JOHN BERNARD “BERNIE” BAXTER


We were fortunate to witness as Bernie expressed and demonstrated to us true joy many times as he lived the incredible life he was blessed with. Bernie passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, July 27, 2017. Born on March 29, 1931, he was one of nine children to William and Kathleen Baxter.

He is predeceased by his loving wife Georgette (nee Lauzon); parents William and Kathleen Baxter; daughter-in-law Mary Jane Baxter; brothers Robert, Paul and Patrick and sister Rita Legace; parents-in-law Edward and Marie Lauzon; sisters-in-law Patricia Lauzon, Gerd Lauzon, Jacqueline Perrier, Lillian Baxter, Barbara Baxter, and Elsie St. Amand; brothers-in-law Oliver Junnila, John Lauzon, Robert Perrier, William McCallum and Ed Arvelin; nieces Louise Junnila and Patty Lynn Baxter; nephew Jerry Junnila and special great-niece Ashley Perrier.

Bernie is survived by his children Bernadette Baxter, David (Carol) Baxter, Dan Baxter, and Maureen Sztabinski. Grandpa's love and admiration shone for his five grandchildren Mike (Lauren) Burrows, Jeff (Ashley Vic) Baxter, Jennifer (Brent) Richards, Jeanine Baxter and Brian Baxter. To anyone who would listen, Papa never missed an opportunity to express his joy and love for his four great-grandchildren Katlyn Richards, Brody Richards, Mackayla Burrows and Mackenzie Burrows.

Bernie is also survived by his brothers William “Bill” (Joy) Baxter, Richard Baxter, sisters Mary McCallum, Anne (Dave) Andrews, sister-in-law Agnes Junnila, Rosalie (Dave) Douglas, Collette Baxter, Marg Baxter, Joyce Baxter and brother-in-law Peter (Arleen) Legace along with many nieces and nephews who will miss Uncle Bernie dearly.

Bernie was born March 29, 1931 in Port Arthur. He was one of nine children born to William and Kathleen Baxter. He remained his entire life in the city and community he loved so much. He attended St. Andrew's School and entered Port Arthur Tech, graduating as an electrician. He later went on to complete his CMA in accounting as well as obtaining his Life and General Insurance Licenses.

He worked for many companies during his career, as a young man, Lowery's, Abitibi, Hacquoil Construction to name a few. He began his insurance career in Life Insurance at Crown Life and then moved to his passion, General Insurance, enjoying a 33 year career, retiring in 1995.

Bernie valued his community and was involved on every level. He was a 55 year member of the Knight of Columbus, over 40 years a Rotarian, and a Paul Harris Fellow. He also served as a Hydro Commissioner and a long term School Board Trustee.

Faith, family, service and community were not just words to Bernie. He was greatly committed to each individually, and found the perfect way to intertwine them daily during the course of his life. He was constantly found going the extra mile for anyone in need, enriching the lives of those he touched.

Funeral services and the Celebration of Bernie's life will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at 11:00 A.M in St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church, Clayte Street. A private family interment will follow in Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum in St. Andrew's Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. in St. Margaret's Church with Vigil Prayers offered at 7:00 P.M.

If friends so desire, donations made in memory of Bernie to the St. Margaret's Church Renovation Fund or Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.