Baker, Simon Lloyd
Simon Lloyd Baker, age 66, passed away after a lengthy battle with brain injury and cancer, with his loving wife Viv by his side on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at Chapman House Hospice in Owen Sound.
Simon was born and raised in England the youngest of 3 boys. His first job was as a hired hand on a dairy farm, a job he said he loved and learned a great deal from. He met his wife whilst on a rugby tour to the Beaches area of Toronto in 1980 and asked her to marry him after 1 ½ weeks. They spent 13 years together in England and immigrated to Canada in 1994. They have been happily married for 42 years.
They have no children of their own, but have 10 Godchildren, 3 nieces and 2 nephews, some in Canada and some in England. After he married, Simon went back to Portsmouth University and achieved a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Geology and was afforded chartered status, an honour given by Her Majesty the Queen to only 40 individuals the world over. He also earned a masters degree in human resources from the UK. After immigrating, Simon was highly sought after as a Consultant Geologist, working independently, and as a government liaison and lecturing at universities in North America and parts of Europe. He loved sports and was President and Captain of his local rugby club. He represented Great Britain in a European Olympic type event and he also coached basketball and loved to golf. He was one, if not the first women’s rugby coach at Toronto Scottish Rugby Club. He was an avid chess and scrabble player and enjoyed many games with Viv. Simon and Viv moved to Meaford in 2000 where they lived with their cherished canine companions Savi, Fly, Milo, and Lu.
In 2012, Simon sustained a devastating brain injury that changed his life dramatically. He could no longer work and was cared for by his devoted wife Viv at home for 11 years. The last year or so was spent at Meaford Long Term Care, where the staff treated him with kindness and compassion, taking the pressure off Viv. He spent only 3 days at Chapman House Hospice in Owen Sound, but the care he received there was unbelievably comforting and reassuring.
Simon leaves behind his beloved wife Viv, his mother Elaine Baker (England), his brother Philip and sister-in-law Lyn Baker (Australia) and their children, Rachel, Joanna and Sarah; his estranged brother Julian and his wife Philippa Baker (England); his sister-in-law Virginia and brother-in-law Alan Unsted (Canada) and their children, Paul and Graham. As well as, 4 cousins, 10 Godchildren, and several other people who Simon and Viv cherished and considered to be family; Becky, Leslie, Robin and Anna. Simon was predeceased by his father Tony Baker.
Cremation has taken place and interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in the near future.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to Chapman House Hospice or an Animal Shelter of your choice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Make a donation in memory of Simon Lloyd Baker
Donations: Grey Bruce Residential Hospice 'Chapman House' or to an animal chairity of your choice.Donate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Monday, October 2, 2023
So sorry to hear of Simon passing. I was your electrician when you lived beside fire hall. May Simon rest in peace and fly with the angels.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Thanks for remembering Simon and for this kind message…Viv
Monday, October 2, 2023
So sorry to read this Viv. Thinking of you
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Thanks for remembering Simon and for this kind message…Viv
Monday, October 2, 2023
Viv. Our condolences go out to you at this sad time. Have great memories of Simon That will never be forgotten Rest in peace Simon.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Thanks for remembering Simon and for this kind message…Viv
Monday, October 2, 2023
Viv. Our condolences go out to you at this sad time. Have great memories of Simon that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Simon. John & Kim.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Thanks for remembering Simon and for this kind message…Viv
Monday, October 2, 2023
Viv
I was so sorry to hear of Simons passing. I will always remember Simon as a caring person, and a great community role model.
May God be with you during this stressful time.
Monday, October 2, 2023
We are so sorry to hear of Simon’s passing. What a loss to those who knew him. He had such a full life and accomplished a great deal. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Our sympathy to you Viv in your loss. Simon was a great neighbor & we always enjoying seeing him cleaning up the area after the contractors when he was in better health.
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Dearest Viv, Alan and I, Paul, Graham and Courtney are so terribly saddened with your loss. He is at peace now and at rest. We have over 40 years of memories of Simon and we have shared many life passages together. Our journey began with that famous rugby trip from Worthin RFC to the Balmy Beach club in 1980. Alan and Simon ended up marrying sisters and settling down to life here. We are here to support you for always.
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Ken & Lila Belair
Sorry for your loss Viv. Terrible circumstances that led to this sad time, but glad he is at peace now. We go way back Viv, and I know you will overcome this in time. Be strong. You are the best and we are all proud of how you managed the situation. Love, Ken / Lila
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Thanks for remembering Simon and for this kind message…Viv
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
Simon was a great fellow. He thoroughly enjoyed his time at the Meaford Day-Away program, and was an excellent humorist. He thoroughly encouraged and enjoyed banter between clients, staff and volunteers. Sincere condolences to Viv and all his family.
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
What very special person you were, how we enjoyed you at dayaway, Sorry for your loss Vi
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Dearest Viv I feel so proud to have known Simon and to have had him as my best buddy for so many years. We, Sally, Natalie, Matthew, Christopher and I, will miss him terribly. We know what you both have been through the last year and hope that despite the miles apart we have been there for you. We always will be. Sending all our love as always. Waggy xxx
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Viv,
Sending you deepest condolences from your old neighbour on Vernon Rd.
