In Memory Of

Francis Anton Baich

Apr 10, 1953 - Nov 2, 2025

Service

Saturday, November 8, 2025
1:00 pm
St. Matthew Catholic Church
5208-53 avenue
Rocky Mountain House, AB

Notice

For those wishing to donate in Francis’ name can be made to Rocky Mountain House Health Centre-Palliative Care or ROAR Society.

Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Francis Baich, aged 72. He passed peacefully in Palliative Care Rocky Hospital on November 2, 2025, with family by his side. He was born on April 10,1953, 4th son to Anton and Anne (Ollivier) Baich in Regina, SK. At the time they lived in Weekes, SK. Francis moved around with his family until they settled in Rocky. He worked in the family hardware business from a young age. He tried his hand at a few different jobs like McDonald’s in Victoria, BC until he came back to Rocky to work at Toni the Tailors & Cleaning. He helped in spear heading, along with the Knights of Columbus, the building of the new St. Matthew Catholic by calling “Bingo”. He took great pride in joining the Knights of Columbus and attained 4th Degree membership in November 1979, alongside his father. He was always happy to lend a helping hand with the Knights pancake breakfasts and building a media room with other KC members in the church basement. They would have Saturday matinees for the kids with popcorn and candy and once a month they did supper and a movie for the adults.
On May 2,1981 he married the love of his life, Judy. They moved to Kindersley, SK in September,1981. Their first daughter Victoria was born in 1985 and in 1988 they welcomed a second daughter, Elizabeth. His daughters are his pride and joy. He loved telling them jokes, teaching them to play pool, pinball, minigolf and introducing them to classical movies and his love of the arts in all forms. He loved decorating the yard for Halloween by setting up gravestones and blowups with the girls. July 1994 found us moving back to Rocky where he returned to retail and worked for his brothers at Homeall Building Center. He then moved to work at the Coop Home Center. Eventually he went to work for Gateway Sales & Service selling quads, motorbikes, lawnmowers, power saws, etc. He loved his customers. He was awarded a 2007 Customer Service Excellence Award presented by the Rocky Chamber of Commerce.
His first vehicle was a Honda 90cc Trail at age 14. He loved motorcycles but eventually traded them for a car. Occasionally he would take a friends bike out for a ride – in later years he got an Eton Scooter which he rode back and forth to work. He called it his mini hog which fondly got nicknamed “Piglet”. He had to give up working in 2010 due to disability issues with arthritis.
He embraced his new lifestyle by learning new things, volunteering for AB Health Services teaching Chronic Pain Management, playing card bingo at Westview Lodge and continuing his early love of trains by setting up a train room.
He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife of 44 years Judy (nee Martindale), daughters Victoria and Elizabeth. Judy’s sister Jenny (Dean) and family. His brothers Barry (Linda) and family, Vic (Lorraine) and family, Bob and family, and sister-in-law Gloria Baich. He was predeceased by his parents Tony and Anne Baich and in-laws Phil and Isabel Martindale, nephew Dan and Great nephew Colin.
For those wishing to donate in Francis’ name can be made to Rocky Mountain House Health Centre-Palliative Care or ROAR Society.

Condolences

Bill and Bonnie Riddle :

Francis Baich, big man, big heart, massive personality and an all round special guy. Our condolences to Judy and family. He will be missed, but not ever forgotten. Rest in Peace now.

Sheila Mizera:

My sincerest condolences Judy and family. I hope your hearts are full from all the love from family and friends at this difficult time.

Laurie Sarty:

Sorry to hear about your loss.

Dawna McNeill:

He was the black sheep and I remember as an artist--e painted lovely pictures--so happy he had a family and came back to rmh and did so many good things. He and his family were part of RMHhistory.

Nola Morgan:

Always a kind and loving, comical nature brought peace and joy to our Gateway surroundings. I know he will be missed. I am so sorry to hear of his loss. My deepest thoughts go out to you Judy, and girls. May your journey to find peace be filled with his awesome spirit and loving memories.

Dawn & Donn Mason:

our most sincere condolences to the entire family; Frances was a true gentleman.

Terry Garrett:

My thoughts and prayers to you Judy, Victoria and Elizabeth. I have such fond memories of Francis in Kindersley. He was always there to lend a helping hand, and could fix almost anything. His laugh was contagious and he had such a wonderful sense of humour. I know he will be missed by you all, but hold him close in your heart ❤️

Sandy Gaarden :

Oh Victoria. I'm so sad to hear of the passing of your dad. I never met him. I can only imagine what beautiful memories he has left the family .Hugs and love to the whole family.

Corey and Marie Cermak:

Condolences to the family
Francis will be deeply missed, for he had a good heart, treating everyone equally and with respect. I could never have completed the projects I did without Francis's help. Rest in peace, Francis.

Gary and Maxine Parsons :

Condolences to the family. Francis had a great sense of humor. He will be missed at our annual get together.

Collette and Tom Gilmore:

Dear Judy, Victoria, Elizabeth, Bob, Barry and Vicky. I have fond memories of Francis, and all the cousins, at family gatherings so many years ago. Please know we are thinking of you.

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