With his family around him and thoughts and prayers from friends near and far The Honourable Michael Baker, Q.C., Minister of Finance, 52, of Lunenburg passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 2, 2009 after a valiant fight with cancer.

Michael was born in Lunenburg, on January 28, 1957, the son of Gilbert and Barbara Baker, Lunenburg.

The way in which Michael lived his life was an inspiration. The love for his family, community, province and country were evident in his daily life, work and witness. Michael was a dedicated and faithful leader in his community, the guiding light for his family and gave countless hours serving others. Throughout his life-threatening illness his constant optimism, courageous spirit and fortitude inspired others.

Michael graduated with a Bachelor of Law Degree from Dalhousie University, Halifax and practiced law at Hennigar, Wells, Lamey & Baker and acted as Mahone Bay Town Solicitor. He was a Past President of the Lunenburg County Barristers Association; former member of the Nova Scotia Barristers Society Council and a former director of the Marine Atlantic. He was appointed to the Queen’s Counsel in 1999.

The Honourable Michael Baker was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in March of 1998; re-elected in July 1999, August 2003 and June 2006. His Cabinet duties have included Minister of Finance; Minister of Transportation and Public Works; Minister of Aboriginal Affairs; Minister of Justice; Minister responsible for Communication Nova Scotia; Minister responsible for the Administration of the Human Rights Act and the Utility and Review Board Act; Minister responsible for the Regulations Act; Minister responsible for the Insurance Act, the Securities Act; and Minister responsible for Part II of the Worker’s Compensation Act. He has also been chair of the Treasury and Policy Board.

Michael faithfully served his community as the MLA for Lunenburg; former member on the Board of Directors of Family and Children Services of Lunenburg County, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal and the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary ; former Vice-Chair of the South Shore Residential Tenancies Board and the Lunenburg County Regional Housing Authority. He was Past President of the Lunenburg Academy Foundation; former chair of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and a Recipient of the Sherman Zwicker Citizenship Award.

On February 13, 2009, the New Justice Centre in Bridgewater was dedicated in Michael's honour.

Though Michael’s life was a full and active one, true to his heart was the special love and devotion he shared with his loving wife, Cynthia (Corkum) and sons, Matthew and Daniel ; sister, Valerie (Paul) Burley, Guelph, Ont.; brother, Peter (Paula), Martin’s Brook; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Hwy #3, Lunenburg and where visitation will be held Wednesday from 7:00 â€" 9:00 p.m. A service to celebrate Michael’s life will be held on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 65 Fox Street, Lunenburg, Rev. Vivian S. Roberts officiating. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery.

Flowers from the immediate family only. Memorial donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Lunenburg or to the Canadian Cancer Society.

www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca