BAKER, Robert William, 67, of Pompano Beach, Florida passed away Saturday, July 14, 2012 at North Broward Medical Center, Deerfield Beach, FL, with his oldest son Rob and daughter-in-law Lisa at his side. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on May 15, 1945 to the late William and Jean (Crowell) Baker, he moved to Cape Island, NS, Canada, when he was six years old. Known as “Baker” to his friends and co-workers, he served in the 173rd Airborne Division in Vietnam while in the US Army. His military career took him to Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Okinawa and Fort Dix, New Jersey. He attended Trenton State University, New Jersey, where he received his degree in Business Administration. In 1978 he returned to NS and was employed with Kent Lines in Saint John, NB, where promotion came quickly and he earned his First Officer Marine Engineer certification in record time. A gifted math student, he was often invited to teach the physics and math portion of the courses in which he was enrolled. In 2004 he bought a home on the river in Hanover, Maine, and until recently when his health deteriorated, spent time there working with his tractor. He was a competitive bridge player, liked watching documentaries, reading, gardening and “spur of the moment” road trips. Affectionately referred to as “Big Robert” by his grandchildren, he was immensely proud of their musical, academic and athletic achievements. He is survived by three children and five grandchildren: Josephine “Jodi” (Mike) Belleau (San Diego, Calif.) and their daughter Emily (San Francisco); Robert (Lisa Nielson) and their children, Riley and Logan, Parkland, Florida; Thomas (Denise Fougere) and their children, Molly and Sam, Phoenix, Arizona. Surviving siblings are Carol (Costa Rica), Linda (Jimmy) Quinlan, USA; Tom (Cheryl) North East Point, NS; Billy (Irene) Clark’s Harbour, NS; and Phyllis (Buddy) Jones, Clark’s Harbour, NS. Remains were entrusted to Kraeer Funeral Home in Coral Springs, Fl. where cremation has taken place. His ashes will be returned to Cape Island, NS at a later date.