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GORDON BAXTER
Born: Apr 09, 1921
Date of Passing: Dec 27, 2011
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGORDON BAXTER Ronald Gordon Baxter, 90, died Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at the Grace Hospital, Winnipeg. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 2, 2012 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue West. If so desired, donations may be made in Gord's memory to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715
Run Date: Dec 31, 2011
GORDON BAXTER Ronald Gordon Baxter, 90, died Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at the Grace Hospital, Winnipeg.He leaves his loving wife of 58 years, Rita Baxter (nee Fournier); his sons, Paul (Julie); David, and Roger (Daphne); his daughters Tannis Niziol (Ken) and Teresa; 11 grand-children: Nicole, Marcus, Laura, Emily, Lindsay, Courtney, Carrie, Julia, Ashleigh, Baxter, and Esme; daughter-in-law Darlene; brother Garth (Betty-Anne); sister-in-law Mary Baxter; and many nieces and nephews. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, Samuel Papworth Baxter and Florence Macdonald (nee Green); his brothers, Harold and Bill, and his sister, Bernice. Gordon was born in Winnipeg on April 9, 1921. In his early teens, he would help his mother support the family through delivering ice door-to-door, apprenticing as a meat cutter, working on the Good Roads, and eventually buying his mother and siblings a home on Brandon Avenue. As a result of these early work experiences, Gord was never at a loss to fix, build or adapt something that was needed around the house. In fact, he built his own home in Charleswood from this know-how and can-do attitude that became his trademark throughout his life at home, at work and in his community of Roblin Park. Prior to the outbreak of the Second World War, Gord began work with Canada Cement in Fort Whyte. During the war years he served as an aircraft mechanic with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Upon his return he resumed his work at Canada Cement (Lafarge), a career that took him into retirement in 1983. Gord's family was everything to him. In 1953 he met and married Rita, a beautiful young nurse from Lac du Bonnet, and by 1957 had built a home in Charleswood for his growing family. This tree-lined acre of home and garden became his family's haven. Gord never felt closer to his God than when he was planting, pruning, and harvesting his beloved garden. Here his five children enjoyed the swing-set he welded and painted with his own hands, as well as the canopied sandbox he fashioned for them as a shelter from the hot July sun. There was never a more community-minded parent than Gord. In the mid 1960s, after enrolling his sons in hockey with the Roblin Park Community Club, he quickly became an avid volunteer. On many a cold winter evening he could be seen shovelling and flooding the rink so the community's kids would have the best ice for miles around. In the late 1960s when a new clubhouse was needed for the burgeoning Charleswood community, Gord was the man for the job. After successfully lobbying the municipality for a grant, he served as the foreman and general contractor for an army of dedicated volunteer dads. He had a knack for tapping into the community talent pool. If he knew of someone with an area of expertise, he didn't hesitate to enlist even the most reluctant of volunteers. The relationships he built during this project have endured, especially his longtime friendship with Roy Wiklund. In his retirement years, Gord loved to spend time at Twin Lakes Beach on Lake Manitoba; he especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren play in the sand and surf just steps from the family cottage. He and Rita also spent many warm happy months at their place in Weslaco, TX where they made many new friendships among the other snowbirds who had flown south for the winter. As a young boy, Gord was never given the opportunity to play organized sports, but that didn't prevent him from becoming the most avid sports fan. Although he never missed watching a Saturday evening Hockey Night in Canada game, his true love was football. He was a Blue Bomber season ticket holder for 65 years, attending games right up until August of this year. He was recently recognized at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Winnipeg stadium. As the organizing committee's guest of honour, Gord was treated like football royalty, a memory he cherished. His family will remember Gord as a selfless husband, father, and brother who never let time or distance diminish his love. His friends will remember Gord as a loyal supporter whose generosity knew no bounds. His community will remember Gord as a man of integrity who was wise and true to his word. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 2, 2012 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue West. If so desired, donations may be made in Gord's memory to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation. When he shall die Take him and cut him out in little stars And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night, And pay no worship to the garish sun. --William Shakespeare Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715
