It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Valerie Baker, who died

peacefully at home on June 4, 2026, after a brief illness at the age of 82, holding her

daughter's hand.

Those who knew Valerie will remember her wonderful sense of humour above all else.

Her quick wit and infectious smile were matched only by her adventurous spirit,

determination, and unwavering drive. She brought warmth, laughter, and energy to

every room she entered.

Valerie was born in wartime Bristol, England, and was adopted as an infant. From an

early age, she demonstrated remarkable musical talent, studying violin and classical

piano and achieving LRAM standards by the age of 15. Music remained a lifelong

passion, and she continued to be an accomplished pianist throughout her life.

At the age of 18, Valerie married Mike Baker. Together they raised their three

children—Stephen, Simon, and Jayne—in Bristol before embarking on a new adventure

in 1978, emigrating to Canada. The family first settled in Calgary before making their

home on Vancouver Island. For the past 44 years, Qualicum Beach was the community

Valerie proudly called home.

Among the happiest chapters of Valerie and Mike's life were the years spent managing

Seaview Resort in Qualicum during the early 1980s. There, they formed lifelong

friendships and enjoyed countless sunset fishing trips, campfires, shared stories, and

laughter with guests who often became friends.

Following Mike's devastating illness and untimely passing at the age of 44, Valerie

demonstrated the strength and resilience that would carry her through many challenges.

During this difficult period, Valerie experienced a profound personal reunion when she

located her birth mother, who welcomed her lovingly into her life. Some years later, she

also found her birth father, and she enjoyed close and meaningful relationships with

both parents until their passing. Valerie was especially touched that, through her efforts,

her birth parents were able to reconnect, share a coffee together, and find peace and

reconciliation regarding the circumstances that led to her adoption more than 60 years

earlier. In a remarkable and almost unbelievable coincidence, Valerie later learned that

her birth father had once lived just around the corner from her. She had even babysat

her half-sister on numerous occasions and discovered she already had photographs of

her in her family photo album.

Valerie possessed a true entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout her life, she embraced a

variety of careers, including small business owner, Executive Secretary for CBS

Records, and several successful sales roles. Whatever path she chose, she

approached it with resilience, integrity, intelligence, and determination.

Writing was another of Valerie’s greatest passions. After freelancing for the local

newspaper, her talent and dedication were recognized when she was nominated for and

awarded the prestigious Penny Wise Journalism Scholarship at Langara College.

In what she considered one of the proudest accomplishments of her life, Valerie boldly

uprooted herself at the age of 50 and moved to Vancouver to pursue her dream of

studying journalism. Her determination and commitment to lifelong learning led her to

graduate with distinction—an achievement that reflected both her academic excellence

and her unwavering perseverance.

Following graduation, Valerie was hired by the Morning Sun in the Parksville-Qualicum

area, where she was able to complete her career doing what she loved most: serving

and telling the stories of the community she cherished so deeply.

Valerie was blessed with many creative talents, including music, writing, gardening,

decorating, and design. She created beautiful homes and gardens wherever she lived.

Deeply compassionate, she cared greatly about those facing food and housing

insecurity, and loved animals, nature, and the outdoors. She was never happier than

walking along the shoreline at low tide on Judges Row with her toes in the sand on a

summer day, or strolling through the Heritage Forest, breathing in the fresh coastal air

she cherished.

Valerie will be deeply missed by her children, their partners, her grandchildren, great-

grandchildren, extended family, and the many friends whose lives she touched.

In accordance with Valerie's wishes, a private memorial service will be held in the

United Kingdom at the church where she was an active member. Her ashes will be

scattered in places that were special to her in Canada, and a portion will be laid to rest

with her beloved husband, Mike.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Qualicum Beach at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with values dear to Valerie, we encourage family and

friends to donate in her memory to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre or the

Manna Homeless Society at the following link

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/remember-valerie-by-supporting-causes-close-to-her/