Baker, Joshua

Our hearts are broken with the passing of our beautiful ray of light, Joshua Michael Baker, on April 10, 2021. Born in Halifax on July 19, 1995 to his adoring parents, Michael and Michelle Baker, Josh was a graduate of King's-Edgehill School, attended Acadia University and graduated from Saint Mary's University - Sobey School of Business (BComm '20).

From the minute he was born, Josh was loving, caring, kind and compassionate. For those fortunate enough to be in his life, he had the innate ability to lift people up. Josh's infectious smile, his focus on being diverse and inclusive in bringing people together, and the deep, pure love for his family was so apparent. Josh viewed his friends as simply more family to love, his circle was large and international in scope. From Halifax to Cape Breton, Boston to Mexico and many places in between, Josh's passion for people and his positive impact on everyone he met was immense.

That passion was fuelled by his love of sports and fitness, especially rugby. He was a multi-sport athlete, winning the James Nicholson Memorial Prize at King's-Edgehill for his overall perseverance in sports and academics. Josh was described as "the fiercest competitor yet the gentlest of gentleman - tough as they come and a friend to all - a gentle soul". He also won the Penaluna Award for the student who best exemplifies "Respect for Self, Respect for Others and Responsibility for ALL actions in a school that exists with few rules, but high standards of conduct, rooted in simple respect." Most recently, Josh was named a member of the Atlantic All-Stars Men's Rugby team (2019-2020).

Left to mourn with beautiful memories are his parents; his loving sister, Mallory Baker; his biggest fan and brother, Bryce Taylor; and his lifelong idol, his grandfather, Mickey Young, Sydney. His love of Cape Breton was grounded by his caring Aunt Jenny Buckland (Frank Ryan), Uncle Colin Young (Kim); cousins, Jennifer Smiley (Ray and MacKenzie), Amy Buckland, Michael Young and Jamie Pottie, and many loyal friends. Josh was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Arthur and Mary Baker, and his maternal grandmother, Martina Young.

A public visitation will be held in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax on Thursday, April 15th between 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held in Cathedral Church of All Saints, Halifax, on Friday, April 16th at 2 p.m. Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, it will be by invitation only. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed; the link will be available at: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com 

For those who wish, remembrances can be made to the King's-Edgehill School Memorial or to an animal shelter of your choice.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Josh's many loving friends and family - thank you for your support, messages, encouragement and companionship. To view or place an online message of condolence please visit: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com 

"He gave with all he had. We mourn with all we are."