Frederick Francis Baker was the paymaster for the Canadian Pacific Railway’s office in Vancouver. He lived at 1991 Nelson Street from 1913 to 1925.
Family Background and Early Life
Frederick Francis Baker was born in England on April 2, 1858. His parents were Stephen Baker (1815-1862) and Priscilla Willing Plimsoll (born 1815).
Stephen and Priscilla were married in Sheffield district, Yorkshire in 1844. Stephen died in London, England, in 1862.
In 1865, Priscilla travelled to Canada, along with her three sons, Archer Baker (1845-1910), Walter Reginald Baker (1852-1929), and Frederick Francis Baker. The family also included a daughter, Mary Baker (1848-1877), although there is little further information available about her.
The oldest son, Archer, worked as an accountant for the Brockville and Ottawa Railway and the Central Canadian Railway.
Archer became the general superintendent for the eastern division of the Canadian Pacific Railway and later was the general European traffic agent for the Canadian Pacific Railway in London, England. He died in London on January 15, 1910. After Archer’s death, George McLaren Brown (1865-1939) took over the position as European manager for the Canadian Pacific Railway.
The second son, Walter, began working in Montreal as a clerk with the Allan Steamship Line. From 1874 to 1878, he was the private secretary and controller for the Marquis of Dufferin and Ava, who was then the Governor-General of Canada.
From 1878 to 1881, Walter was the Assistant Secretary to the Treasury Board in Ottawa. He then began to work for the western division of the Canadian Pacific Railway. He died in Montreal in 1929.
The third son was Frederick, who started working in the railway business in 1874. He was an office boy in Brockville, Ontario. In 1883, he was transferred to Montreal.
Frederick: Marriage to Lucilla Cooke
On September 14, 1880, Frederick married Lucilla Ismina Cooke in Brockville, Ontario.
Lucilla was born on June 13, 1858. Her parents were Richard Plunkett Cooke (1825-1892) and Anna Maria Plunkett (1827-1893). Richard Cooke was a civil engineer.
Lucilla’s sister, Lily Alice Mary Cooke (1857-1938), married Dr. John Matthew Lefevre (1853-1906), who was a successful physician and early investor in many Vancouver businesses, including the British Columbia Telephone Company.
To British Columbia
In 1890, Frederick and Lucilla moved to British Columbia. Frederick worked as the provincial storekeeper for the Canadian Pacific Railway’s operations at Donald.
When the C.P.R. abandoned Donald in 1897, Frederick and his family moved to Revelstoke.
To Vancouver
The Bakers stayed in Revelstoke until they moved to Vancouver in 1902. Frederick became the paymaster of the C.P.R. in Vancouver.
After arriving in Vancouver, the Bakers lived in a series of residences in the West End. According to the Vancouver directories, they lived at the following addresses.
| 1902 | 333 East Cordova Street |
| 1903 to 1904 | 1156 Pender Street |
| 1905 to 1906 | 1359 Pender Street |
| 1907 to 1909 | 1348 Nelson Street |
| 1910 | Glencoe Lodge (1001 Georgia Street) |
| 1911 to 1912 | 1348 NelsonStreet |
| 1913 to 1918 | 1991 Nelson Street |
| 1919 | Burnaby (specific address not listed under Vancouver names) |
| 1920 | Burnaby Lake |
| 1921 to 1925 | 1991 Nelson Street |
| 1926 | Not listed under Vancouver names |
They lived at 1991 Nelson Street from 1913 to 1918 and again from 1921 to 1925.
Lucilla died at 10 Rue St-Anne, Paris, France, on April 15, 1925, while she was travelling with her sister, Lily Lefevre.
Frederick Baker died in Vancouver on December 20, 1925.
Children
Frederick and Lucilla had the following children.
Florence Emma Esme Baker
Florence Emma Esme Baker was born in Brockville, Ontario on July 8, 1883.
On November 10, 1908, in Vancouver, Florence married William Giekie (or “Geekie”) Morrison, who was a merchant and financial broker. He was born on July 9, 1875 in Dundee, Scotland. His parents were James Troup Morrison and Catherine Giekie (or “Geekie”). (Further information appears on the page for William Giekie Morrison: https://westendvancouver.wordpress.com/biographies-a-m/biographies-m/morrison-william-geikie-1875-1922/.)
William served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War.
After the war, he returned briefly to Vancouver, although he was ill with pulmonary tuberculosis.
William died in Italy on December 22, 1922.
Alexander Geekie Morrison (1879-1957) was William’s brother.
Florence was in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island when Frederick Baker died in 1956.
Florence died in England on March 26, 1977.
![Ancestry.com. England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Name: Florence Esme Morrison; Death Date: 26 Mar 1977; Death Place: Brockenhurst Hants; Probate Date: 15 Jun 1977; Registry: Winchester.](https://westendvancouver.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/florence-esme-morrison-probated-death-date-march-26-1977.jpg)
William and Florence had the following children.
Esme Catherine Lefevre Plimsol Morrison
Esme Catherine Lefevre Plimsol Morrison was born in Vancouver in 1909. (She was often called “Catherine Morrison.”)
