LUNENBURG - The streets of Lunenburg were virtually deserted on the afternoon of March 5 as family, friends and colleagues turned out to say goodbye to one of their most beloved native sons, Michael Baker.

 A standing-room-only crowd jammed Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church while at nearby St. John's Anglican Church hundreds more listened to an audio feed of the service, which honoured the long-time Conservative MLA and cabinet minister, who lost his valiant battle with cancer March 2.

 Dignitaries attending the service included Premier Rodney MacDonald and members of his cabinet, Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis, Opposition leader Darrell Dexter, Liberal leader Stephen McNeil and numerous other provincial and municipal political leaders.

 In delivering his eulogy Mr. MacDonald told the gathering that, in the end, it is not the years of your life, it is the life in your years that counts.

 "The Honourable Michael Baker made everything count. I said a couple of days ago that the people of Lunenburg and Nova Scotia lost a great public servant. But what I should have said was that the people of Nova Scotia were fortunate to know and to have such a tremendous public servant."

 He said Mr. Baker not only loved his family but was extremely proud of them. "He was a special person and was passionate about his work in many ways, including legislation.

 "As minister of Justice and attorney general, he used his legal training and knowledge to begin a transformation of the system, including new justice centres," he said. "As minister of Aboriginal Affairs, he strengthened our relationships and signed historic partnerships, and as minister of Finance, he guided our province's finances and became an inspiration to us all. Never once did I hear him complain. In fact, he wanted to contribute more."

 Mr. MacDonald said that, although there were many painful days following the discovery of his illness, "he always managed to smile and wanted to share a good laugh.

 "There wasn't a group or community organization that Michael didn't touch, didn't get involved with, or convince us to purchase or invest in," he joked. "He used his skills as a lawyer, his knowledge and passion for politics and love for this community to convince us, and as you know he was very successful in convincing us.

 "I will miss you, my friend. Fare thee well."

 Deborah Robinson, chief of the Acadia First Nation, brought sympathy to the family on behalf of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs.

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 "We will remember Minister Baker for his diligent work on behalf of the Mi'kmaq people of Nova Scotia, and for his extraordinary efforts to bring about a greater understanding and respect for the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia," she said. "This admiration and respect grew between the Mi'kmaq chiefs and Minister Baker during his term as Aboriginal Affairs minister."

 She recalled that Mr. Baker was instrumental in the development and signing of the umbrella and framework agreements which marked the start of the Made in Nova Scotia process involving the Mi'kmaq, the province and the federal government.

 "This played an important role in breaking the silence of over 200 years between all three parties," she said. "It would be difficult to measure the impact he has had on the many people's lives he touched, personally and professionally. His sincerity and genuine … character when dealing with us, the Mi'kmaq, will never be forgotten."

 In her homily, Rev. Vivian Roberts said that rather than list the accomplishments that Mr. Baker had achieved as a politician, she decided instead "to just say he was the minister responsible for almost everything.

 "Because that was Michael. So what more is there to say?" she asked.

 Rev. Roberts said it is difficult to say goodbye, "especially to someone who, when the first time you met them, made you feel like you had known them your entire life, and that he was honoured to know you."

 She told those assembled to hold on to the reality that Mr. Baker will not be forgotten.

 "Even if we try, it would be impossible, because no matter where we turn, where we look, where we go, we will continue to see the evidence of Michael's activity in our lives. He was that kind of guy," she said.

posted on 03/10/09