Paul de Bakker
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| Paul Franciscus de Bakker | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1947-07-26 Terneuzen, Zeeland, Netherlands |
| Died | 2026-06-02 |
| Occupation | Family physician |
| Father | |
| Mother | |
| Partner | |
| Children | |
Paul Franciscus de Bakker (26 July 1947 – 2 June 2026 (aged 78)) was a family physician in Thunder Bay, Ontario, who practised for 41 years and received the Ontario Medical Association's Glenn Sawyer Award.[1]
Early life
- Born 26 July 1947 in Terneuzen, Zeeland, Netherlands, the son of August de Bakker and Emma de Bakker (née de Ryk).
- In January 1948 his parents emigrated to Canada, travelling with the infant Paul.
- The family settled in Southern Ontario with assistance from relatives of August and Emma already established there.
- After beginning as sharecroppers, by 1955 August and Emma had saved enough for a down payment on a tobacco farm on the shore of Lake Erie, near the village of West Lorne.
- Attended SS4 Aldborough and West Elgin Secondary School.
- His mother Emma de Bakker (née de Ryk) died while Paul was in Grade 13; his father encouraged him to attend university despite needing help on the farm.
Education
- Graduated from the University of Waterloo with a B.Sc. in chemistry in 1970.
- Entered the new medical school at McMaster University; member of the second graduating class; earned his MD in 1973.
- Completed a family practice residency in Northern Ontario through McMaster's Northwestern Ontario Medical Program, mentored by Dr. John Augustine and Dr. Peter Neelands, among others.
Medical career
- First position as a physician: emergency room at St. Joseph's General Hospital in Thunder Bay, 1975.
- On 30 May 1977 established a family practice with his father-in-law, Dr. John Nickerson, at the Thunder Bay Medical Centre.
- The practice was later joined by Dr. Pramila Rao and gradually evolved into what is now the Superior Family Health Organization.
- Made hospital rounds daily, saw patients in the emergency room, and delivered babies at all hours.
- Built lasting relationships with patients across multiple generations of the same family, as well as with colleagues, nurses, and other health-care workers across Thunder Bay's medical community.
- Retired 30 May 2018 after 41 years of practice.
- In 2019 received the Ontario Medical Association's Glenn Sawyer Award in recognition of significant service at the community level.
Retirement
- Following retirement, spent time driving grandchildren to activities and tending his garden and greenhouse at camp, where he produced large quantities of home-made raspberry jam known as "Grandpa Jam".
- Joined the Maplecrest Pool Club and the Port Arthur Rotary Club.
- Volunteered at the Dew Drop Inn and the Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre Field of Greens.
- Met every second Monday with the Retired Doctors Coffee Club.
Family
- Married Deborah Nickerson on 23 December 1976.
- The couple had four children: Mary de Bakker, Peter de Bakker, John de Bakker, and Martin de Bakker.
- Ten grandchildren.
- Though his family of origin was small, he became an integral part of the larger Nickerson clan, where he was known as "Senior Meathead".
Death
- Died at camp on 2 June 2026, at the age of 78.
- A memorial service was held at St. Paul's Anglican Church in Thunder Bay on 12 June 2026, officiated by the Venerable Deborah Kraft.
- Funeral arrangements were handled by Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel.