Obituary of Kevin John Baker

Executive Dean, Durham College Faculty of Business

Hoka Hey Rider #1055

IBA Rider #694

Tour of Honor Rider #255

Yes…I ride…far…often!

Tragically, Kevin passed away on October 7^th, 2023 as the result of a motorcycle accident in Australia

Much loved husband of Kellie, adoring dad of Kendra (Austin) Maestre, Kristian Baker (Kimmie Kennedy) and Kameron Baker and cherished papa to Eden and Theo.  Beloved son of Marjorie White and the late Robert Baker.  Kevin was loved by his beloved grandmother Eva Baker.  He was the oldest brother of Kendall (Bea), Kelly, Kane, Vanessa (Billy) and Diane (Twain).  Loved son in law of Eric & Linda Smith and brother in law to Suzanne Smith (Stephanie Slade) and Carol Poot (Dwayne).  He will be sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.

Kevin was passionate about higher education and leadership and was an advocate for student success, program diversity and community partnerships.  He was larger than life, a creative and innovative thinker who loved to share his ideas with others.  A kind, approachable leader, Kevin always made time for colleagues and students.  Kevin joined DC in 2011 as Dean of the School Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services and then became Principal and Executive Dean of the Whitby campus in 2015.  He returned to the Oshawa Campus as Executive Dean of the School of Business, IT & Management (BITM), now the Faculty of Business in 2018.

Kevin Baker Bam Baker, who were you?

That all depends on where or how you met him.

He could have been a big happy guy with a huge smile walking through a door with a plate of great trading food, to join a bunch of strangers who would also become part of his huge circle of friends.

He could have been that biker that you saw crawling out from under a tarp beside his motorcycle, yes was that old schooled.  Or he could have been with a group of other riders that had stopped for a bite somewhere and was happy to chat with you.

If it was Christmas and you saw Santa riding down the highway between Quebec and Windsor, chances it was him.

He could have been that guy at a Jay’s game or Generals game sitting beside you and talking like you had known him forever.

He could have been the guy in the white chef’s coat preparing you a gourmet dinner for a charity fundraiser.

He could have been that guy in the 3 piece suit that you saw around Durham College, the executive dean.

Whichever version of Kevin you saw or met, one thing was the same.  He was a big guy with a heart of gold that would do anything to help you out.  He will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him!

Visitation will be held at NORTHCUTT ELLIOTT FUNERAL HOME, 53 Division St. N. Bowmanville on Sunday October 22^nd from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 pm.  A Funeral Service will be held on Monday October 23^rd at 1 pm at HOPE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, 1685 Bloor Street, Courtice.  The service will be available to view virtually, please use the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-THrNUUk-IA

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mile Monsters, Inc using the link below:

https://givebutter.com/MonsterBam?fbclid=IwAR0hObbs7iRBOyLrMmk2pK6ndFHovwtBCHI5Wwpneh9GuutyLSPKHNIal2U_aem_AR8_AWFn_b7wjFEASyquKv0Xqh6MIY10inolPjnnLKMgNkATV3Wg-9T3j6KwIqKWX_I#