Richard “King” Kingdon Baker

We are heartbroken to announce the death of Richard “King” Kingdon Baker at the age of 85 on May 12, 2026.  Born May 1, 1941 to Harold Baker and Ethel (nee Cooper).  King led a life dedicated to teaching and a great love of the outdoors.  Raised in Peterborough, King went to Queen Alexandra Public School, PCVS and then Teacher’s College.  He taught briefly at Queen Mary Public School and then switched to Outdoor Education.  He finished his career at M.J.Hobbs Senior Public School retiring in 1995.

King met Kathy, his wife of 41 years, on a canoe trip in Northern Ontario in 1980.  One year later they reunited on the Coppermine River in N.W.T. and the rest is history.  Together they paddled on many more white-water rivers and travelled the world including China, Africa, Europe, Central America and Australia.  In between these trips they enjoyed cottaging on Chandos Lake and scuba diving in the Caribbean.

King leaves behind his wife Kathy (nee Hnyp), his son Brent Baker (Annie), his siter-in-law Nadia Komar and her three children and six grandchildren.  He will be sorely missed by them as well as the many close friends he made over the years.  Funeral Service will be held at ST. JOHN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH 99 Brock Street Peterborough on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM.  Reception to follow in the Church Hall.  Interment Litle Lake Cemetery.  Donations in his memory can be made to Peterborough Field Naturalists or the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society.  Online condolences may be made at www.highlandparkfuneralcentre.com