RIVER HEBERT - For more than 50 years Ronald Baker was a cornerstone of River Hebert and the Cumberland County trucking industry.
The community and many of his fellow truckers came together Tuesday, Dec. 1 to give the 74-year-old a proper send-off with a drive-by of his River Hebert home that included more than 50 trucks of all sizes.
Baker passed away suddenly at Lower Cove on Friday.
“We’re so honoured to have his peers honour him in this way,” Baker’s widow, Beth, said following the gesture. “They wanted to do something to show their appreciation and they would have showed up in any weather. Ronnie deserves all the accolades he can get. He meant a lot to the community and I don’t think he ever realized that.”
Despite a driving rain, trucks from across the county - including fire trucks from area departments and service vehicles - lined up along the highway leading into the village and shortly after one the procession started toward Baker’s home, located on the corner of Highway 242 and the Barronsfield Road.
The procession was led by Baker’s own truck, which stopped for several minutes in front of his home while being watched by members of his family who gathered at its windows to watch. With a mournful blowing of the truck’s horn it moved on, followed by countless other vehicles blowing their horns in a tribute.
“I know he’s smiling,” Beth said.
Baker’s oldest son, Alan, is thankful for the organizers.
“Words can’t describe the support the truckers have given us,” he said. “We’ve had overwhelming support from the community. It’s nice to see and the kind words are so hard to read and so appreciated. It’s going to be a tough grieving process for everyone.”
'go-to guy in the community'
Baker was well known for his love of the community and would often reach out to help anyone in need. He also looked after plowing out the parking lot for the nearby medical centre.
He was an avid collector of antique cars and would spend countless hours restoring them and taking them to shows around the region. He was also an avid motorcyclist who loved his Harley.
Neighbour Pam Harrison said the tribute was a fitting memorial to her friend.
“Ronnie Baker was a great person and anyone who knew him had a passion to be around him because he was so fun,” Harrison said. “He was a go-to guy in the community. Regardless of what was going on he was there to help.”
For example, when River Hebert District School hosted its COVID-altered graduation ceremony it needed a flatbed to assist. Harrison said Baker was quick to volunteer to help while she said he also assisted with the music festival in Minudie in the past.
Harrison said Baker was very silent about helping others, but he was always willing to give thoughtful advice to anyone who asked.
“Everyone is saying the corner won’t be the same without Ronnie,” she said.
Scott Hoeg, a family friend, has many fond memories of Baker.
“Ron’s presence is found in my earliest memories of growing up in River Hebert and Joggins,” Hoeg said. “As children, we would motion our arms up and down for him to blow the horn on his dump truck as he drove by us. I remember at age 10 or so, playing in the minor basketball house league, and there it was, a yellow jersey sponsored by Ron Baker. I remember in high school Ron installing the drain tile and levelling the soccer field. Ron always gave of his time, talent, or treasure in support of community initiatives.”
Bill Dowe helped organize the tribute on behalf of the Cumberland County Truckers Association. He remembers Baker as a giving person.
“Ron has been a longtime member of our association and this was a way for us to recognize his service,” Dowe said. “He was the type of guy that whenever you were in a bind he would help you any way he could.”
Dowe was not surprised by the turnout because it showed how much Baker was admired and respected with the trucking community.
