Obituary of FR. ROBERT BAXTER

FATHER ROBERT A. BAXTER 1924-2012 It is with heavy hearts and a great sense of loss that we announce that Father Robert Baxter was called to the home of his Eternal Father on August 15th, 2012. Father Bob was born June 10th 1924 in Winnipeg to Jack and Della (nee Gayet) Baxter. He leaves to cherish his memory his two sisters Gloria (Dave) Fairweather of Richmond BC and children: Jim (Anne) Janice (Arnie) Riess, Dan, Ron ( Marcie), Alan(Lynn) and Anita Chapman of Winnipeg and children Roberta, daughter Crystal (Felix) Berthelette, John, Jim (Tanis )son Blake and many great nieces and nephew. Father Bob was predeceased by his father, mother, an infant sister, also his brother-in-law Ken Chapman. Early in Father Bob's life the family moved to St. Boniface where he attended Provencher School, later enrolling at St. Paul's College for grade 12 studies. It was while studying there he felt the Lord's call. He enrolled at St. Boniface College then a minor and major seminary for his studies in French, Latin and Canon Law. Fr. Bob was ordained June 1950 at the St. Boniface Cathedral, he went on to serve the Diocese of St. Boniface in many parishes: assistant priest at Holy Cross Parish 1950-52; pastor for Carmen, Morden and St. Daniels 1952-57; appointed to start the parish of Christ the King, acquiring land to build a school and church 1957-67; appointed pastor of Holy Cross Church 1967-73; 1973-74. Fr. Bob took one year sabbatical to study Family Counselling in Ottawa. From 1975-83 he did Family Counselling in the St. Boniface Diocese. During this time he assisted with Sunday ministry at St. Emile and Christ the King parishes. He was appointed parish administrator at St. Emile from 1983-85. He was appointed pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Transcona 1985-94. In 1994 Fr. Bob officially retired from parish ministry, but he was still active in the Lord's work ministering to residents at St. Amant Centre and to senior immigrant persons wanting to learn English at White Flower House. Fr. Bob moved to North Kildonan where he diligently worked at improving his golf game. He took up oil painting, creating many beautiful land and seascapes to the delight of family and friends. When his apartment building was converted to condos Fr. Bob moved to Villa Cabrini on River Avenue. The residents were delighted to have a "live in" priest to minister to their needs. Unfortunately health issues became a problem, after several falls he moved to Thorvaldson Care Centre. Later because he had another fall fracturing his hip and shoulder, Tache Centre (now Actionmarguerite) became his final home. The last few years of Fr. Bob's life have been filled with many debilitating health issues but he faced them with courage and great faith in his God. A heartfelt thanks to the staff on 4ABC Actionmarguerite (formally Tache Centre) for the compassionate care and kindness they gave to Fr. Baxter. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with viewing at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Parish, 847 St. Mary's Road with Most Reverend Archbishop Albert Legatt presiding. In lieu of flowers friends are invited to make a donation to a charity of their choice.