In 1942, she became engaged to Amherst Barrow Whatman.
Amherst died on October 5, 1984.
![Ancestry.com. England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Name: Amherst Barrow Whatman; Death Date: 5 Oct 1984; Death Place: Brockenhurst Hants; Probate Date: 14 Dec 1984; Registry: Winchester.](https://westendvancouver.files.wordpress.com/2019/01/amherst-barrow-whatman-probate-death-date-october-5-1984.jpg)
Catherine died in Devon, England on February 13, 1999.
William Antisell Morrison
William Antisell Morrison was born in British Columbia on July 7, 1911. He served in the British military forces.
He was a prisoner of war in Germany from 1940 to 1945.
He died in Japan on December 17, 1993.
Anna Lily Baker (“Nano” or “Nanno”)
Anna Lily Baker was born in Brockville, Ontario, on November 11, 1886. She never married.
She died in Qualicum Beach on November 9, 1963. She was buried in Qualicum Beach Cemetery.
Richard Plunkett Baker
Richard Plunkett Baker was born in Donald, British Columbia, on October 18, 1888.
After completing his education in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, he worked for the Bank of Montreal in New Westminster, British Columbia.
Later he was a sales manager with the T. M. Stevens Company, which ran an importing business.
During the First World War, he enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force. After serving with the infantry, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. In 1917, while he was flying a mission over France, he encountered Manfred von Richthofen, the “Red Baron.” Richard managed to land his airplane, but German soldiers captured him and made him a prisoner of war.
After the war, Richard returned to Vancouver, where he took over the T. M Stevens Company and changed its name in 1921 to Stevens-Baker.
On July 26, 1922, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Richard married Blanche Howe McRae.
Blanche was born in Minnesota (some sources say Wisconsin) on March 12, 1904. Her father was General Alexander Duncan McRae (1874-1946), a wealthy businessman who had been a major general in the First World War. Blanche’s mother was Blaunche Latimer Howe (1877-1942). The McRaes lived in the large Shaughnessy Heights mansion called “Hycroft.”
In 1924, Janet Smith, a nursemaid for Richard’s niece, died in mysterious circumstances in Richard’s and Blanche’s house in Shaughnessy Heights. The local newspapers were filled with stories about the resulting inquests and criminal trial proceedings.
The exact reason for Janet Smith’s death remained largely a mystery. There was speculation that Richard’s brother, Frederick, had been dealing in illicit drugs, and that this connection to shadowy figures had something to do with Janet’s death.
One of the suspects in the case was Wong Foon Sing, who was the Baker family’s “houseboy.” He was charged with murder, he was eventually released for lack of evidence.
Ultimately, there was no criminal conviction and the case is officially unsolved. (Interest in the case still continues. Gordon Hilliker published a long article on Wong Foon Sing in the March 2024 edition of The Advocate magazine, published by the Vancouver Bar Association.)
After the criminal trials and other legal matters relating to Janet Smith were finished, Richard and Blanche settled for a time into their social life.
Richard’s aunt, Lily Lefevre, died in 1938, She left her house, called “Langaravine,” to Richard. Richard and Blanche moved into the house in 1939. (See the note on Langaravine, below.)
Blanche later divorced Richard. She married Daniel Beynon Lewis in Vancouver on September 30, 1944. Blanche died in Victoria, British Columbia, on August 31, 1945.
Richard became the manager of the Medical Dental Building in Vancouver, and he later moved to Qualicum Beach. Richard died in Vancouver on April 1, 1954. He was buried in Qualicum Beach Cemetery.
Richard and Blanche had two daughters.
Frederick Lefevre Baker
Frederick Lefevre Baker was born in Donald, British Columbia on August 21, 1892.
He went to Queen’s School in Vancouver. He later became an articling student with the law firm of Abbott, Hart-McHarg and Duncan.
Frederick enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force and transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. In 1917, he was wounded when German anti-aircraft fire damaged his airplane. After recovering from his injuries, he became a flying instructor in Canada.
After the war, Frederick went to London England for a time. He started an import-export business with a man named Henry Golwynne.
On January 22, 1922, in Victoria, British Columbia, Frederick married Doreen Marie Smith.
Doreen was born in Brisbane, Australia, on January 6, 1896. Her parents were Frank Dyson Smith and Mary Bridget Farney.
After the sensational trials relating to the death of Frederick’s and Doreen’s nanny, Janet Smith, Frederick and Doreen resumed their lives in Vancouver. They later moved to Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island.
On April 30, 1956, Frederick died after falling from the second floor of the St. Regis Hotel in Vancouver. A coroner’s inquiry concluded that Frederick’s death was a suicide. Frederick was buried in Qualicum Beach Cemetery.
Doreen died in Vancouver on December 11, 1964. She was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.
Frederick and Doreen had two sons and one daughter.
Doreen Rosemary Baker (called Rosemary) was born in London, England, on November 16, 1922. She married Wilder Harding Ripley (1911-1974). She also married Harold (Hal) Ewen (1926-2013). Rosemary died in Victoria, British Columbia, on November 25th, 2010.
Frederick Lefevre Baker was born on November 9, 1924. He died in Vancouver on July 4, 2015.
Brian Plunkett Baker was born on July 25, 1928. He died on September 2, 2013.
A note on Langaravine
Langaravine was the name of a house that Lily Lefevre built on the northwest tip of Point Grey. She lived in the house from 1916 to 1938.
Several building permits were associated with the construction of the original house, along with selected additions and renovations: http://permits.heritagevancouver.org/ (searched April 9, 2023).
| District: | Point Grey |
| Permit: | 1684 |
| Owner: | Lefevre, M. |
| Architect: | Lefevre, M. |
| Builder: | Gray, Thos. L. |
| Legal Address: | DL: 140 Block: 129 Sub: Resub: Lot: 3 |
| Date (Y-M-D): | 1915-04-21 |
| Street Number: | [6101] |
| Street Name: | Marine Drive NW |
| Value: | $200.00 |
| Remarks: | Factory/warehouse; garage |
| Reference ID: | PG-3524-3525-9 |
| District: | Point Grey |
| Permit: | 1709 |
| Owner: | Lefevre, Mrs. |
| Architect: | Maclure & Fox |
| Builder: | Gray, Thos. L. |
| Legal Address: | DL: 140 Block: 129 Sub: Resub: Lot: 3 & 4 |
| Date (Y-M-D): | 1915-05-20 |
| Street Number: | 6101 |
| Street Name: | Marine Drive [NW Marine Drive] |
| Value: | $15,000.00 |
| Remarks: | Dwelling/House; |
| Reference ID: | PG-3526-3527-13 |
| District: | Point Grey |
| Permit: | 1775 |
| Owner: | Lefevre, M. (Mrs.) |
| Architect: | Maclure & Fox |
| Builder: | Gray, Thos. L. |
| Legal Address: | DL: 140 Block: 129 Sub: Resub: Lot: 3 & 4 |
| Date (Y-M-D): | 1915-11-25 |
| Street Number: | 6101 |
| Street Name: | Marine Drive [NW Marine Drive] |
| Value: | $3,000.00 |
| Remarks: | Dwelling/House; Erect billiard room [BCR] |
| Reference ID: | PG-3538-3539-7 |
| District: | Point Grey |
| Permit: | M8 |
| Owner: | Lefevre, M. (Mrs.) |
| Architect: | Maclure & Fox |
| Builder: | Gray, Thos. L. |
| Legal Address: | DL: 140 Block: 129 Sub: Resub: Lot: 3 & 4 |
| Date (Y-M-D): | 1915-11-25 |
| Street Number: | 6101 |
| Street Name: | Marine Drive [NW Marine Drive] |
| Value: | $50.00 |
| Remarks: | Factory/Warehouse; (wd shed) |
| Reference ID: | PG-3538-3539-9 |
| District: | Point Grey |
| Permit: | 1804 |
| Owner: | Lefevre, Mrs. |
| Architect: | Blackmore, E. E. |
| Builder: | Tardif, P. |
| Legal Address: | DL: 140 Block: 129 Sub: Resub: Lot: 4 |
| Date (Y-M-D): | 1916-05-27 |
| Street Number: | 6101 |
| Street Name: | Marine Drive NW |
| Value: | $600.00 |
| Remarks: | Repairs; [added street number] |
| Reference ID: | PG-3551-3552-11 |
Lily Lefevre died at her home on October 17, 1938.
Mrs. Lefevre’s will left Langaravine to Richard Plunkett Baker.
In May 1939 the Bakers moved into Langaravine.
In August 1939 the Bakers held a large party at “Langaravine.”
This image shows a portion of the house in 1939.
In 1946 Richard Baker sold the house to Francis Ronald Graham, who was a wealthy financier and businessman. (He was often known as “F. Ronald Graham” or “F. R. Graham.”) Although the initial news reports did not specify the purchase price, other sources say that the price was $35,000.
Mr. Graham added renovations and modern enlargements to the house, which was often used for cultural, social and political events.
When Ronald Graham died in 1963 his will gave the house to the University of British Columbia.
The house became part of Green College at the University of British Columbia.
One of Francis Ronald Graham’s many children was William Carvel (“Bill”) Graham (1939-2022), who was a Canadian lawyer, academic and politician. (See William Carvel Graham PC OC QC (March 17, 1939 – August 7, 2022); Wikipedia article; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Graham_(Canadian_politician). In Memoriam: Bill Graham (1939-2022); U of T News, University of Toronto, August 09, 2022; https://www.utoronto.ca/news/memoriam-bill-graham-1939-2022. Bill Graham, a former defence and foreign affairs minister, has died, CBC News, August 8, 2022; https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/bill-graham-died-august-8-2022-1.6545023.
Sources
Note: thanks to Robert B. Todd for information on Langaravine, a large house on Marine Drive that was the home of Richard Plunkett Baker from 1939 to 1946.
Who Killed Janet Smith?, by Edward Starkins, Toronto, Macmillan, 1984 (paperback edition, 1986); revised edition: Vancouver, Anvil Press Publishers, 2011. Preface to 2011 edition, Daniel Francis, http://knowbc.com/Knowbc-Blog/Who-Killed-Janet-Smith.
Janet Smith case, Wikipedia article; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_Smith_case.
“The Trials of Wong Foon Sing,” by Gordon Hilliker, K.C., The Advocate, volume 82, part 2, March 2024, pages 201-211.
Merchant Prince: The Story of Alexander Duncan McRae, by Betty O’Keefe and Ian Macdonald; Surrey, British Columbia, Heritage House Publishing Company, 2001.
Canadian Holy War: A Story of Clans, Tongs, Murder, and Bigotry, by Ian Macdonald and Betty O’Keefe; Surrey, British Columbia, Heritage House Publishing Company, 2000.
Janet Kennedy Smith, Dictionary of Canadian Biography, http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/smith_janet_kennedy_15E.html.
“Janet Smith,” Michael Kluckner, Vancouver the Way it Was (1984), page 142.
“Grave News,” City Limits, Vancouver Sun, June 3, 1999, page B-5 (includes photograph of monument of Janet K. Smith).
“Scotland Yard’s Secret Files on Vancouver’s Most-Celebrated Murder,” Vancouver Sun, April 27, 2001, pages A-1, A13-A-15.
Frederick Francis Baker
Donald, British Columbia, Wikipedia article, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald,_British_Columbia.
Revelstoke, British Columbia, Wikipedia article, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revelstoke,_British_Columbia.
Frederick Francis Baker (2 April 1858 – 20 December 1925); https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/9F7Z-TVL.
Ancestry.com. Ontario, Canada, Roman Catholic Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials, 1760-1923 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2017. Archdiocese of Kingston (Ontario); Kingston, Ontario. Name: Frederick Baker; Gender: Male; Event Type: Marriage; Marriage Date: 14 Sep 1880; Marriage Place: Brockville, Ontario, Canada; Father: Stephen Baker; Mother: Priscilla Willing; Spouse: Lucille Jernina [Ismina] Cooke
“Canada Marriages, 1661-1949”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLP2-GGV : 1 April 2021), Frederick Baker, 1880.
“Canada, Ontario Marriages, 1869-1927,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FMN1-VSD : 8 March 2021), Fred Baker and Lucilla J Cooke, 14 Sep 1880; citing registration , Brockville, Leeds, Ontario, Canada, Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,869,507.
“Canada Census, 1891,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWKQ-YJP : 3 August 2016), Fred Baker, Kootenay Upper, Yale, British Columbia, Canada; Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148094.
“Canada Census, 1901,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KHVL-ZGD : accessed 16 May 2014), Fred Baker, G, Yale & Cariboo, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 1, Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FL2W-1V6 : accessed 14 May 2014), Fred Baker, 20 Dec 1925; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13126, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1927303.
British Columbia Supreme Court (Vancouver), Probate/estate files: GR-1415, B08731 Baker , Fred P – 10887
“Frederick Baker is Victim of Pneumonia: Veteran Canadian Pacific Official Passed Away on Sunday,” Vancouver Province, December 21, 1925, page 2 (includes photograph of Frederick Baker).
“Pioneer Dead,” Vancouver Sun, December 21, 1925, page 16 (captioned photograph of Frederick Baker).
Frederick Baker, death notice, Vancouver Province, December 21, 1925, page 21; Vancouver Sun, December 22, 1925, page 12: “Baker – Passed away at St. Paul’s Hospital, Sunda, December 19, 1929, Fred Baker, in his 67th year, dearly beloved father of Mrs. W.G. Morrison, Miss Nanno Baker and R.P. and F.L. Baker. Funeral announcements later.”
Priscilla Willing Plimsoll (wife of Stephen Baker; mother of Frederick Francis Baker)
“Canada Census, 1871,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M42F-LFV : accessed 16 May 2014), Priscilla Baker, St-Louis Ward, Montreal East, Quebec, Canada; citing p. 17, line 18; Library and Archives Canada film number C-10040, Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2229002.
“Canada Census, 1881,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MVXD-J3C : accessed 16 May 2014), Pricilla W Baker in household of Archer Baker, East Ward, Brockville (City), Ontario, Canada; citing p. 68; Library and Archives Canada film number C-13232, Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1375868.
Lucilla Ismina Cooke (wife of Frederick Francis Baker)
Lefevre House – Howe and Cordova, https://changingvancouver.wordpress.com/2013/08/ (describes life and background of Dr. John Lefevre).
Lucilla Jemina [sic] Cooke (1857 – Deceased); https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/9F7Z-TVB
“Canada, Ontario Census, 1861”, database, FamilySearch (ark:/61903/1:1:MQ7C-4H8 : Fri Mar 03 22:37:17 UTC 2023), Entry for Lucilla E Cooke, 1861.
“Canada Census, 1871,” database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M47Q-7TY : 7 April 2022), Lucilla E Cook in household of Richard Cook, Elizabethtown, Leeds and Grenville, Ontario, Canada; citing 1871; citing National Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.
“Canada Marriages, 1661-1949”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLP2-GGF : 1 April 2021), Lucilla Jemina Cooke in entry for Frederick Baker, 1880.
“Canada, Ontario Marriages, 1869-1927,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FMN1-VSF : 8 March 2021), Fred Baker and Lucilla J Cooke, 14 Sep 1880; citing registration , Brockville, Leeds, Ontario, Canada, Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,869,507.
“Canada Census, 1891,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWKQ-YJ5 : 3 August 2016), L E Baker, Kootenay Upper, Yale, British Columbia, Canada; Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148094.
“Canada Census, 1901,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVL-ZG6 : 23 February 2021), Lucilla Baker in household of Fred Baker, Yale & Cariboo, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 1, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.
British Columbia Supreme Court (Vancouver), Probate/estate files: B08727 Baker, Lucilla Ismina, P – 10472; First page of estate file: https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-31818-8410-50?cc=2014768&wc=M69V-LWL:332530701,332530502,333798001; Last page of estate file: https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-31818-8005-81?cc=2014768&wc=M69V-LWL:332530701,332530502,333798001.
Notice to Creditors, Estate of Lucilla Ismina Baker, London Gazette, December 8, 1925, page 8171, “In the Matter of the estate of Lucilla Ismina Baker.” Richard Plunkett Baker and Frederick Lefevre Baker were the administrators of the estate.
Anna Lily Baker (“Nano” or “Nanno”) (daughter of Frederick Francis Baker)
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLTN-4HN : accessed 16 May 2014), Anna Lily Baker, 09 Nov 1963; citing Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13264, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2033687.
British Columbia Cemetery Finding Aid: BAKER, Anna Lucilla (Nanno), Qualicum Beach Community Qualicum Beach, Jones Road, Vancouver Island MC-371.
Florence Esme Baker (daughter of Frederick Francis Baker)
Florence Esme Baker (1883–1977); Birth: 8 JUL 1883, Brockville, Leeds, Ontario, Canada; Death: 26 MAR 1977, New Forest, Hampshire, England (ancestry.ca).
“Ontario Births, 1869-1912,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FM7H-1Z9 : accessed 16 May 2014), Florence Emma Esme Baker, 08 Jul 1883; citing Brockville, Leeds, Ontario, Canada, registration number 17572; FHL microfilm 1845586.
“Ontario, Births and Baptisms, 1779-1899,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XLY8-8FH : accessed 16 May 2014), Florence Emma Esme Baker, 08 Jul 1883; citing Brockville, Leeds, Ontario; FHL microfilm 1845586.
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JDZX-23X : accessed 16 May 2014), William Geikie Morrison and Florence Esmé Baker, 10 Nov 1908; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11374, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1983702.
Late Society Notes, wedding notice of Esme Florence Baker and William Giekie Morrison, Vancouver Province, November 10, 1908, page 2.
Wedding Bells, Morrison-Baker, Vancouver Daily World, November 10, 1908, page 8.
Marriages, Morrison-Baker, Vancouver News-Advertiser, November 10, 1908, page 10.
William Geekie Morrison (husband of Florence Esme Baker)
William Geekie Morrison (1875–1922); Birth: 9 JUL 1875, Dundee, Scotland; Death: 29 DEC 1922, Bordighera, Imperia, Liguria, Italy (ancestry.ca).
Canadian Expeditionary Force; Name: MORRISON, WILLIAM G; Rank: CPT; Date of Birth: 09/07/1875; Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 6416 – 25; https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/first-world-war-1914-1918-cef/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=178060
Canadian Great War Project, Captain William Gukie Morrison, http://www.canadiangreatwarproject.com/searches/soldierDetail.asp?ID=76111.
William Antisell Morrison (son of Florence Esme Baker)
William Antisell Morrison (1911–1993); Birth: 7TH JULY 1911, British Columbia, Canada; Death: 17 DEC 1993, Fukushima, Fukushima, Japan (ancestry.ca).
Ancestry.com. UK and Allied Countries, World War II Liberated Prisoner of War Questionnaires, 1945-1946 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2023. The National Archives in Washington, DC; London, England, UK; WO 344: War Office: Directorate of Military Intelligence: Liberated Prisoner of War Interrogation Questionnaires, 1945-1946; Piece Number: WO344/226/2. Name: William Antisell Morrison; Rank: Lieutenant; Birth Date: 7 Jul 1911; Enlistment Date: 16 Dec 1939; Capture Date: 12 Jun 1940; Capture Place: Saint-Valery; Imprisonment Force: Germany; Service Number: 52686; Unit: The Gordon Highlanders; War: WWII; Escape Attempt: Y.
Frederick Lefevre Baker (son of Frederick Francis Baker)
“British Columbia Birth Registrations, 1854-1903,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JDZX-DJW : accessed 15 May 2014), Baker, 21 Aug 1892; citing British Columbia Archives film number B13810, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2114718.
“Baker, Lieutenant Frederic Lefevre – Mentioned for Valuable Services in Connection with the War,” http://airforce.ca/awards.php?search=1&keyword=&page=10&mem=&type=flyingww1.
Frederick Lefevre Baker, University of British Columbia, Record of Service, 1914-1918, page 12, http://www.library.ubc.ca/archives/pdfs/misc/record_of_service_WWI.pdf/
“Canada Passenger Lists, 1881-1922”, index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/2HGJ-KDC : accessed 15 May 2014), Fred Lefevre Baker, 1921.
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JDZ1-3JD : accessed 15 May 2014), Frederick Lefevre Baker and Doreen Marie Smith, 19 Jan 1922; citing Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B13743, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2074225.
Frederick Baker and Doreen Smith, wedding notice, Victoria Times, January 20, 1922, page 6, https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-28100-981-56?cc=2001136&wc=M61J-HMQ:284757601
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLRN-PJF : accessed 16 May 2014), Frederick Lefevre Baker, 30 Apr 1956; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13228, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2033104.
“Canadian Headstones”, index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/QJ88-RXM1 : accessed 15 May 2014), Frederick Lefevre Baker, .
“Man Dies in Hotel Plunge,” Vancouver Sun, May 1, 1956, page 9.
“Visitor Killed in 40-Foot Hotel Plunge,” Vancouver News-Herald, May 1, 1956, page 1.
Frederick Lefevre Baker, death notice, Vancouver Sun, May 2, 1956, page 38; Vancouver Province May 2, 1956, page 26.
St Regis Hotel – Dunsmuir and Seymour, http://changingvancouver.wordpress.com/2012/11/19/st-regis-hotel/.
“Illinois, Cook County Birth Certificates, 1878-1938,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NQBN-7HL : accessed 10 July 2015), Wilder Harding Ripley, ; citing Riverside, Cook, Illinois, United States, reference , Cook County Courthouse, Chicago; FHL microfilm .
“Illinois, Cook County Birth Registers, 1871-1915,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N7DR-26J : accessed 10 July 2015), Wilder H Ripley, 27 Sep 1910; citing p. 297, Ln 14825, Riverside, Cook County Courthouse, Chicago; FHL microfilm 1,315,049.
“United States Census, 1920,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MJWD-Q1Z : accessed 10 July 2015), Wilder H Riply in household of Robert H Riply, New Trier, Cook, Illinois, United States; citing sheet 11A, family 215, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,820,361.
“United States Census, 1930,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XSTK-C7L : accessed 10 July 2015), Wilder Ripley in household of Robert H Ripley, New Trier, Cook, Illinois, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 2225, sheet 6A, family 61, line 5, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 503; FHL microfilm 2,340,238.
“California, Los Angeles Passenger Lists, 1907-1948,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZQQ-8QD : accessed 10 July 2015), Wilder Harding Ripley, 1934; citing Immigration, ship name Empress Of Britain, NARA microfilm publication M1764 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 50; FHL microfilm 1,734,654.
Wilder Ripley is Engaged to Eastern Girl, Chicago Tribune, August 16, 1935, page 15, http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1935/08/16/page/15/article/wilder-ripley-is-engaged-to-eastern-girl
“United States World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8L6-VM2 : accessed 10 July 2015), Wilder H Ripley, enlisted 16 Jan 1945, ; citing “Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, ca. 1938-1946,” database, The National Archives: Access to Archival Databases (AAD) (http://aad.archives.gov : National Archives and Records Administration, 2002); NARA NAID 126323, National Archives at College Park, Maryland.
“Florida Divorce Index, 1927-2001,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VK7F-YP5 : accessed 10 July 2015), Wilder H Ripley and Helen Ripley, 1950; from “Florida Divorce Index, 1927-2001,” database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2005); citing Dade, Florida, certificate 1694, volume 498, Florida Department of Health, Jacksonville.
“New York, New York Passenger and Crew Lists, 1909, 1925-1957,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2H43-H1H : accessed 10 July 2015), Wilder H Ripley, 1954; citing Immigration, New York City, New York, United States, NARA microfilm publication T715 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 2,321,913.
Doreen R. Baker, Free BMD births, March quarter 1923; District: Marylebone; volume 1a, page 731; mother surname: Smith.
“England and Wales Birth Registration Index, 1837-2008,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV3Z-LQRT : accessed 10 July 2015), Doreen R Baker, 1923; from “England & Wales Births, 1837-2006,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Birth Registration, Marylebone, London, England, citing General Register Office, Southport, England.
EWEN, D. Rosemary (nee Baker) (Ripley) November 16th, 1922 – November 25th, 2010, death notice, Published in Vancouver Sun and/or The Province from Nov. 28 to Nov. 29, 2010.
Ellis Ripley Trafford, 2012 Foundation Fellow Acceptance Speech, http://www.greencollege.ubc.ca/database/rte/files/Ellis%20Ripley%20Trafford’s%20Foundation%20Fellow%20acceptance%20speech.pdf [Describes Lily Alice Cooke Lefevre.]
