Obituary of Hazel Jacqueline Baynton

Passed away on Thursday, May 4th, 2017, in her 94th year, with her daughters by her side. She is predeceased by her parents Leslie and Vera Herbert, husband Wilfred, sons Bill (Lynda) and Bob (Sandy), brother Bill and sister Elizabeth. She is survived by her daughters Kim (Gerald) Sallie and Elizabeth (Todd) Gribbon. She leaves behind nine grandchildren: Lindsay, Paul, Kristy, Christopher, Ryan, Ashley, Scott, Kathryn and Jessica and nine great-grandchildren.

A self-made woman and pioneer of her times. Hazel was a semi-pro fastball pitcher, fiercely independent, with sparking blue eyes, who filled a room with her laughter.

Her life, in her words, was a “Fairy Tale”, beginning with her marriage to Colonel Wilfred Baynton. Together, they traversed North America, Europe and Asia. Their love of the outdoors and sports grounded their family, and they enjoyed many sunsets from their Lake Kipawa cottage.

Their retirement years found them settled in North Bay, after 32 years in the RCAF, and they soon immersed themselves in the community. Hazel, earning her Life Masters Duplicate Bridge credentials and participating in all winter sports, especially speed skating at Lee Park, and gallivanting to friends’ homes on Trout Lake.  Many winters were spent in Dunedin, Florida where Hazel gave her unsolicited advice to Cito Gaston on how to win Championships for the Blue Jays.

The family sincerely thanks Bradford Valley Specialty Care, the North Bay Empire Living Centre, and Paramed for their utmost professionalism and dignity of care.

As per Hazel’s wishes, cremation has taken place; private family gatherings to follow with burial to take place in Ingersoll, alongside her partner, Wilf, and treasured son, Bob.  Donations are gratefully accepted in Hazel’s memory at the Gathering Place, 392 Algonquin Avenue, North Bay P1B 4W3.