Canso, NS
December 9, 1955 - February 7, 2025
It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of our precious brother, Captain John Allen Baker, age 69 who lost his life at sea February 7, 2025.
John was born December 9, 1955, in Canso, Nova Scotia to Calvin Howard Baker and Virginia Margaret O'Hearn.
Survived by his partner, Mary Misener, siblings, Marie Parker, Martha Rhynold, Theresa Cole (Darren Albert), Margaret Parker (John), Joan Baker, Dorothy Bennett (Darren), Ginny Boudreau (Jerome), Anthony Baker (Melissa), Doug Baker (Bev) and Helen Casey (Paul). John was pre-deceased by his parents, Calvin and Virginia (Tootsie), brother in laws, Terry Parker and Fred Rhynold and nephew Paul Parker.
Having no biological children, we wish to acknowledge his commitment to his stepchildren, step-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved them all, would wrap them in a wonderful hug and generously shared all his resources (including free fish) with them.
John's career and entire life was devoted to the Commercial Offshore Fishery. John was an avid NFL Football fan of New England Patriots, a voracious reader and a master at barbecuing (mostly rare) steak.
John's career in fishing started in his late teens on the Offshore Draggers out of Canso. John found his passion and fell in love with fishing. He began Marine Training and was the youngest to achieve a Fishing Master Class 1 in Nova Scotia. One of John's proudest moments was when he became Captain of The Bedeque, an Offshore fishing trawler. This was the first of many vessels he captained over the years. A very large part of John's career was spent working with his life -long friend and employer, Willard Grover of Tor Bay.
John went on to fish many commercial and experimental species. He worked passionately with Department of Fisheries and Oceans staff, scientists, and oceanographers to contribute to marine science that ensured the conservation and viability of the fishing resources. John was involved in every aspect of the fishing industry and spent time working on a Canadian Coast Guard research vessel. His knowledge of the ocean, the marine environment and the species that he fished was exemplary. The ocean was his home and fishing was his love. There is so much more about John that most will never know. He shared his talents, knowledge and passion with anyone who was interested and mentored many fishermen during his life.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 13, 1:00 - 7:00 pm in Dennis Haverstocks Funeral Home, Canso, Nova Scotia
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, February 14 at 1:00 p.m. in Star of the Sea
Roman Catholic Church, Canso, Nova Scotia.
Memorial donations may be made to Seamen's Memorial Fund C/O Lions Club of Canso.
Flowers are welcome.
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