Obituary of Richard David Baker

Baker, Rick “Shake” Surrounded by his loving family, Rick “Shake” Baker passed peacefully from a beautiful life lived well with determination and passion into God’s embrace on September 22, 2020. Survived by the four loves of his life, his partner and beloved wife Shelley (nee Lescisin) and his children Jordan, Megan and Ali. Cherished son of Gordon and Barbara Baker and son-in-law of Joe and Mary Lescisin. Dear brother of Steven and Kelly Baker and brother-in-law of Kathy and Mike Gambarotto. Uncle Rick was admired and will be missed by Kari, Alycia, Nicholas, Mikey, Kelsey and Mackenzie. His best friend of 52 years, best man and business partner Brian (Heather) Semkowski will miss him tremendously. For over 4.5 years, Rick, with the most incredible determination, fought and won his battle with pancreatic cancer. He searched the world for the best treatments and never left a stone unturned. With his unending optimism, Rick never complained and never gave up. A very special thanks to Dr. Mark Vincent for his exceptional care. They were an incredible team and we are eternally grateful. Rick’s vision and inspiration for the Baker Centre for Pancreatic Cancer is bringing hope to pancreatic cancer patients and his legacy will provide advanced treatments, clinical trials and increased patient survival right here in London. Rick was an incredible business man. In 1990, Rick along with His partners Brian Semkowski, Paul Atkinson and Randy Gillies formed the Southwest Sun Group Inc. as an independent sales organization for Sun Microsystems. This lead to the formation of Solect Technology Group Inc. (A software billing company) in 1993 (Sold in 2000) Scalar Decisions 2001,( Sold in 2018) Southwest Sun Auto Group 2002 ( Sold in 2016) and Equals Brewing Company Inc. 2017. A Partnership that lasted 31 years. Rick was an avid sports lover and athlete, fiercely competitive on the golf course and the squash court. His love of cycling lead him to many beautiful countries these past years. Climbing Mont Ventoux in France, one week after a chemotherapy treatment, was a testament to his determination and will to never give up. Thank you to the angels who supported us during our difficult days, Lisa Louch and her team from the Southwest LHIN, Carrie Lelapi our amazing and compassionate nurse, Kathy Gambarotto and Abi and Pandora who spent precious moments with us. Special thanks to the kind and compassionate chemotherapy nurses at LRCP who lovingly treated and cared for Rick during his many visits. “It isn't easy to say goodbye But I know it's only for a little while Run up ahead and I will catch up 'Cause I'm gonna see you when tomorrow comes On the other side” Due to Covid restrictions, a private service was held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Baker Centre for Pancreatic Cancer at London Health Sciences Foundation. Friends of Rick (Shake) and the Baker family are invited to pay their respects with a Covid Friendly drive by visitation on Sunday September 27th, 2020 at the Elsie Perrin Williams Estate (101 Windermere Road, London N6G 2J4). Visitation will take place from 12 noon until 4 pm and we ask that all guest remain in their car at all times. To avoid large lines the family is requesting that guests with a surname starting with A-G consider arriving between 12-1pm, H-N arrive between 1-2 pm, O-T arrive between 2-3pm, and Q-Z arrive between 3-4 pm. A proper celebration of life will be held at a later date when Covid restrictions can safely be lifted. Thank you for your understanding.