We Remember
BAKER, Graham Mervyn
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Graham Baker of Kelowna, BC, passed away in his home comforted by his loving wife, soulmate and bestfriend, Coralynn, by his side, on the morning of Friday, September 20, 2013. Graham is survived by and in the hearts of son, Vernon (Suzy) Baker, Vancouver, BC, daughter, Melody (Todd) Baker-Erickson, Salt Spring Island, step-daughter, Lisa (Glenn) Moss, Ottawa, Ontario, grandson, Brooks Baker-Erickson and granddaughter Charley Baker-Erickson and grandsons Brendan and Brayden Moss. Survived by siblings residing in England, sister Shirley (Barry) Harvey and sister Marie (Ken) Walker.
Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision. We are traveling by train. We see ourselves on a long trip that spans the continent. Out the windows we drink in the passing scene of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at a crossing, of cattle grazing on a distant hillside, of smoke pouring from a power plant, of row upon row of corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of mountains and rolling hillsides of city skylines and village halls.
On a certain day, at a certain hour, we will pull into the station. Once we get there so many wonderful dreams will come true and the pieces of our lives will fit together like a completed puzzle. Sooner or later, we realize there is no station, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is in the trip. The station is only a dream that constantly outdistances us.
So, “Relish the moment,” it isn’t the burden of today that drives men mad, it is the regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us of today. Stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles, instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more, cry less. Life must be lived as we go along. The station will come soon enough.
At Graham’s request there will be no service. For those wishing to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences”.
So sad for your loss..I’m in Calif. & will call you when I get back…I always enjoyed Graham & his sense of humor..wish I was there to give you a hug
I was saddened to hear the passing of Graham. I will always remember Graham for sauntering through the halls at KGH, hands in his pockets and always having something witty to say. He was a great man to get to know both professionally and personally. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of sorrow. Hugs to all.
Coralynn & Family. Condolences on the passing of Graham. Always enjoyed my conversations with Graham over the years.
He was a true character and always ready to share a comment or a laugh. God Bless.
We were sorry to hear about Grahams passing, always a smiling face, good humor and a pleasure to work with, he was a great friend…. Frank and Jean Kirschner
Coralynn and family, I am so sorry to hear of Graham’s passing. I shared many memories of my KGH days with Graham. I can still see him in the halls of KGH with the grin on his face and his witty remarks. He truly was a character and a friend.. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time… Janice and Martin de Heer.
Coralynn-condolences to you and the family on the loss of Graham. It was a privelege to have known and worked with Graham. We did have good times when it came to planning and executing the CHES conferences.
If you need any help, please don’t hesitate to ask. Doris
Coralynn and family – we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We worked with Graham for many years and enjoyed his humor and expertise. We will miss him. George and Jim Harris
Coralynn, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so sorry to hear of Graham’s passing. Think about all the happy memories you shared with Graham – they will help carry you through this difficult time. When you’re feeling up to it, Shirley and I will have you join us for lunch.
Deepest sympathy to Graham’s family. It’s been several years but in my mind’s eye, we traverse the back corridor
of KGH, Graham with his smile and dry humour. Thinking of you, Coralynn, at this difficult time.
Jenny
Graham was the best brother anybody could wish for. When I was a small child he would always stick up for me and as I grew up, even though he lived so far away, I knew that if I ever needed him he would be there for me. To Barry, Graham was simply the brother he never had and we will both miss him more than words could ever say.
Graham often remarked on how alike we were not only in our looks but our outlook on life and the same (at times strange) sense of humour.
Graham’s life was complete when he met Coralynn she really was his soul mate and I have been thankful every day that they found each other.
He was so very proud of his children Vernon and Melodie and his grandchildren Brooks and Charley, and was delighted that Vernon and Melodie were happily settled with their partners Todd and Suzie.
