Gertrude Catherine McPhail and Michael Bernard Baine

When Gertrude Catherine McPhail was born on December 4, 1893 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, her father, Archibald James Jacob McPhail (1870-1941), was 24 and her mother, Cecelia (née Garrow) (1876-1941) was 18. Gertrude had six brothers and three sisters.

Gertrude married Michael Bernard Baine on June 28, 1917, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Michael Bernard (Bernie) Baine was born on October 14, 1893, the son of Thomas Baine (1866-1900) and Maria (née Cummings) (1869-1938). His occupation at the time of the marriage is a crane driver.

Ontario, Canada Marriages (image via Ancestry.com)

The Baines had two sons and four daughters during their marriage:

  • Thomas Leonard Baine (1918-1999) m. Winnifred Madden (1922-2001)
  • Betty Mary Baine (1920-1979) m. William McLaughlin (1911-1987)
  • Bernard Joseph (Bun) Baine (1921-2008)
  • Veronica (Vera) Baine (1926-2016) married Harold Douglas Jamieson (1925-2020)
  • Gertrude (Trudy) Baine (1930-2015) m. James William Butler (1929-1992)
  • A daughter (still living)

We find them on the 1921 census living at 40 Garfield Avenue North in Hamilton where they lived until at least 1958. Bernie’s occupation is listed as “operator” (presumably crane operator) on the census, but on later voter’s lists, he’s a clerk. Gertrude was at home.

1921 Canadian Census (image via Ancestry.com)
40 Garfield Avenue North (image via GoogleMaps)

The couple is at 933 Fennell Avenue East, Apartment 6 between 1963-1972 (and perhaps longer).

Bernie died in Hamilton on May 11, 1981.

The Hamilton Spectator

Gertrude survived Bernie by almost ten years, dying on February 11, 1991. Her obituary suggests she was living in Townsview Life Care Centre (now Dundurn Place Care Centre) at the time of her death:

The Hamilton Spectator

The couple are interred together in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Section 20. The stone reads:

BAINE / Gertrude C. / 1893-1991 / Michael B. / 1893-1981

Main image: Gertrude and Michael Bernard Baine (centre) with family (image via Ancestry.com)

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15 Responses

  1. From my research is appears that the two other daughters are
    Veronica (Vera) Baine (died May 19, 2016) m. Harold Jamieson (died July 8, 2020)
    Information found in obituaries.

    Through DNA testing and other information that has recently come to light, it our belief that Gertrude Catherine McPhail and Michael Bernard Baine are the grandparents of
    Paul Douglas Cairns (name at birth was Baine). Paul was adopted and parents are still unknown.

    1. What a fascinating story. Thanks for sharing this extra info. I haven’t come across a Baine relative specifically, but I know they’re out there. I have a few other McPhail relatives on my mailing list – let me know if you’d like me to send your story out asking for information.

        1. Through a request we made through Service Ontario we now know for certain that Gertrude Ann (Trudy) Baine (daughter of Gertrude Catherine McPhail Baine and Michael Bernard Baine) is the birth mother of Paul Douglas Cairns. Name of father not on document received (Province of Ontario Statement of Birth dated March 29, 1955). Document indicated that there is a sibling.

  2. Hello, love your post. I believe that Tom Baine jr and Winnie Baine were my godparents. They were members of St. John the Baptist Church and lived on the corner of London St. S. and Justine Ave in Hamilton. I remember they had at least 2 sons; Tom and Michael. I went to school with Michael, who became a teacher and a school principal in Ottawa.

    1. Thanks for commenting Teresa. Assuming that means you’ve lost touch? (See the comment above- Vicky Cairns is trying to get in touch with one of the Baine kids).

  3. What a surprise! While looking at old photos of Hamilton, I couldn’t believe it when I saw my grandmother (Robina Hillier), along with her sister Mary?, my aunt Rubie, step-grandfather Hector Hillier, Gerald Hillier and possibly my uncle Robert Lyon. I am intrigued, and wonder if you could tell me where and when this photo was taken. If possible, I would also like to get a copy of the photo. Thank you. Donna

    1. Nice to meet you! The photo was likely taken in Hamilton, I was provided a digital copy from a family member who has since passed. I know there are other copies in existence – there is a member on Ancestry.com who has posted several photos of the McPhail, Baine, and Hillier families. Their notes suggest the photo was taken in October 1943.

  4. Thank you very much. I have managed to copy the photo, and will send a copy to my Uncle Robert Lyon, who I believe is the little boy in the picture. He will be very pleased to see it.

  5. Amanda, Michael Baine, son of Tom and Winney passed away yesterday, Feb 24, 2023, in Ottawa ON. at the age of 74.
    His obituary is in the Ottawa newspaper.
    He had a very interesting life, as described in newspaper articles.

  6. Michael Baine is (was) my father – the greatest human there ever was. He would have loved to read these posts. Family was everything to him. Tom and Winnifred were my grandparents.

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AG Knapper

I’ve been researching my tree for over twenty years…and I’ve found some easy branches, and some gnarly ones…

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