Principal Mark Vessey’s Remarks, Green College Founders’ Dinner, Thursday 8 March 2012, http://www.greencollege.ubc.ca/database/rte/files/Principal%20Mark%20Vessey’s%20Remarks.pdf: “The portrait of Lily Lefevre that now hangs over the stairs must have hung here before. It finally came home again last fall, after an absence of over sixty years, as a gift from Ellis Ripley Trafford, who inherited it from her late mother, Rosemary Baker Ripley, who was the daughter of Frederick Lefevre Baker, a World War I flying ace who diced with the Red Baron, and who was Lily Lefevre’s nephew.
Ellis Ripley Trafford and her husband Geoff Trafford are here this evening. So is Ellis’s brother Andrew, his wife Deborah, and their half-brother Steve Ripley. So is Uncle Fred Baker, Rosemary’s brother, who—alone of the present company— remembers this house as it was in the 1930s, and who is here with his daughters Diane and Cathy, and Andrea, another member of the Baker family.”
EWEN, Harold (Hal) November 21st, 1926 – March 2nd, 2013 Age 86, death notice, Published in Victoria Times-Colonist on Mar. 12, 2013.
Frederick Lefevre Baker November 9, 1924 – July 4, 2015, death notice, Published in Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on July 10, 2015.
Baker, Helen Angeline (Astle) January 29, 1929 to March 21, 2007, death notice, Published in Vancouver Sun and The Province from Mar. 27 to Mar. 28, 2007.
Brian Baker, July 25, 1928 – September 2, 2013, death notice, Published in Vancouver Sun and/or The Province from Sept. 6 to Sept. 7, 2013.
BAKER, Brian, Passed away on July 6, 2013, memorial notice, Published in The Times Colonist from July 11 to July 12, 2013.
Doreen Marie Baker (née Smith) (wife of Frederick Lefevre Baker)
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLTL-TF7 : accessed 15 May 2014), Doreen Marie Baker, 11 Dec 1964; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13269, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2033722.
Doreen Marie Baker, death notice, Vancouver Sun, December 14, 1964, page 31; Vancouver Province, December 14, 1964, page 28.
Find A Grave, Find A Grave Memorial# 26281512, Doreen Marie Baker; Birth: unknown; Death: Dec. 15, 1964; Burial: Mountain View Cemetery; Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Plot: HORNE1/4/02/*/0719, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=26281512
Richard Plunkett Baker (son of Frederick Francis Baker)
Richard Plunkett Baker, Who’s Who in Canada, 1928-1929, page 2098.
Canadian Expeditionary Force; Name: Baker, Richard Plunkett; Rank: CPT; Date of Birth: 18/10/1888; Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 376 – 40; Item Number: 21521; https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/first-world-war-1914-1918-cef/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=21521.
List of victories of Manfred von Richthofen, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_victories_of_Manfred_von_Richthofen: Lt. Richard Plunkett Baker (Can) WIA/POW; 24 March 1917; 1155: Jasta 11; Halberstadt D.II; 19 Sqn.; SPAD VII(A6706) ; Givenchy.
Alexander Duncan McRae, Wikipedia article, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Duncan_McRae.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLGY-7MH : accessed 15 May 2014), Blaunche Latimer Mcrae, 10 Nov 1942; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13177, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1953637.
Ceremony in East of Great Interest in Smart Society, Vancouver Sun, July 27, 1922, page 6, http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=PCplAAAAIBAJ&sjid=oIgNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2104%2C2858863
“United States Border Crossings from Canada to United States, 1895-1956,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XG9L-XQQ : accessed 16 May 2014), Richard Plunnett Baker, 07 Oct 1930; citing “Border Crossings: From Canada to U.S., 1895-1954,” Ancestry.com; Ship , arrival port Buffalo, New York, , line , NARA microfilm publication M1480, roll 9, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.
“Mr. And Mrs. R.P. Baker Hosts Wednesday at Afternoon Party: Home and Gardens on Point Grey Attractive Setting for Large After-five Affair,” Vancouver Province, August 17, 1939, page 8.
“Langaravine, the R.P. Bakers’ new house on Marine Drive,” Vancouver Sun, August 19, 1939, page 10 (includes photographs of the house and guests); http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GzRlAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Q4kNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6048%2C2449191 (link leads to bottom of page; photographs and captions are at the top of the page.)
“After Five,” “On Wednesday Mr. and Mrs. R.P. Baker invited several hundred guests of Langaravine,” Vancouver Province, August 19, 1939, page 9 (includes photographs of guests).
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FL5L-HW1 : accessed 16 May 2014), Richard Plunkett Baker, 01 Apr 1954; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13219, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2032965.
“Socialite R.P. Baker Dies at 66,” Vancouver Sun, April 2, 1954, page 2.
Richard Plunkett Baker, death notice, Vancouver Province, April 2, 1954, page 32; Vancouver Sun, April 2, 1954, page 34.
“Canadian Headstones”, index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/QJ88-RX9M : accessed 16 May 2014), Richard Plunkett Baker, .
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLPM-WMQ : accessed 15 May 2014), Blanche Howe Lewis, 31 Aug 1945; citing Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13188, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 2032325.
