Former mayor and councillor Ken Baker passed away last week at the age of 79. (Photo Credit: City of Lloydminster)

By Josh Ryan

Lifetime of service

Local leaders remember Ken Baker, former Lloydminster mayor

Nov 30, 2020 | 4:00 PM

Lloydminster mourned a giant last week, a man whose contributions in public service extended beyond city limits.

Ken Baker, former mayor and long-time member of City Council, passed away from natural causes on November 23. His former colleagues and peers at City Hall were quick reflect on his impact on the community.

“On behalf of the entire city, I express our sympathies to Ken’s loving wife Jean and their family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all mourning this loss,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “Ken will be remembered as one of those ‘larger than life’ people who dedicated his heart and soul to the betterment of this city. His wisdom and leadership will continue to echo in our Council Chambers for decades to come.”

One of the Border City’s longest serving politicians, Baker was first served on council from 1994-2000, before being elected mayor in the fall of 2000. He stepped aside in 2009, before being re-elected as a councillor in a by-election in 2014, serving another six years. Aalbers said Baker’s fingerprints are left in many places in Lloydminster from his 21 years on council.

“Getting the Vic Juba constructed, the Servus Sports Centre that’s now in the city today, and many other projects,” he said.

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Last year, the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association and the Municipalities of Saskatchewan both recognized Baker for his service on municipal council. During Aalbers first four years as mayor, he said Baker was instrumental as to the work of council, as well as serving as a friend and mentor. This fall, Baker chose not to run for re-election.

“Ken brought a lot to the table,” Aalbers said. “He made sure that we were well informed from the [city’s] history, because history is an important teacher.”

“I can’t give enough thanks for what he did. He will be missed.”

(Photo Credit: James Wood/My Lloydminster Now, 106.1 The Goat/Vista Radio)

While Baker’s biggest impact has been felt by Lloydminster residents, it’s extended to the rest of the region, such as his hometown of Turtleford. City Councillor, and former Saskatchewan Health Minister, Len Taylor said he knew Ken back from his days in Turtleford and would run into him during his early days of campaigning.

“It was pretty obvious that he cared about his community,” Taylor said. “I enjoyed my conversations with Ken a lot, no matter what the circumstance.”

Over the years of knowing and working with Baker, as his time as an MP and MLA crossed with Baker’s time on council, Taylor said he always looked forward to their discussions.

“You meet somebody, have a bit of a conversation and immediately like them,” Taylor said. “It seems obvious that you should respect their opinion. That was Ken.”

“It was pretty obvious that he cared about his community. I enjoyed my conversations with Ken a lot, no matter what the circumstance.”

That respect extended to other leaders in the region. Taylor said that even when speaking on issues that affected other communities, you felt that Baker spoke for the residents.

“You knew that if Ken was bringing you something, you should pay attention to the issue, think about it, work on it and resolve it,” Taylor said.

“I’ll miss him, many people will miss him, he contributed a great deal and he’ll be remembered well.”

Ken Baker was 79. He is survived by his wife Jean; his daughter Deb Renton (Kirby); his grandchildren, Chase, Brynn (Daniel Hilsendager) and Gage (Jenna McGarry); his sister Elaine Brown of Yorkton, Saskatchewan; his niece Juanita Polegi (Allan); and his nephew Dean Brown (Terry Senft).

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports