Blakely Richard Baxter

Blake Baxter was born on June 24, 1935, in Rabbit Lake, Saskatchewan. As a young man he joined the Canadian Air Force Reserves as a scope dope, with his training taking him through the Yukon and British Columbia. It was during those early years in the Yukon that he met Dorothy at a CYO dance. They married soon after and went on to raise five children together.

Blake began his working life in the Post Office and advanced to the role of postal clerk before moving into the Federal Government as a mining recorder. His dedication and work ethic led him to become the Regional Manager of Mineral Resources for the Yukon. His career took him and his family to various communities throughout the territory, where he helped establish local mining recording offices. Alongside his professional duties, he also served as a coroner, a Justice of the Peace—once performing a wedding on horseback—and a Notary Public.

He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, contributing his bookkeeping skills and helping host many pancake breakfasts. One memorable highlight was a surprise visit from Colonel Sanders himself. Blake loved the outdoors and spent many days fishing, hunting, and enjoying the natural beauty around him.

After retiring, Blake and Dorothy moved to a small hobby farm in Rosedale, BC, where countless family memories were made. They also spent many happy years traveling to Mesa, Arizona, where they became beloved members of a vibrant retirement community. Blake enjoyed playing baseball and hiking through the Arizona desert.

In his later years, even as mobility became more challenging, Blake’s mind remained sharp. He stayed engaged with technology, kept up with new advancements, continued helping friends with taxes, and investments, and played chess, crib, and card games.

Blake passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026. He is survived by his sister, Maxine Carpenter (Roy), his five children—Barbara (Nick), Brenda, Bill, Bruce (Sarah), and Bev (David)—as well as 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. His life was rich with purpose, service, love, and his legacy lives on in the family he cherished as well as the communities he helped shape.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Dorothy (Imhoff), his parents William and Edith and his siblings Ben and Betty.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all the health care providers and friends for their compassion and care during this time. And in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkinson Canada:

https://www.parkinson.ca/get-involved/personal-giving/