Robert John Baker of Bassano, passed away in Medicine Hat on Tuesday, December 4 ^th , 2018 at the age of 71 years. Funeral services will be held at Smith Memorial Chapel on Monday, December 10 ^th at 11:30 AM. Rev. Don Philip officiating. In memory of Bob, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Brooks Animal Protection Services (BAPS), Box 86, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B2.

Cremation is entrusted to Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks .

The following is the tribute written by Rev. Don Philip

Our friend Bob, born July 25 ^th , 1947 and rested Wednesday December 4 ^th , 2018.  He was predeceased by his Father in 1983; his Mother in 2000, and survived by his brother Bill.

He is also survived by his adopted mother Rose, and dear friend Tom, who were his family in Bassano, taking care of his and Jake's needs.

He called Acme, Ab. home for many years, before moving to Bassano in 2000.  In reality anywhere Bob wanted to be, he made it his home.  He was a free spirit and was a self-diagnosed person infected with what he called the wondering GENE; he had to be always on the move!.  When the urge came he would get on that Harley and ride, wherever he chose to, he would just ride: Vegas, Texas and many other places in the Canada and the US.  Bob was a very smart and articulate person if you ever got to speak with him, or as seen in his writings; a truly gentle spirit.  I imagine he had his moments like we all do but for the 14 plus years I have known Bob, he was a gentle man.  He was a patient man, his brother Bill can attest to that.  He loved and cared for Bill through his challenges with the care of a father, making the Journey to Red Deer repeatedly to ensure his brother was taken care of and with great patience, work on many projects together: working on the Harley; assisting with his welding; putting together models and so much more, he even allowed Bill to drive a time or two isn't that right Bill?.  He had his battle with the bottle but was so very proud, and would tell anyone who would listen, he was sober, dry and victorious since 1983 – 35 years!  Wow!  Before his brain trauma he was amazingly skilled with his hands, as I just mentioned he was particularly good with models, putting things together, a fantastic woodworker, and an amazing Target Shooter, a western Canadian Champion, winning many Tournaments in Canada and the US.

Bob was a welder by trade, a ranch hand for many years, simply adored horses, he loved animals, but his real passion was his Dogs; Josie, Jake present here today, and their best friend Kiko.  He would do anything for them and they loved him!

In his latter years he had many challenges, especially with seizures, but he kept on going and did not let that prevent him from being a kind person always considering the plight of those around him. Rose was like a sister, mother and friend, she can attest to that. He loved life, loved to eat, fried Chicken and Baked goodies were two of his favorites; every time he got a chance he had to have donuts and Chicken Burgers.  Oh and BTW at the conclusion of today, everyone is invited to meet at A&W for Chicken Burgers for lunch in memory of Bob!

Although he often stayed in dimly lit surroundings because of his condition, he loved lights and this time of year would have been a spectacle for Him.

Speaking of lights I will read from the book of John chapter 1…

¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome ^{[ a ]} it.

⁶ There was a man sent from God whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. ⁸ He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. ¹¹ He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. ¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

Robert John Baker, we will miss you, Rest in peace my friend!