Simon sounds like a lovely man who will be missed greatly by you and by many. Wishing you peace and happy memories.
Elissa Keiper (Lemberg)
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Viv, you must be heartbroken. You and Simon were devoted to each other and you made quite a pair.
I am so sorry to hear this news. I will be thinking about you.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Simon was dearly loved and will be so so very missed by all who loved and new him. You have such great memories of all your years together.
Viv- you were such a loving, caring constant companion to your “boy” right til the end
Loving thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Heartfelt condolences also from Tara, Leah, Phyllis and Sheila.
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Darling Viv,
Such deep sadness we all feel for the loss of your beautiful man. You have loved and cared for him through some difficult times and now he is at peace.
Thinking of you my darling.
All our love
Sally and family xxx
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Dearest Viv
The memories we all hold so dear are of you and Simon, always together. To let him go must be the hardest thing you have ever had to do, but he is at rest and we are all here for you as you know – sending you all our love and hoping this may comfort you in some small way.
Love Helena, Bryan, Verity and Yvette xxxx
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Viv, I am so sorry for your loss. Simon was an accomplished, kind and caring man. You have been a devoted caregiver. Thinking of you and sharing my deepest condolences to you and all you hold dear.
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Viv, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Treasure the memories as they are precious. Simon was a gentle soul and he will now be at peace after all he has been through in the last few years. Cathy and Tim
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Dear Viv
We were so very sorry to hear of Simon’s passing. The times we spent with the two of you were always memorable whether in Toronto, Richmond Hill or Meaford. Lots of laughs and rugby stories. We met Phil Baker in Guernsey a couple of years ago when Worthing were playing here, another rugby story. We will be in touch next time we are in Canada. Sending love from Guernsey.
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Dear Viv- so sorry to hear of Simon’s passing. You have been a devoted and constant caregiver over the past number of years and I know that Simon would have been comforted from that. Cherish the many years of happy memories, they will live on forever. Sending love and hugs to you as you navigate through this most difficult time.
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Dear Viv,
Our deepest condolences to you on the passing of Simon. We will always treasure the memories of our friendship through our days at Worthing RFC, our weddings and our lives both in the UK and here in Canada.
May his soul be at rest and may you find peace in your memories.
With all our love, thoughts and prayers,
Phil & Jan
Friday, October 6, 2023
So sorry to hear of Simon’s passing, Viv.
Friday, October 6, 2023
So many fond memories of Simon. He had the best worst jokes and a great laugh to top them off. Thinking of you Viv.
Saturday, October 7, 2023
I am so sorry to hear this. I enjoyed chatting with Simon at “The Leeky” and getting to know you both and running into you around town. Thinking of you Viv
Monday, October 9, 2023
What a loss to humanity! It has been a very sad and long journey but we can’t help but look back on all the love, laughter and happiness that Simon shared with everyone. So many joyous times skiing, partying, tours and holidays which will remain forever in our hearts. Elaine and Mike x
Monday, October 9, 2023
Viv, Simon’s quick smile and laugh will be remembered.
Thursday, October 12, 2023
So sorry to hear of Simon, Viv. Ron & I enjoyed conversations with Simon. He will be missed, especially by you, so please take care of yourself. God bless & hugs.
Monday, November 6, 2023
Dear Viv.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
I met Simon in Toronto, a few years before completing my PhD. We immediately hit it off, and it was no surprise we built a great friendship. He helped me get my first job, and his friendly nature and ability to put people at ease allowed him to shine as Best Man at our wedding. Simon was passionate about geology and life and a genuinely caring, brilliant but down to earth and wonderful man.
He was a special human being, well-liked and loved and not just for his British sense of humour. Karen and I will miss him greatly and Viv we are here for you now and always.
Andy & Karen
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
It saddens us to write this, but we know life is a gift from the Father, and now, as part of that life, Simon has moved on, having made this life a better place.
Our meeting with Viv and Simon was no mistake, not even a coincidence; it was meant to be, and we have been changed having known Simon and better human beings.
Sadly, we learn more about someone after they pass. Still, in the time we have spent with Simon, we know he is a remarkable man who stuck to his ideals, worked hard, played hard, and achieved great things in a short time on this earth. I felt I had already known him, and we know we still have a part of him on this earth through Viv.
With this loss, we know there is much more to do for each other; it is what Simon wanted.
The short time we did spend with him was a blessing, but better for it. Our friendship again was not a coincidence; he was my friend who shared his thoughts during a chess game; we discussed what mattered to each other. Today, my daughter calls Simon grumpa, and Viv, gramma. When we arrived in Meaford, they lived in a community we knew nothing about; our friendship grew amongst people who accepted us as we were, and we them, we shared, we cared, and now, Simon’s legacy is with us; we shalt not forget him, his story, our paths, and our human journey together. God Bless