Edwin Baker, Canadian co-founder of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) (b. 1893)

Edwin Albert Baker, born on January 9, 1893, in the scenic community of Collins Bay, Ontario, emerged as a truly transformative figure in Canadian history. His life, marked by both intellectual promise and profound personal adversity, became a powerful testament to resilience and unwavering dedication. He passed away on April 7, 1968, leaving behind an indelible legacy as a pioneering advocate for the blind and a principal co-founder of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).

A Promising Start and the Great War's Shadow

Before the ravages of war altered the trajectory of his life, Baker embarked on a path of academic excellence and scientific inquiry. He pursued higher education at Queen's University, a prestigious institution in Kingston, Ontario, where he distinguished himself by graduating in 1914 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. This achievement spoke to a bright future, brimming with potential in a rapidly industrializing world.

However, the outbreak of the First World War, often referred to as the Great War, soon cast its long shadow across the globe, calling upon young Canadians to serve their country. In that very same year of his graduation, Baker answered this call to duty, enlisting with the Sixth Field Company, Canadian Engineers. His service took him to the brutal battlefields of France, where, in 1915, he endured a catastrophic injury. This devastating event led to the complete loss of his sight in both eyes, fundamentally reshaping his perception of the world and, ultimately, his life's mission.

The Genesis of a National Vision: Founding the CNIB

Returning from the war as a blind veteran, Edwin Albert Baker encountered firsthand the immense challenges faced by those who had lost their sight, whether through military service or other causes. At the time, comprehensive support systems for the blind were severely lacking in Canada. It was this personal experience and a powerful sense of purpose that spurred him into action. In 1918, driven by a shared vision for a more inclusive society, Baker joined forces with six other dedicated individuals to establish the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). This organization was conceived as a vital national resource, dedicated to empowering blind and partially sighted Canadians to live full, independent lives.

Baker’s commitment to the CNIB was immediate and profound, evolving into a lifelong vocation. He served with distinction as the organization's first Vice-President from 1918 to 1920, playing a crucial role in laying the foundational principles and structure of the nascent institute. His leadership capabilities and unwavering dedication were quickly recognized, leading to his appointment as the Managing Director & General Secretary in 1920. He held this pivotal leadership position for an extraordinary 42 years, guiding the CNIB through decades of growth, advocacy, and service expansion, until his well-deserved retirement in 1962.

A Personal Life and Enduring Legacy

Beyond his monumental professional achievements, Edwin Albert Baker also found happiness in his personal life. He was married to Jessie Robinson, and together they built a family, raising three sons and a daughter. His family life provided a personal grounding for a man whose professional endeavors touched countless lives across the nation. Baker’s death in 1968 marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on vibrantly through the CNIB, which continues its vital work advocating for accessibility, independence, and the full participation of blind and partially sighted people in all aspects of Canadian society. His foresight and tireless efforts laid the groundwork for an organization that has become a cornerstone of support and a beacon of hope for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was Edwin Albert Baker's most significant contribution?

Edwin Albert Baker is best known as a principal co-founder of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), an organization dedicated to empowering blind and partially sighted Canadians.

When and where was Edwin Albert Baker born?

He was born on January 9, 1893, in Collins Bay, Ontario.

How did Edwin Albert Baker lose his sight?

He lost his sight in both eyes in 1915 while serving with the Sixth Field Company, Canadian Engineers, in France during the First World War.

When was the CNIB founded?

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) was founded in 1918.

What leadership roles did Baker hold at the CNIB?

He served as the first Vice-President from 1918 to 1920, and then as the Managing Director & General Secretary from 1920 until his retirement in 1962.

What was Baker's educational background?

He graduated from Queen's University in 1914 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering.

When did Edwin Albert Baker pass away?

He passed away on April 7, 1968.