CANSO — “He was born and brought up in the fishery.”
That’s how Finn Armsworthy described the deep ties John Baker – who died, at the age of 69, when the fishing vessel he was captaining capsized in high waves and strong winds off Sambro on Feb. 6 – had to his beloved industry.
“It is just a tragedy; it really takes your heart out,” the Municipality of the District of Guysborough councillor for the area told The Journal.
Describing him as an “all-around great guy,” Armsworthy – who attended fisheries school in Pictou with Baker – said his lifelong friend was “an excellent skipper.”
He added, “Johnny was very knowledgeable in the wheelhouse,” agreeing that Baker always shared his knowledge, skill and passion for fishing with others in the industry.
As described in his obituary, Baker’s “career and entire life was devoted to the commercial offshore fishery,” one that began as a teenager on offshore draggers out of Canso. A sign of his acumen in the field, the Canso native was the youngest person in Nova Scotia to achieve a Master Class 1. His first of many vessel captaincies was The Bedeque – an offshore fishing trawler – over years of fishing countless commercial and experimental species.
Baker also devoted much time to working with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in the marine science field in help ensure “the conservation and viability of the fisheries resources.” As part of being involved with “every aspect of the fishing industry,” he worked on a Canadian Coast Guard research vessel.
His love for the sea was matched only by that for his family.
“The whole family is hurting,” Armsworthy offered, describing them as “great people.”
On that fateful night on the water, Baker was one of four crew members on the 18-metre Fortune Pride. One of the deckhands also perished, while the other two were treated in hospital.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax, which indicated it responded to an emergency beacon at approximately 10 p.m., has reported a pair of Canadian Coast Guard vessels, along with a Cormorant helicopter and Hercules fixed-wing aircraft, responded to the distress call.
As of press time, an investigation of the accident by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada was ongoing.
Baker’s career included nearly 30 years with W.T. Grover Fisheries, where he captained three of their boats.
In a Facebook post on the day after the tragedy, the Larry’s River-based company described their former colleague as a “truly remarkable fisherman,” along with a “master at his craft.”
It added, “It was not work, it was his home, his sanctuary and his greatest love. For him, the saltwater ran through his veins – it was as much a part of him as the air he breathed.”
The company also noted his tireless work “not just as a fisherman, but [also] a friend, mentor and guiding presence to many of the younger fishermen in our community,” while instilling in the latter “the values of hard work, respect for the ocean and perseverance.”
They added, “His influence shaped many careers.”
Premier Tim Houston also commented on “another unfortunate reminder of the dangers of working on the sea,” with the sinking of the Fortune Pride.
“I want to express my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the souls we lost – you are in my thoughts and prayers as are the two fishers who survived this heartbreaking tragedy,” he said.
A sentiment shared by countless others, including in his hometown.
“In such a tight-knit community – the whole community feels it when you lose someone like him,” Armsworthy offered.
He added, “Johnny will be missed.”
Funeral mass for Baker will take place on Friday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. in Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church in Canso.
