Corporal Joshua Baker
Corporal Joshua Baker
Corporal Joshua Caleb Baker was born on 14 June 1985 in Toronto Ontario. Joshua joined the Canadian Army on 24 September 2003, and after completing his trades training, he joined the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
He served with both 1 PPCLI and 2 PPCLI. He completed various courses with the PPCLI, becoming a LAV III driver in April of 2005. He joined the Loyal Edmonton Regiment (4 PPCLI) on 11 March 2008, initially serving in A-Company. He deployed on Task Force 3-09 in October of 2009 with the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Camp Nathan Smith as a Rifleman.
Cpl Baker was an excellent soldier and was respected by all members of his Regiment. Josh loved being in the army and was avidly enthusiastic about serving his country. He had an infectious sense of humour, was soft spoken, and a determined professional soldier. His courage and dedication exemplified the best of our Army and our Nation.
Cpl Baker was killed in a training accident in Kandahar Province. He is survived by his mother Janet Baker-Kiss, grandmother Lillian Baker Conrad, grandfather David Conrad, and sister Heather Middleton. Cpl Baker will be sorely missed and dearly remembered by his family, friends, and the Regimental Family. We will remember him.
Family Statement
Joshua Caleb Baker was soft-spoken man, with a great sense of humour, who loved his family above all things. We’ll remember him as someone with a big heart, someone who got along with everyone he met and someone who would do anything for anyone.
Josh was proud to be in the military and looked forward to pursuing all the opportunities it gave him. While he was frustrated that progress was slow, Josh was hoping to make a difference in Afghanistan. He valued the experience working with Afghans gave him. We were surprised to find out he developed a real taste for tea from his short time there.
Josh was hoping to start a new chapter in his life when he returned from Afghanistan. He looked forward to applying to The Edmonton Police Service, but vowed to maintain his service with The Loyal Edmonton Regiment as a reservist. He was most excited for the house he just purchased and continuing to foster a budding relationship with his girlfriend.
We were blessed to have Josh home from Afghanistan for an early Christmas. He never missed a Christmas with our family and he wasn’t going to let his vacation in November change that. Josh was very excited for the simple pleasures of decorating the Christmas tree and playing with the kids. Josh was a wonderful uncle to his niece and two nephews. He bought a new bike for his niece and cheered-on his eldest nephew at hockey games. Josh loved kids and would have been a great father someday.
While Josh was in Afghanistan, he posted a Bible Verse on Facebook:
(Isaiah 41:10) "Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am the Lord your God.
I will strengthen you, yes I will help. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Josh will be missed always and loved forever. His memories will always live on in our hearts.
The Family of Joshua Baker