RICHARD CAFFYN BAXTER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

RICHARD CAFFYN BAXTER Our hearts filled with love and sorrow, we announce the death of Richard Caffyn Baxter. He died on March 7, 2003, after a long fight with heart disease and stroke and, more recently, cancer. Surrounded by his family, he waited until all his children arrived to say goodbye. He will be forever remembered by his loving wife of 48 years, Cynthia; his six children and their partners, Caffyn (Mearnie), Wendy (Claire), Marnie (Dana), Tom (Tracy), Maya (Mark), and Seonagh (David) his four beloved grandchildren, Aaron, Emma, Naomi, and Angelica; his sister and brother-in-law, Edith and Joseph Mercer; many other friends and relatives; and his dog Corrie. Born May 6, 1922, in Winnipeg, Richard and his family moved to Vancouver in 1971. He was a graduate in Commerce from the University of Manitoba. He then worked in the company established by his father, Baxter Signs Ltd., before going into real estate development. In 1958, he formed R.C. Baxter Ltd. and later, The Baxter Group, and developed properties across Canada and in California including Evergreen Place in Winnipeg, Calgary Market Mall, and Coal Harbour in Vancouver. He was committed to a bilingual Canada and conducted his business in Quebec in French. Richard enjoyed his many relationships with friends, business associates, and neighbours. Richard had a long history of community service and involvement, giving of his time and expertise to professional and charitable organizations. He was a founding member and past President of the West Winnipeg Rotary Club, former Chair of the Manitoba Export Commission, and past President of the International Council of Shopping Centres. He served for several years as a board member of the National Theatre School and the Vancouver Playhouse. A great appreciator of the arts, he enjoyed going to theatre right up until the last month of his life. He had a fierce commitment to human rights and celebrated the dignity of all people. He affirmed his children and grandchildren in all their different endeavours and loves. In describing his philosophy, he said, "There is more than one road to a complete life." He will always be remembered for his wisdom, his loyalty, his depth of thinking, and his ever-present wit. As he slipped into unconsciousness, he came up with an answer to his last crossword puzzle and his last joke. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 11, at 2:30 p.m., at St. Francis in the Wood Anglican Church, 4773 Piccadilly South, Caulfield Cove, West Vancouver.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 11, 2003