Obituary - Richard Bakker

In the early hours of September 11, 2025, with his family around him, Opus left us for the place Bernie described to him many times before. The rolling green hills of pasture filled with the most powerful feeling of love and wellness that creates the most amazing version of you. We know that when he arrived, his first four words were “This is freaking Magical” and the next words were “Where can I go fishing?” We also know that things there immediately got a whole lot louder, a lot livelier and a guy with the biggest heart arrived to make everyone smile, laugh and sometimes wonder what did he just say?

Opus was born November 1, 1966, the seventh child to John and Niesje Bakker. His older sister, Debbie, thought he was a live doll at first, as he arrived home on her birthday November 6th along with a cake. Luckily, she didn’t get a doll, we all got a new brother. So this white-blonde boy grew and went to the Redcliff schools, I F Cox, Parkside and then Medicine Hat High School. He made many, many friends during these years that he kept in touch with thanks to Facebook, who have all left incredible messages of support since hearing he went into the hospital the Friday before his passing. Friendship was the most important thing in Opus’ life.

Opus had a varied career, working many years as a tire tech at Kirk’s Tire. Craig, Al, Troy and the gang were like family and treated him like gold. The customers were often told jokes; some colourful ones and some pretty awesome one liners. Unfortunately he had some health issues and sadly his time there ended. Opus eventually moved on to Roy’s Woodshop and became a labourer making crates for shipping. He enjoyed the work and the guys at the shop, but his health took another hit and he was unable to continue. He had some down time, then began to work for Rachelle and Ryan at the Redcliff Hylton where he lived and which became his second family home. That’s when he truly flourished and we saw a new Opus emerge. He became a handyman, learning as he went, and man he wanted to learn and do his job really, really well. He learned about plumbing, furnaces, underground sprinklers and all about plants; thrilled to find out what a hosta was. He loved the back patio so very much and the pride he had choosing and taking care of the plants, the tables and fire pit was immense. He hung patio lights and turned it into a peaceful oasis that people so enjoyed he bragged about it. If you knew Opus, bragging was something he rarely did, if ever. But he deserved to, he really did. He had a vision for that garden, and he brought it to life.

Opus lived and worked at the Hylton until his passing; Angie and Lori becoming life sisters, Rachelle, Ryan and their kids becoming family. He became a fixture in that bar and customers soon learned that Opus had a huge heart and they could be cheered up, counselled, consoled or just made to laugh as soon as they walked through the door. He could be heard booming “ Oh Helllll Yeahhh” if something amazing happened or “That’s freaking magical”. He helped bands with takedowns of their equipment and they bonded over those hours. His passing will hit the Hylton family hard and leave a hole in that bar that can’t be filled.

Throughout his life, Opus met so many people. The way he bonded with them one on one made for such a special relationship with each person; this was truly unique. When he cared, he cared hard; his heart was all in and you knew it. He was a Facebook post king and those posts were always about the amazing souls in his life and everyone he loved staying safe. He was always thinking about his people and those posts lifted their spirits as they looked forward to them. These posts are going to be missed so very much, but the connection he made one on one with each person who he loved will remain. The stories about Opus and his life will be shared by them all and he will be remembered with love, laughter, head shakes, eye rolls and for that love he put out in the world; but boy will he be remembered!

There were many other loves in his life. He loved kids and as his nieces and nephews and their kids were born, he adored each and every one. He loved being a Godpappy to his nephew, Alex and when Alex married, he assumed Melissa as his Goddaughter. When they had their daughter, Elizabeth Audrey (pictured with Opus above), he claimed her as his Goddaughter as well. He showed that photo with pride to every person who came into the Hylton. His honourary nieces and nephews from his friends mattered just as much and he talked about them as if they were his own. He loved wrestling, Wrestlemania and WWE, sharing that love and the WWE magazines with his nieces and nephews. His team was the Calgary Flames and they were the only team in the NHL if you listened to how he talked. Opus was absolutely their biggest fan and his jerseys were his most prized possessions. He was part of a pool league, on a team called Ballroom Blitz in memory of our sister, Ellie, “travelling south” to play many games with Susie Q or The Red Baron often asking 8lb 6oz baby Jesus to let their team win the league this year! He belonged to the South Alberta Light Horse Army Cadets as a Lance Corporal and loved going to cadet camp. He talked about that all through his life as it was a highlight he was never tired of reliving. He loved chicken, yes chicken! Co-op, KFC, Popeyes, Church’s, Shake and Bake and newly discovered Costco Rotisserie. Opus could eat a lot of chicken! “That’s freaking magical” was likely uttered more for chicken than any other thing. He loved fishing, (by the dam at Blood Indian was his favourite spot), but he’d go anywhere given the chance. And his beloved “Loud mouth soup” aka beer, in the company of good friends or family, we can’t forget that. He will be watching us from that pasture now enjoying those things he loves; fishing whenever he wants with cold beers that are endless amongst friends and family that are already there. And no doubt he will be thinking it is magical.

Opus has joined his father and mother, John and Niesje Bakker; sister, Ellie Bakker; brothers, John and Yopi Bakker; brother-in-law, Pali Gill as well as many friends who have passed before him. Left to remember him are his brothers, Hans (Juanita) Bakker and Bernie Bakker (Susie Koebel); sisters, Debbie Gill and Niesje (Andy) Lyons; nephews, Alex Lyons, Aaron Bakker, Dustin Bakker and Casey Craats; nieces, Jodie Bakker, Stacey Craats, Toni Crane, Jenna Bakker, Parker Craats and Elizabeth Lyons; their partners and our family in Northern Alberta. Also remembering him with so much love are his Hylton family, Rachelle and Ryan Dreger, Angela Sailer-Waldner and Lori Turner.

His life was lived his way and all who knew Opus will miss him and the magic he brought to our lives. His celebration of life will be held at the Redcliff Hylton, 19 - 3 Street N.E., Redcliff on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Join us to raise a beer in Opus' memory!