A procession of more than 50 trucks honored a recently-passed local truck driver and “legend” earlier this week.
74-year-old truck driver, classic car enthusiast, and all around community helper, Ronald Baker, passed away suddenly on Friday, November 27th, after 50 years in the Cumberland County, Nova Scotia, community.
Just this year, Baker provided a flatbed truck for a COVID-altered graduation ceremony, and has been responsible for plowing out the parking lot of a nearby medical center – a task that he volunteered for on his own.
“Ronnie Baker was a great person and anyone who knew him had a passion to be around him because he was so fun,” said Pam Harrison, Baker’s neighbor to Salt Wire Network News.
“He was a go-to guy in the community. Regardless of what was going on he was there to help.”
The 50-rig convoy commenced on Tuesday, December 1st, and included Baker’s own rig. Despite the rain, drivers came from all over to attend the send-off, which included a drive-by of Baker’s home.
“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.”
“Words can’t describe the support the truckers have given us,” said Baker’s oldest son, Alan.
“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.”
“Ron’s presence is found in my earliest memories of growing up in River Hebert and Joggins,” family friend Scott Hoeg said. “As children, we would motion our arms up and down for him to blow the horn.. 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.”
“Ron has been a longtime member of our association and this was a way for us to recognize his service,” added Bill Dowe on behalf of the Cumberland County Truckers Association.
“He was the type of guy that whenever you were in a bind he would help you any way he could.”