Run Date: Dec 29, 2011
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 2011
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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How fulfilling to have your dad leave such an indelible mark on the lives of so many people. His amazing legacy will live on through so many wonderful people, both family and friends, who were blessed by his friendship and love. Our sincere condolences and prayers to you, Tannis & Ken, Ashleigh and Baxter and to your extended family. - Posted by: Lorena and Robert Daigle (friends of Tannis & Ken) on: Jan 15, 2012
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My condolences to the whole family, especially Aunt Rita and you Tannis and your family. I still remember Uncle Gordon with great fondness, He used to tell me as a small girl to eat my turnips so I could grow hair on my chest! I still love turnips but luckily no hair yet! He was a very lucky man to have had such a wonderful family. My love and prayers go out to you all. rat - Posted by: Vicki Boudreau (Niece) on: Jan 13, 2012
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To the Baxter family my deepest condolences. I have fond memories of playing on the Assinboine Park Rangers with Dave, Paul coaching and their dad coming out to watch. - Posted by: Laird Keks (team and schoolmate) on: Jan 09, 2012
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Rita, so sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a loved one is very painful and we share your pain. Leona & Glenn - Posted by: Leona Butchart (niece) on: Jan 03, 2012
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Mom (Marie Green) and I want you to know we are sorry to hear of your family's loss Rita. - Posted by: Avis L'Esperance (extended family (Gordon was a cousin to my dad)) on: Dec 31, 2011
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I'm sorry to hear about your loss. My father worked with your husband at Canada Cement for many years. - Posted by: Barbara Hallick (Friend) on: Dec 31, 2011
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Tannis, your father's life's story is certainly an inspiration for all. We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you, Ken, Ashleigh and Baxter, Jackie and Bob - Posted by: Jackie and Bob () on: Dec 31, 2011
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My condolences to all the Baxters and especially Rita. I never got to meet Gord but know he must have been a great guy evaluate of the influence he had on all the Baxters I know whom are so wonderful! Peace to all of you. - Posted by: Kelly Clark () on: Dec 30, 2011
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Mr. B, a dedicated family man who contributed greatly to our community, will be missed by many. Condolences to Paul and the entire Baxter family - Posted by: Brian Duncan () on: Dec 30, 2011
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Paul, Sincere condolences to you and your family. You do have the consolation that he lived a full and happy life. I remember your father watching you play for the Monarchs in 1972! - Posted by: Denis Michaud () on: Dec 30, 2011
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A wonderful man and an even better role model. I loved my time as a young man watching and learning from him. His greatest contribution for me was the way he and my Grandma Rita raised my Father, Paul. The most influential person in my life. I love you Gord, and I love you Gram. I am going to miss him. - Posted by: Marcus Baxter (Grandson) on: Dec 30, 2011
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Tannis, I'm so sorry for your loss. Reading your Dad's obit - he sounded like a wonderful man and will be sadly missed by all who knew him, but especially his family. Take care. - Posted by: Shannon Chambers () on: Dec 29, 2011
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When i was a kid growing up in Charleswood Mr. Baxter was always there when we needed help. He was a very good man. - Posted by: Charlie Sammons (Friend) on: Dec 29, 2011
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I do recall Mr.Baxter tending to the ice at Roblin Park CC. As a kid, you don't realize the efforts made by others to make life fun for oneself. Me and my brother played hockey and saw his sons play as well. A great ambassador for the community. - Posted by: Chris Marsh (Neighbour) on: Dec 29, 2011
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I remember Mr. Baxter very fondly and repspectfully. He was always there for our hockey team in so many ways, he supported us as a friend, fan, Coach, volunteer and was always friendly, kind and calm when dealing with me as young player and Kid. My condolences to the entire Baxter Family. - Posted by: Ron Marrese (Friend) on: Dec 29, 2011
