John Lynn BAKER

JOHN LYNN BAKER John Lynn Baker, 78, of Toronto, ON passed away on December 2, 2023 at home surrounded by his family. John was born in Brandon, MB on January 19, 1945 to Elizabeth (McRae d. 1994) and John (Jack d. 2007) while Jack was an instructor in the R.C.A.F. The family moved to North Bay shortly after and John spent the first 10 years of his life living what he often described as an idyllic childhood, swimming or skating at the lake, playing hockey, building forts and exploring the outdoors. From a young age, John had a deep curiosity about politics, history and the world. At age 11, he announced that he wanted to become a diplomat. Graduating from Etobicoke's Vincent Massey High School, John went on to study at the University of Toronto. John put himself through school working summer jobs, including waiting tables on the CPR ships that sailed the Great Lakes. On shore leave in Port McNicholl, John had a fateful meeting with June Brownlee (d. 2017) at a Teen Town dance, and the two would later marry. After graduating with a degree in Modern History and Geography in 1967, John indeed embarked on a career in the Canadian Foreign Service that was to last almost 30 years. Via his work in the Immigration stream, John and June were able to see the world and bring up their 3 children in 8 international postings. Rising through the ranks of the Foreign Service, John became a mentor to many junior officers during their careers. He was widely considered to be an effective communicator, a forward-thinking manager, and an inspirational leader. John was passionate about his career and played an instrumental role in bringing so many newcomers to Canada. In addition to a love of travelling and planning trips, John had a diverse set of interests. His return to Toronto in 2009 allowed him to indulge some of these, including live sports, great meals, the arts and swimming. We are thankful to the many friends and colleagues who reached out during Dad's illness to offer their support or impressions about John: gifted, thoughtful, deliberative, gallant, adventurous, solid, extraordinary, compassionate, learned, inclusive, supportive, patient, interesting and interested, provider of wise counsel and the model of integrity. Whether at work, in the public eye or at home, John was always the same person. He brought these qualities to every aspect of his life. John is survived by his devoted children Allyson, Angela, Neil (April); his beloved grandson Adam; cherished brothers Scott (Blair) and sister-in-law Ann Brownlee (Iain d. 2013) and her children Scott and Jackie Tinkler (Dan), and dear friend Susan Burrows and many others. The family would like to express its gratitude for the exceptional care that John received at UHN, especially from Dr. Jennifer Knox and her team. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Charity of Your Choice or the G.I Clinic at PMCC is greatly appreciated. A private ceremony will be followed by interment in Midland in the spring.