British Columbia Order in Council 2771/1948, December 3, 1948, Overpayment of probate duty, succssion duty and interest, Blanche Howe Lewis.
Langaravine: Selected Sources
Samuel Maclure, Architect, by Janet Bingham; Ganges, British Columbia, Horsdal and Schubart Publishers Limited, 1985, page 77: “. . . Maclure designed a lovely, rambling Tudor-Revival home on the Point Grey cliffs with the romantic name of Langaravine.” Also Inventory 3, unpaged, [notional continuation of pagination is page 145]: May 20, 1915; Maclure and Fox; Mrs. L.A. LeFevre; Marine Drive “Langaravine”; House; cost: $15,000; contractor: Thomas L. Gray. Remarks: Extant, but renovated beyond recognition. Used by U.B.C.
Maclure, Samuel (1860-1929); Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada, 1800 to 1950; http://dictionaryofarchitectsincanada.org/node/1458: “Point Grey, residence for Mrs. Lily A. LeFevre, Marine Drive, 1915 (Segger, 187).”
“Langaravine”, 6101 N.W. Marine Drive, Vancouver, B.C.; https://vault.library.uvic.ca/concern/generic_works/868dc61c-f319-4e98-acec-401302f8da41. Item is an architectural drawing by Samuel Maclure prepared for Lily Alice Lefevre of Vancouver, B.C. Drawings AP1046-AP1054, AP1056-AP1059 stamped and inscribed: “This is one of the drawings referred to in our contract dated April 26th 1915. [Signed] Thos. L. Gray [and] L.A. Lefevre.”
Lily Alice Cooke Lefevre (owner of Langaravine from 1916 to 1938)
Lefevre, Lily Alice Cooke; SFU Digitized Collections; https://digital.lib.sfu.ca/ceww-718/lefevre-lily-alice-cooke. Lily Alice Cooke (1854-1938).
Lily Alice Lefevre: First Female Book Author Published in British Columbia; Most Agreeable Place: History of Booksellers and Stationers in British Columbia; https://www.agreeableplace.com/lily-alice-lefevre-first-female-book-author-published-in-british-columbia/.
GC Building History | Part 4 | Behind Graham House; https://greencollege.ubc.ca/sites/greencollege.ubc.ca/files/publications/annualreports/2016-17%20GC%20Annual%20Report_SPREADS%20WEB%20DISPLAY.pdf. “Lily Lefevre, Canadian poet and patroness of the arts, was the first owner of the mansion (“Langaravine”) that became Graham House at Green College.”
Lily Alice Mary Cooke (5 April 1857 – 17 October 1938); https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/9VQ2-17Y.
“Canada Census, 1871,” database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M47Q-DRM : 7 April 2022), Lily A Cook in household of Richard Cook, Elizabethtown, Leeds and Grenville, Ontario, Canada; citing 1871; citing National Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.
“Canada, Ontario Church and Civil Records, 1801-1948”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F2LZ-Y3W : 7 November 2020), Lilly Alice Mary Cooke in entry for John Matthew Lefevre, 1883.
“Canada Census, 1901,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVN-RBC : 23 February 2021), Lillie A Lefevre in household of John M. Lefevre, Burrard, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 11, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.
“Canada, British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLLL-5J1 : 8 November 2017), Lily Alice Lefeuse, 1938.
“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVV5-Q4C6 : 12 December 2022), Lily Alice Mary Cooke Lefevre, ; Burial, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Mountain View Cemetery; citing record ID 26280905, Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/26280905/lily-alice_mary-lefevre: “Lily Alice Mary Cooke Lefevre; Birth: 5 Apr 1853; Death: 17 Oct 1938 (aged 85); Burial: Mountain View Cemetery, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada; Plot: HORNE1-3-03-009-0003; Memorial ID: 26280905.”
Francis Ronald Graham (owner of Langaravine from 1946 to 1963)
F. Ronald Graham—pattern for success, Vancouver Province, October 11, 1958, page 17, columns 1-8.
F. Ronald Graham, Famed Host, Dies, Vancouver Sun, April 6, 1963, page 2, columns 4-5.
From Point Grey to Cabinet, Vancouver Sun, January 17, 2002, page 4, columns 1-5.
“Taxes Bite $3.6 Million in $7 Million Graham Will,” Vancouver Sun, July 17, 1963, page 1, columns 3-5; page 2, columns 4-5.
WestEndVancouver 
Very helpful. You might mention that Lily Lefevre’s house built 1915-16 was called Langaravine (architect S. McLure). She lived there 1916-38, left it in her will to R.P. Baker (Sun 22 Mar 1939 p. 9), who sold it to F. Ronald Graham in March 1946 (Province 19 Mar 1946 p. 11), father of recently deceased Liberal politician and minister Bill Graham, whence its name ‘Graham House’, now part of UBC’s Green College.
Hello Robert,
Thank you for this information on Langaravine.
I have updated the page on Frederick Francis Baker; https://westendvancouver.wordpress.com/biographies-a-m/biographies-b/baker-frederick-francis-1858-1925/.
Robert