Robert Baxter Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province from Mar. 8 to Mar. 9, 2013.

Robert Baxter April 3,1927 - February 23,2013 Bob was predeceased by his infant son Darrell in 1960 and remembered with so much love by his wife Beverley, sons Kenneth, Paul, Darren and Bill and their families. He was and will remain the wind beneath our wings.

Bob was very involved in the formation of the new Province wide ambulance service or Emergency Health Services in 1974. He was also instrumental in forming the first ever neonatal transport team staffed with paramedics in 1976 and which is now known as the Infant Transport Team and the first of its kind in the world. He was so proud of the ITT all through the years and their work became an example to follow in many countries. In 1980, he also played a part in the inclusion of the Paramedic Training Program at the Justice Institute now situated in New Westminster. In latter years he drove as a volunteer for the Masonic Cancer Car program to which he would have appreciated any donations.

Bob was a modest, practical, kind and good man, always fair and caring to his employees, and his sons were his best friends, his wife was his partner in love and life. He will be missed by us all beyond belief.

At Bob's request there will not be a funeral. On a calm, sparkling, sunlit day in Howe Sound we will scatter his ashes off Gambier Point where he and his family spent many happy years.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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20 Entries

September 22, 2013

Roy Daniels

One of the kindess, sincere, Gentleman i ever worked for. started with him 1963 thru 1974. RIP MR Baxter.

March 20, 2013

Bev and family,

My heart goes out to all of you. I have read the many messages and they all have one thing in common - Bob touched so many people in very special ways. I have always said that who we are, is really made up of little pieces of those who have truly 'touched' our lives. We carry within us those precious nuggets we collect from the special relationships that form the foundation of who we are. I always found talking with Bob to be soothing and relaxing. He was so 'matter of fact' and genuine. A 'what you see, is what you get' kind of guy who enjoyed a good giggle from time to time. I spoke with him a few weeks before he passed and all he asked was 'when are you going to ride that bike out here'. I had to remind him of all the snow we get out here in the east so I sent him this picture instead. We had a great conversation and savoured every second of it. I knew this was one of those precious nuggets that I would carry with me for the rest of my life.

Bob was surrounded by a very caring and loving family and he embraced the comfort and dignity that brought him. His spirit will be with all of us forever.......

So Uncle Bob, I will think of you when I'm riding my bike and know that you are riding with me on the highway of dreams. And yes, I'll be wearing a helmet..........

Dale

Posted by

March 17, 2013

Donna Andrew

AS I PERFORM MY DUTY LORD
WHATEVER BE THE CALL.
HELP TO GUIDE AND KEEP ME SAFE FROM DANGERS BIG AND SMALL.
I WANT TO SERVE AND DO MY BEST
NO MATTER WHAT THE SCENE.
I PLEDGE TO KEEP MY SKILLS REFINED, MY JUDGEMENT QUICK AND KEEN.
THIS CALLING TO GIVE OF MY SELF MOST DO NOT UNDERSTAND.
BUT I STAND READY ALL THE TIME TO HELP MY FELLOWMAN.
TO HAVE THE CHANCE TO HELP A CHILD RESTORE HIS/HER LAUGH WITH GLEE
A WORD OF THANKS I MIGHT NOT HEAR, BUT KNOWING IS ENOUGH FOR ME.
THE PRAISE OF MEN IS FINE FOR SOME,
BUT I FEEL TRULY BLESSED, THAT YOU, OH LORD, HAVE CHOSEN ME TO SERVE IN EMS!

I don't know who wrote this poem but it speaks to the hearts and minds of those of us who answer the call.
My Condolences to the Baxter Family, His Lodge and those whos lives he has touched. He will forever be a part of our professional family.

March 16, 2013

Frank Wieler

Bob Baxter hired me back in 1981. I will always remember him as a great guy and a manager who really cared about us. He went out of his way for me on several occasions, as I know he did for others. I won't forget.

March 15, 2013

Jim Fissel

It was my privilege to work for Bob. He taught me about what was important, namely the patient. Bob, thank you for sharing your knowledge and understanding with so many of us.

March 15, 2013

Richard Foster

In the summer of 1979 Bob hired me at the ripe age of 19 and he took me under his wing teaching me about how to look after people “The Baxter Way”. His legacy lives on not only through me but all the paramedics I have trained over the years. Bob was a very unique and special man that gave from his heart. My condolences to the family on his passing and his legacy will live on for generations through many paramedics in BC.

March 15, 2013

Rene Bernklau

A great man with a great vision. I will never forget my initial meeting and interview with Bob, he made a nervous time be one of the best conversations with laughter and sincerity. A pleasure to be lead by such an endearing gentleman. My sympathies to the family, you were blessed.

March 15, 2013

Steve Williams

Condolences to Bob`s family and many friends, thanks to Bob... I have enjoyed a wonderfull 36 year career with BCAS, rest in peace friend.

March 11, 2013

Ralph Jones

My heartfelt condolonces to the Baxter family and friends. Bob and Metropolitan Ambulance sponsored our Scout Group, the 89th Venturer Company in the early seventies, and later Bob hired a number of us to come and work for the BC Ambulance Service. He was a great man and will be missed.

March 10, 2013

Audrey Thorne

Dear family So very sorry to hear about your loss.Our thoughts are with you all in this so difficult time.Kind regards from Marion Boyle and Audrey Thorne

March 10, 2013

Jackie Whalley

Sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a well loved man and very well respected. Bob hired me in 1976 and I will be eternally grateful.
Condolences to the family.
Jackie Whalley

March 9, 2013

Don Reid

Posted by Don Reid

March 9, 2013

Ron Jordan

Condolences to his family. Bob was a great boss who hired me to work for BCAS in Feb 1979.

March 9, 2013

Rick Stanger

One of the true pioneers of Paramedic Life, very instrumental in my career 42 years ago. besides being a visionary he was also a mentor to most every one of us and we all looked up to him. Bob you will be missed and the sad thing is that there are only a few of you left that we could concider one of the Godfathers of Pre Hospital Care on the Streets of the Lower Mainland stretching into the rest of the Province. Rest my friend you deserve it

March 9, 2013

Max Racette

My thoughts and prayers go out to Bob's family in this sad time. When I first came to the new EHS in 1975 Bob was very supportive to me as I found my way and settled my young family in a new city. A true pioneer is lost but not forgotten.

March 9, 2013

To the Baxter Family, So sorry to hear the passing of Bob my thoughts are with you all, I have many happy memories of the Gambier Point cabin as my family rented from you in the early 1970's and I have many good memories with the Baxter boys over the summer holidays.

Again my thoughts are with you all.

Don J. Reid
(Doug & Dorothy)

Posted by

March 9, 2013

Don Hudson

The world has lost a special man. This loss is being felt by every member of the pre-hospital care community who knew Bob. Take a rest Bob you have earned it.
I Joined Metro June 1065

March 9, 2013

To Beverly and family
So sorry to read of your loss. It brings back fond memories of happy times.
Judith McPhie (Jean and Kim Nichols daughter)

March 8, 2013

Lynn Duncan

Beverly: I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was a great man and I am honoured to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Post 83 will miss him.

March 8, 2013

Dear Bev and Family
We are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was truly a wonderful man in so many ways! We are thinking of you.
Eileen Johnson, Susan and Richard

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