David Ian Baty

September 4, 1929 - July 1, 2022

With sadness, the family of Dave Baty announces his passing on July 1st, at the age of 92. The second of four sons born to William Baty and Isabella Darrie Gray, of Carlisle and Berwick-upon-Tweed, UK, he was predeceased by his parents and brothers Jimmy and George.

Mourning his loss are his beloved wife Laura, children Laura (Dragan) Baty Brankovich, Bob (Kathy) Baty, Ernie Baty, Diana Lawrence; step-children Shannon (Stuart) Cox and Jodi (Dean) Garafano; brother Alan (Pat) Baty; grandchildren Camille McEwen, Layla Froehlich, Katelyne Brazil, Breanne Baty, Denna Lawrence, Chambrie Hofferek, Déça and Chantal Lawrence; Veronica, Nicole, and Julie Cox (and Lucy the dog); Trevor, Chelsea, and Ryan Garafano; 8 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and cousin Harry (Mary) Hunter.

Dave was born and grew up in Selkirk, Manitoba, leaving at the age of 19 to join the army. He was a decorated Korean War veteran, serving as a paratrooper with the First Battalion of the PPCLI.  Having suffered serious injuries, he was in the American MASH unit in Japan, before returning to the front. Upon his return to Selkirk, he trained as a power engineer and was the Manager of Government Services for the Interlake Area when he retired at the age of 55.

Dave was a man of many interests. He enjoyed fishing trips with family and friends to the cabin at Eagle’s Nest, was a skilled billiards player, a fantastic shot with a rifle, and a long-time member of the Selkirk Legion. Possessing great aptitude with numbers, he enjoyed doing friends’ income tax returns. He was an avid reader, with a great interest in war history, and remained current on world events right until his death.  Through his entire life, he maintained close lifelong friendships with his buddies from Korea.

In 1973 he moved to Clandeboye, and loved country life. He had great stories of the fox who would companionably lie in the sun in front of his patio door, as Dave sat reading his newspaper on the other side; his baby owls; performing CPR on birds that had crashed into his windows; and the ongoing battle between he and a raccoon as they tried to outwit each other.

He and Laura enjoyed a full life in retirement, wintering in Texas and Arizona for many years; exploring new activities, including downhill skiing, golfing and white water rafting; and travelling in England, Scotland, Europe, and Russia. Their last trip together, at age 88, was to Korea, as guests of the South Korean government, on the 65th anniversary of the armistice.

He maintained the discipline of his early army years throughout his life and stoically faced pain and discomfort. We are thankful that he had a long, full life, maintained his mental acuity until his death, and that we got to enjoy him in our lives for as long as we did. He will be greatly missed. ‘Bye for now. But not forever.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place.  A memorial service will be held on Friday July 8, 2022 in the St. Clement’s Church, 7 St. Clement’s Drive, St. Andrews, Manitoba at 1:00 p.m.  A recording of the service can be viewed via the link https://youtu.be/v336p13O5eQ 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Valour Canada. https://valourcanada.ca/about-us/donate-2/

Condolences may be left on his tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com.

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.