obituary
Born in Toronto on July 17, 1934, to Margaret Elizabeth Coleman and Clement Algernon Baines, and died February 27, 2024. Dearest friend and husband to Cornelia van Erk for over 67 years. Father to Nicole (Michael) and Nigel (Caroline); grandfather to Monique (Tim), Andrew (Katharine) and Amanda; great-grandfather to Nora; and brother to Linda.
A U of T rugby player for 10 years, recipient of a U of T award for athletic accomplishment, Junior and Senior Fellow at Massey College (picture is of Andrew on his 80th birthday at the Massey College carrel, where he wrote his PhD thesis), Principal of New College, Biochemist-in-Chief for the then newly established University Health Network and Vice Dean (Education) of the Faculty of Medicine. He also served as chair of Toronto's Annex Residents' Association, chair of Owen Sound Sweetwater Music Festival, and served on the board of directors for the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. An informed environmentalist, he installed geothermal heating decades ago, planted tens of thousands of trees in our managed forest and commuted to the university on his bicycle, even from Don Mills. He was a flautist, scientist, chef, artist, farmer, landscaper and cabinet maker. A man for all seasons.
Retiring from the Faculty of Medicine (compulsory) in 2001, he was invited to design the Stowe-Gullen stream in the Vic One program at Victoria University where he continued until 2019. He loved developing and teaching his course and never stopped missing students thereafter.
Every day he spoke of how wonderful our life had been and how lucky we were. Amazingly, we just returned a week and a half ago from a tour of English theater arranged by Ontario's Stratford Festival.
Donations to the Stowe-Gullen stream at Victoria College, University of Toronto, would please Andrew (my.alumni.utoronto.ca/Baines).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ANDREW BAINES
36 Entries
Andy Baize
February 3, 2025
Professor Andy was such a positive influence. It's incredible about how Andy was a fan of the sciences! Thankful for the opportunity to drop a line about our relationship. Andy Baize family is praying that God grant him peace.
Sally Hergert White
April 27, 2024
I first met Andy about 80 years ago when our family came to Caledon Lake. Memories of the Baines family, while distant, are many. Such a strong family. They worked hard building their cottage, but much laughter as well. We offer condolences to all of the family.
Claudio Martin
March 26, 2024
Just seeing this now. I was a New College student and wanted to do a 4th year project with researchers at Sick Kids. Dr Baines made it possible through a New College course and he even stepped up as my supervisor. I still remember our weekly meetings when he would quiz me and guide me in the scientific method. He was definitely a great mentor who got me on the right foot for my career. My condolences to the family but I am one of many in whom his memory will live on.
P.V. Nguyen
March 23, 2024
I'm sorry to learn of Dr. Baines' passing. I took his Clinical Biochem course as an undergrad in 1986. I remember him as a lucid, motivated lecturer. My sincere sympathies to his family.
Gwen Forsyth
March 15, 2024
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Andrew. Sending my deepest sympathies.
Jeffrey Tong and Josée Sigouin
March 7, 2024
I had the great privilege of working under the leadership of Dr. Baines starting in the 1990s. Gracious, patient, generous with his time and friendship, an excellent listener - what a stellar example he gave to all who knew him. Last year, my wife and I reconnected with Andrew and Cornelia in Europe through a happy, heart-warming, and now, bittersweet coincidence.
Our deepest sympathies to Cornelia and the whole family,
Jeffrey Tong and Josée Sigouin
Roger and Eric Jackson
March 7, 2024
Andrew and Cornelia were and are the kind of neighbours we all wish we had more of. Here is what the Annex Residents Association newsletter has to say about Andrew:
"We are saddened to report that Andrew Baines, a loyal supporter of the ARA, died last week in his 90th year. Despite the demands of a distinguished medical career followed by another in academia, supplemented by a host of avocations including cabinetry, painting, and music, Andrew also found time to volunteer as Chair of the ARA Board in the years from 2005 to 2010.
Elizabeth Whelan, herself both past Chair and later Secretary to the Board, remembers Andrew as a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with. "I especially enjoyed the executive meetings at his home that were well known for their hospitality." Micky Fraterman, Secretary to the Board since 2008, found it a real privilege working with Andrew. "He was such a gentleman and had a vision for the structure of the ARA."
Our condolences to Cornelia ("Corrie") Baines, Andrew´s equally distinguished partner of some 67 years, who also for a time served as a Director of the ARA. "
Andrew and Corrie Baines in their Annex home, 2016
Photo credit: NATHAN CHAN/THE VARSITY
Michael Rochester, St. John's NL
March 7, 2024
It's only this morning that I learned of Andy's death. Our mothers were great friends, so we have known each other since we were very young. My most sincere condolences to Corrie and all the family.
Michael Rochester, St. John's NL
Brian Baigrie
March 6, 2024
I had the enormous privilege of being Andrew's wing-person in the Stowe-Gullen steam for more than a decade. For two years, Andrew sat in on all my classes with coffee afterwards to discuss course content and ways to engage our students. Recognized as an exceptional mentor for students, he was also an inspirational mentor and role model for faculty. I learned an enormous amount from Andrew and will miss our conversations.
Michal Leckie
March 6, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear of Professor Baines' passing. I knew him as an undergraduate student at UofT in the Stowe-Gullen program. He was an incredible teacher and mentor to me during that first year, and I continued to be in touch ever since. I have very fond memories of him inviting our class to his home for mulled wine. He profoundly shaped my time as a student and helped me get to where I am now, and he continues to influence my approach to science and to living life to its fullest.
