It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Ricky Sheldon Baker of Birchy Bay with his family by his side at the Health Science Center on Sunday, May 31st, 2026 at the young age of 58.

Ricky was born in Gander to Larry and Lorraine Baker on January 23rd, 1968 and grew up in Little Burnt Bay. He met and married the love of his life, Cynthia Ann Burt in 1991 and enjoyed 35 wonderful years together.

Rick worked for over 30 years in the construction industry, most recently as a site Superintendent with Ryson Construction., where he made many strong and lasting relationships with a group of people who treated him like family. A natural born leader, Rick possessed an innate ability to bring out the best in others and was a mentor and steady anchor for his colleagues and friends.

Rick and Cynthia enjoyed every moment together, camping at Notre Dame Park, boating in Notre Dame Bay (when it wasn’t too windy), trips on side by side with a close circle of friends and a daily trip to Tim’s for a medium tea with two cream.

Rick loved spending time with his boys, whether it be at the many stadiums across the province watching hockey, one-on-one conversations in the garage, hours chatting on the phone, giving direction on even the simplest tasks, moose hunting in area 22, or a sunny day with a hook in the water behind Exploit’s Island.

Pop Baker enjoyed every moment he had with his grandchildren, down on the floor playing mini - sticks or trucks, endless games of snakes and ladders, throwing rocks in the water or rides around the garden in his John Deere tractor.

Rick was a rock to so many, always ready to lend an ear or offer a helping hand. He had an incredible gift for knowing exactly what to say, always offering the perfect words of comfort, wisdom, or encouragement when they were needed most.

Leaving to cherish his many memories are his wife Cynthia, his two boys Brandon (Jessica), Lucas (Hilary), his father Larry, father and mother-in-law Baxter and Bernice Burt, brothers Kevin (Mariz), Morris (Dena), Wayne (Joy), Guy (Debbie) and Lawrence (Erica). Rick was predeceased by his mother Lorraine Baker.

He will be forever loved and remembered by his three grandchildren Levi, Rylan and Weston whom he loved and adored more than anything in this world, as well as a large circle of other family and friends.

In accordance with Rick’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place from Families Funeral Home in Lewisporte on Friday, June 5th, 2026 for family from 2 to 4 pm and public visitation from 7 to 9 pm. A Funeral Service will take place at the Salvation Army Church in Birchy Bay on Saturday, June 6th at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Lewisporte & Area Minor Hockey Association in memory of Rick. Donations may be made via E-transfer to registrarlamha@gmail.com