Obituary of Ray Allan Baker

Ray Allan Baker
1944-2023

The world lost an amazing man, a very loving husband, devoted father, very proud grandfather and great-grandfather on Wednesday September 20, 2023. Ray Allan Baker passed away peacefully with his wife, daughter and son by his side.

Ray was predeceased by his cherished daughter Lana Manson, his sister Ruth Schlosser, his parents Guy and Beatrice Baker, his parents-in-law Alvin and Mary Bergen, and his brother-in-law Wilf Schlosser.

He is survived by his beloved wife Marie, his daughter Lisa (Derrick) Miller, son-in-law David Manson, and son Tyler (Sheri) Baker; his grandchildren Mary (Chris) Hanson, and Connor Backlund, Josh (Julie), Meagan, Ben and Emma Manson, Dakota, Samantha and TJ Baker; his great-granddaughters Gemma and Pepper Manson; his sister’s son Brian (Michelle) Schlosser; his brothers-in-law Elder (Joan) Bergen, Ron (Elaine) Bergen, Gerry (Helen) Bergen, his sisters-in-law Barb (Cliff) Krivak and Lorraine (Wayne) Longworth; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Ray was born in Birch Hills, SK on June 3rd, 1944 and grew up in PA going to Queen Elizabeth school and graduating from PACI. While in high school he met the love of his life Marie Bergen. They got married in 1964, welcomed Lisa in 1966, Lana in 1967 and Tyler in 1971. After moves to Melfort and Saskatoon they lived in Prince Albert until 1995 when they retired and settled in Christopher Lake.

After working for his dad for a few years, Ray worked at Burns Meats until 1975 when Ray & Marie purchased Manvilles Cabins in Waskesiu, soon to be known as Bakers Waskesiu Bungalows, which they ran successfully and with much joy for 21 seasons. After a few years of retirement Ray went back to work as a starter at Elk Ridge Golf Course and then Waskesiu Golf Club until he was too ill this summer to continue.

Ray was a talented athlete. Growing up he played ball, football, golf and hockey. He was inducted into the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame in 2004 with the 1963 Anavets Intermediate Hockey Team and then again in 2006 with the 1954 Cosmo Little League Ball Team. Ray was an extremely proud player of the Diefs Chiefs Oldtimers Hockey team. He was an avid golfer playing courses around SK, Canada, US, Hawaii, and Bahamas as well as creating and playing the Waskesiu Pro-Am, organizing tournaments and the men’s golf club. He also became very involved in the Lakeland snowmobile club; leading rides thru the trails, organizing rallies and fundraising for the groomer and warm up shacks. He enjoyed hunting, waterskiing, downhill skiing, curling, loved watching rodeos, games and playing cards.

Ray and Marie were partners in everything they did. They worked side by side in the business, travelled together, and supported each other in all their pursuits. They travelled to numerous destinations with just each other, with their children and with friends and eventually became snowbirds to Mesa.

Family was extremely important to Ray and his children grew up knowing the love and support he had for them was unconditional. He made every effort to ensure Lisa Lana and Tyler had the opportunity to pursue whatever dreams they had. When the sons -and daughter-in-laws joined the family, he welcomed them as his own. He was extremely proud of each and every one of his grandchildren and loved to watch and support them in all their activities. He taught them the value of family, having fun and enjoying life to the fullest.

Ray will be remembered by all his family and friends for his generosity, his stories, his hospitality, friendliness…. the list goes on. But mostly for putting ice in his coffee (way before iced coffee was a thing) and his love of drinking warm beer!

There will be a celebration of Ray’s life on Saturday October 7, 2023 from 1 - 3:30 pm at Rothenburg Family Park, Christopher Lake, SK

Memorial donations in Ray’s memory may be directed to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, www.heartandstroke.ca/donate.com, or to the Save Your Skin Foundation https://saveyourskin.ca/donate-now  Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Marianne Turcotte, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322