Joe Moysiuk
March 6, 2024
Prof. Baines was a remarkable man. I had the privilege of knowing him through taking his course in the Stowe-Gullen stream. Throughout this time, he challenged me to think broadly and critically. He devised brilliant activities that prepared me for a scientific career. He even took us to see the opera and invited us to his home for Christmas caroling. His class was insightful and thought provoking, but even more significantly, it brought me together with likeminded people who will be lifelong friends. It's no exaggeration to say that it defined my university experience. His legacy of mentorship is immense and I am grateful to be a tiny part of that.
Renée Sirbu
March 6, 2024
Professor Baines was an incredible instructor, mentor, person, and friend. He helped me grow as an academic and supported me through my early research career. Prof. Baines used to bike to Vic One class every day. We taught him what a "meme" was. I moved to the US in 2021; since then, he and Corrie have hosted me for tea in their backyard whenever I was visiting Toronto. Prof. Baines will be so sorely missed. My deepest condolences to the family.
Estelle Kosoy
March 6, 2024
Dear Corey,
I send my deepest condolences to you and your family. Losing a lifelong friend and companion is devastating! May your wonderful memories give you comfort at this very sad time in your life.
My thoughts are with you.
Estelle Kosoy
Christianne And Bruce Gauley The Historical Society Friends
March 5, 2024
Our condolences to Cornelia and Nicole
Shirley Holmes
March 5, 2024
We met through Elizabeth and Gord Harris in Bognor and connected once again through the Owen Sound Little Theatre. A fine gentleman. My sincere condolences to Cornelia and the entire family. Shirley Holmes
Robert Hart
March 5, 2024
We crossed family paths far too seldom. But I can remember a summer's day at the farm as clearly as as I can Andrew's gentile smile, both equally warming. I am reminded of St. John Chrysostom's truth, "He whom we have loved and lost is no longer where he was, he is now with us."
Clement A. Jumbe
March 5, 2024
My deepest sympathy to Codellia, the Baines family, relatives and friends for the loss of their loved one. While at Massey as a scholar at risk and junior fellow, I saw that Andrew was deeply loved by all those who knew him.
Michael McLuhan
March 4, 2024
Danuta and I remember his guiding presence at many Peace and Justice events. A gentleman whose calming influence will be sorely missed... Please accept our sincere condolences.
Peter Tovell (nephew of Vincent Tovell)
March 4, 2024
Although brief, I want to thank you for the opportunity of meeting you and Cornelia through my uncle Vincent and at several events at Massey College and at the Saturday Owen Sound Farmers Market.
The Wright Brothers
March 3, 2024
Our Dad and Andrew met in 1960 when both were challenged to compete their doctorate in biochemistry at the Banting Institute of the University of Toronto. Before they could conduct their research and write their individual treatise on chemical bonding, they first had to decipher how to accurately use the scales in the biochemistry lab. This did not prove to be an easy task. But, they bonded over the experience as they laughed and made errors along the way. Since then, our parents have been intertwined in many ways. They have traveled to conferences all over the world, dined at fine restaurants, and laughed and joked with one another over every conceivable subject. When our parents were in their twilight years, Andrew and Cornelia, provided verbal and active support. We truly appreciate their contributions to making a life well-lived. If there is an afterlife, we can imagine Andrew and Lee still trying to figure out how to use the lab scales, and our mother would say, take a break, the tea and biscuits are ready! I also have shortbread from Harrod´s!
Jo Ann and Toomas Sauks
March 3, 2024
My , this so sad. We have always enjoyed our conversations with Andrew. He was a remarkable man.
Anne Urbancic
March 2, 2024
A wise, wonderful and much cherished VIC ONE colleague who always made time for a chat. Mostly he spoke about his students; it was clear that his energy, passion and love for them only increased over the many years we worked together. My heartfelt condolences to Cornelia and to the whole family on your loss. Andrew will be missed greatly.
Sydney misener
March 1, 2024
Corrie , Nigel
Nikki and all your lovely grandchildren..... such sad news ! Andrew was a true scholar and a gentleman, classy, witty .... Someone who made an immense contribution to medicine in Canada and to the arts and music that he loved . Always remembered by his Sweetwater alumni friends.
Our most sincere condolences. Sydney misener and Ron deBoer
Colleen Purdon
March 1, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of Andrew's passing and he will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful person and citizen. We loved meeting him out on the hills cross country skiing at Massie, at SweetWater, and at the Farmer's Market in Owen Sound. He and Cory were so kind to me as a very green aspiring politician, and on the board of the SweetWater Music Festival. He has left this community and the world a better place and never stopped making a difference. Sincere and heartfelt condolences to Cory and family from all our family.
James Janeiro
March 1, 2024
Prof. Baines was such a kind and lovely man. Always quick with a smile, a joke, or a word of advice. He was always so generous to the students around him. Vic and the world were dramatically improved by his presence.
Elizabeth Willmott
March 1, 2024
I remember him on a sunny evening striding to the house with a bunch of garden lettuce in his hand ready to make a salad for all to enjoy. And, as a brilliant and warm man.
Jim Ansell
March 1, 2024
R.I.P. Andrew.
Much respect for your life of service.
Shirley Proctor Lewis
March 1, 2024
An excellent tribute to Andy and even this fine tribute just scratches the surface of the man we will all miss. Glad to hear that he lived to the fullest right up to the end. My deepest condolences to the family
Alexandra Kirschbaum
March 1, 2024
Andrew was a force of nature and a beautiful person. He will be missed.
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