Dr. Robert R. Baxter Jr.

Dr. Robert R. Baxter, Jr., 82 died July 2, 2008 surrounded by his family in Bradenton, Fla. He was born in Lockport, N.Y. and came to Bradenton in 1989. He served in the Navy in WWII as a pharmacists mate. He received a BA from The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, and was a graduate of the University of Buffalo, School of Dentistry. He practiced 45 years in Lockport, N.Y. Once retired, he and his wife Barbara shared their summer house on the mountains in Wintergreen, Va. with family, friends and the occasional bear. He practiced prolific gardening skills in Lockport that continued to extend on the mountain and in Florida. He was a life member of the American Dental Association and the New York State Dental Society. He was a 50 + year member of the YMCA and served on the board of directors in charge of Camp Kenan. He was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, El Conquistador Country Club and the University of Sarasota. However, he believed his biggest accomplishment was being a father and a husband. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara Wakefield Baxter; children, Dr. Laurelle A. Baxter of Plymouth, England, Robert R. (Kathryn) Baxter III of Leesburg, Va. and Julie W. (Paul A. Dresser Jr.) Baxter of Williamsburg, Va.; his grandchildren, Sarah J. Pobereskin, Lisa B. Pobereskin, Robert R. Baxter IV, Christopher S. Baxter, Andrea N. Baxter, Robert W. Springer and Meredith M. Springer, Sister Janet Baxter Siegner; cousins Helen W. Wilkie and Barbara Burke; and eight nieces and nephews. The family offers their gratitude to the compassionate physicians and nurses who shared in his care and participated in his endless humor until the last hours of his life. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, 11 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Bradenton. Memorials to Southeastern Guide Dogs 4210 77th Street East, Palmetto, Fla. 34221, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3011 19th Ave. West, Bradenton, Fla. 34205 or TideWell Hospice and Palliative Care, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, Fla. 34238. Arrangements entrusted to National Cremation Society and Memorial Center.