Richard Scott Baxter

Richard passed away unexpectedly, but after a long illness, at the North Bay Regional Health Centre just a month shy of his 77th birthday, with his loving sister, Dawn, by his side.

Richard was an engaging and animated storyteller who regaled his children with tales of growing up in North Bay in the 1950s.  He was part of a large family and had many beloved cousins in the Nodwell and Duquette families.  The mischief “Ricky” got into with some of them was a favourite topic of conversation.  Richard’s daughter, Angela, is sure those stories will be making the rounds again, bringing laughter and tears to those who knew and loved her dad.  Richard’s other stories revolved around serving in the Canadian military and as a firefighter for the City of North Bay, careers he was proud of.  Many of his happiest memories came from his time travelling around the world on ship and the friendships he formed, with those he knew in Shelburne, Nova Scotia featuring prominently - playing baseball on base and playing darts with his friends at the mess.  After leaving the military and returning to North Bay, he spent his remaining working years as a firefighter until his retirement in the early 2000s.  The camaraderie of the department members led to many good times, good friends, and good conversations that stayed with Richard throughout the years.

After his retirement, Richard spent his time keeping his mind sharp by doing multiple daily crosswords, conversing with friends at Demarco’s Confectionary and Pine Hill Coffee Shop, matching wits with his daughter, reading, and watching documentaries.  He spent quiet family times with his children, Angela and Nicholas, and his grandson, Aidan, who was the apple of his eye and who brought him an endless amount of pride and joy.  Aidan will miss his time with his “Poppa.”

Richard was predeceased by his beloved mother Mary Martin (Duquette), his stepfather George Martin Sr., and his brother George Martin Jr. (Sue, surviving), with whom we trust he is happily reunited.  He leaves behind his sister Dawn (Tracey) and family, his son Nicholas Baxter, his daughter Angela Devine, his grandson Aidan Devine, his furry companion Chloe, and many extended family members, to mourn his passing.

As per Richard’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  A private family service will be held at a later date.  The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and PSWs on A3 for their care of Richard in these last weeks, and Dr. Melanie O’Grady for his regular care over the last decade.  The family would also like to thank Richard’s neighbours Brian, Paula, and Virginia, as well as Steve, for the friendship and kindness shown to Richard and his family.  If wished, donations in Richard’s memory could be made to The PADDLE Program (Providing Adults with Developmental Disabilities Lifelong Experiences) online at paddlenorthbay.ca under the Donate or Volunteer tab. Oniline condolences may be made at www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com