BAXTER KENNETH BELL

BAXTER KENNETH BELL Baxter Kenneth Bell, born April 25, 1949, unexpectedly passed away May 17, 2012. Baxter was a loving Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Teacher and Friend. A colorful childhood growing up, Baxter lived with a handful of family members in a variety of places such as Albuquerque, Pueblo and Telluride. Graduating from Highland High School in 1967, he chose to attend the University of New Mexico where he earned a BA in Liberal Arts. In 1972, Baxter married Susan Olson and made the High Desert their permanent home. Baxter retired in 2004 after 15 years teaching in the Adelanto School District. Although his childhood dream was to be a pro baseball player, actor or singer, and teaching was far from those, he genuinely adored his students and achieved a fun learning environment. Baxter truly enjoyed seeing people smile at his wry sense of humor. He was most comfortable when performing in local musical theater in such plays as Annie and Fiddler. Baxter loved photography, writing, playing poker, billiards, camping, golfing, hiking and being outdoors. Taking great pride in his home, Baxter was always busy with yard work, organizing the garage or working in his office. Baxter was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1997. While progression of his symptoms was slow and the disease is not what took his life, it did take a toll on his daily happiness. Baxter wanted nothing more than to be healthy. He's free from ailments and pain now, for this we're grateful. Baxter is survived by his beloved Wife, Susan Bell of Apple Valley, his loving Son, Evan Bell and Wife Kat of Maricopa, AZ, his adoring Daughter, Meghann Nelsen and Husband Frederic of San Clemente, CA, his Brother Bob Donohoe of Salt Lake City, UT, his Sister, Carol Donohoe Williams of Lakewood, WA and his Mother, Esther Taylor of Tacoma, WA along with Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and countless friends. A private celebration of Baxter's life will be held at his residence in Apple Valley. To honor Baxter, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.