Barry and I will miss our wonderful holidays the four of us spent together, visiting places that I never imagined I would visit those memories will always stay with us. We also looked forward so much to Graham and Coralynn‘s visits to England and to Graham’s help in the garden and advice to Barry about the state of his garage!
Without Graham the world has lost some of its sparkle, I loved him and I miss him so much.
Shirley x
My condolences to you Coralynn and family. Very sorry for your loss. I remember Graham down the back halls of KGH and he always had a smile on his face. He will be remembered forever in your hearts…My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Erika OReilly
Coralynn & Family, my condolences of the passing of Graham. I first meet Graham many years ago when he was working @ Cottonwoods, and continued to share a smile and a hello in the halls @ KGH. Sending Healing thoughts to you all…
Denise. (Cheri’s sister)
Coralyn & Family, I am sorry to hear of Graham’s passing. He was a very positive person who enjoyed his professional career and having fulfilled that dream he was enjoying his retirement to the fullest. We are sorry that he did not get to complete that dream but he did his best with the way the cards were dealt. He will be missed.
Coralynn & Family,I am so sorry to hear of the graham’s passing. We shared many enjoyable conversations in the hallways and cafeteria at KGH. He is remembered as a straight shooter with a great sense of humour. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Coralyn&Family,so sorry to hear of Graham’s passing. I enjoyed working for Grahamm. He was a very fine fellow. He will be missed. Pleas
accept my sincere condolences.
My deepest sympathy to Coralynn and the family.
Graham Baker was a good man, respected by his men, he will be missed. It was a pleasure working with Graham.
We, like so many are saddened by this news of Graham’s passing but we give thanks for the privilege of knowing him. Graham was a faithful and honest friend, in every way a best friend! How we enjoyed our visits over the years, meeting at every opportunity for lunch and a lengthy chat. His ready smile and sense of humour never failed to delighted us. His love of you Coralynn, was never hidden nor was his pride in his family.
Knowing Graham’s love of trains we appreciated the reference to life’s train ride. May we all relish every moment, leave the regrets and fears in favour of friendships, laughter, rivers to cross and adventures to enjoy. LORD bless you Coralynn and all the family. Much love.
Graham helped me considerably at a time when things were tough. I very much appreciated that and I’m sorry he has gone. I didn’t ever meet any of his kids but offer my condolences to them and yourself, Coralynn. Terry Adams Maintenance
Coralynn and Family,
Such very sad news. Graham was my best friend (and fellow waster!!) aged 16 at school. He initially went into The Royal Fleet Auxiliary and latterly emigrated to Canada but we always kept in touch. Graham always called us up to go out for a beer at one of our local pubs when visiting the UK. We shall always be glad that we stayed with him and Coralynn after our trip on The Rocky Mountaineer a few years ago. Who can I chat to now about our love of all things steam, trains and other frivolous pastimes. Our hearts go out to Coralynn and his family.
On behalf of the BC Chapter of the Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society I would like to express our deepest condolences. Graham was a tireless volunteer in CHES for many years. Several years ago he won the Hans Burger’s award (CHES’s highest honor) for his contributions to Healthcare Engineering and the organization. He was an amazing person. He was a leader, mentor, and a wonderful person to be around. He always brought a smile to everyone’s face when he entered the room. He will be missed.
I’ve just learned of Graham’s passing. Some things in life just don’t make any sense. It’s been my privilige to have known Graham for a good number of years and had the good fortune to work together on our CHES (Canadian Healthcare Engineering Society) executive. Graham’s values and beliefs shone through in every decision and conversation, guiding the BC Chapter into becoming a gold standard for provincial CHES chapters. And of course he always would bring humour to the forefront bringing many smiles to many faces. You’ll be missed my friend and colleague by many, but your legacy to CHES BC will live forever.
Graham was part of my team, after arriving in Canada from the UK. I completely concur with all of the comments noted by previous participants. Graham was indeed a great bloke to work with, and no doubt missed by his staff, and family.
Rest in Peace good friend.