Obituary of SHAWN THOMAS MACKENZIE BAKER

SHAWN THOMAS MACKENZIE BAKER

OF WINNIPEG, MB

It is with unimaginable heartbreak that we announce the sudden passing of Shawn Thomas MacKenzie Baker at age 40, on March 24, 2026.        

Shawn was predeceased by his grandparents Charlie Baker and Caroline Baker, Audrey Maynard and Vic Manninen, uncles, Ronnie Manninen and Rick Manninen and aunt, Karen Manninen.

He is survived by and left to mourn his parents Kim Manninen and partner Craig Brown, Rick and Elviera Baker, sister Candace Baker (Kenny), grandmother, Barb Stitt, his uncles and aunts, Randy and Julie Manninen, Carol Manninen, Rhonda and Duane Finney, Liz and Rob West and cousins Char MacLeod, Rick Moffat, Justin Atkins, Ashley Atkins and Jocelyn West.  He is also survived by his former spouse Loni Shapkin, along with other extended family and friends.

Shawn was born in Peterborough, Ontario on August 7, 1985 and attended elementary school in Omemee, Ontario.  The family moved to Winnipeg in the mid 90’s and Shawn attended John Pritchard Junior High and River East Collegiate briefly.  He moved to Florida and attended and graduated high school at Dr. Phillips High in Orlando. 

Shawn started his career in real estate shortly after graduating and moving back to Winnipeg. He and Loni then moved to Saint John, New Brunswick when he was in his early 20s to join his dad in real estate.  He eventually returned to Winnipeg and held various jobs in sales his last few years.

Shawn loved sports from early childhood and was enrolled in hockey and soccer leagues throughout elementary school and he was introduced to golf at an early age and became an excellent golfer, a natural and enjoyed it immensely.  He was able to really take advantage when he lived in Florida for a few years as it allowed him full year access and he much preferred this to school.  He played on his high school golf team and they finished second in the state one of those years.  He continued to enjoy golf through the years.  He also loved fishing at his Nanny’s house on the intercoastal waterway. He loved watching sports on tv, especially hockey, the Toronto Maple Leafs being “his team”.  He also enjoyed watching football and golf.

Shawn’s other hobbies included cooking.  He was an avid cook and he loved good food.  His specialty was his papa’s Greek meatballs which he made on special occasions or “just because”.  He tried his hand at sushi and dim sum but always said he had not “perfected” those yet.

Shawn spent hours and hours talking on the phone and much preferred that to texting unlike most of his contemporaries.  He was most often viewed as the silent type but he could sure rack up the minutes chatting with his mom, sister, Uncle Randy, and Aunt Carol and many of his other family members and friends.

Shawn had an unusually sharp mind and quick wit and a great sense of humour.  But the best part was his big heart.  He was an exceptionally kind human being with a sweet sweet soul.

He has left a hole in our hearts and we will love and miss him forever.  Our consolation is that he is now at peace.

A Celebration of Life has been planned for Wednesday April 8, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Rossmere Golf and Country Club, 925 Watt Street, Winnipeg, MB. A light luncheon and refreshments will be served.

Shawn was a devoted animal lover and we ask that in lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society if you so desire. (45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3)

Cremation Services were care of Cropo Funeral Chapel.