Donald BAXTER

BAXTER, Donald W.
O.C., M.Sc., M.D., F.R.C.P.(C)
Died on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at the Montreal General Hospital after a protracted illness. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Anne Baxter née Bieler, son Jonathan (Ruth), daughter Nicola, their mother, Judy née Gould, sister Helen Keating, two nieces, a nephew, and many cousins. He was predeceased by daughters Prudence and Cathryn.
A native of Brockville, Ontario, Dr. Baxter graduated in Medicine from Queen's University in 1951. Following post-graduate training at the Kingston General Hospital (Internship, Internal Medicine), the Montreal Neurological Institute (Neuroanatomy), and the Boston City Hospital (Neuropathology, Neurology), Dr. Baxter joined the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the University of Saskatchewan. In 1962, he moved to Temple University, Philadelphia. In 1963, Dr. Baxter was recruited to the Montreal General Hospital as Director of the Division of Neurology, which he successfully developed and expanded over the next 15 years. In 1979, he became Chairman of the McGill Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and Neurologist-in-Chief at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital. He was Director of the MNI from 1984-1992, and Interim Director from 2000-2002.
Dr. Baxter was a role model, mentoring colleague and loyal friend to junior faculty, an inspiring teacher to neurology trainees and students, and a respected, caring physician to patients. Dr. Baxter received many honours in recognition of his contributions to McGill University and Canadian neurology: Professor Emeritus, Officer of the Order of Canada, the annual Baxter Lecture of the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, MNI Lifetime Achievement Award, Canadian Medical Association honourary membership.
Funeral private. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Montreal Neurological Institute, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2B4 would be appreciated. The kindness, warmth and superb care from all the staff on the 15th floor was very much appreciated by his family and friends.