Baxter Mercer

(Born: April 2, 1931 – Promoted to Glory: January 17, 2025)

In his 94th year and with batted breath, Baxter Mercer, in his home kitchen, with a grateful heartfelt smile, adoringly rested his head in the arms of his loving wife of 70+ years. Passing from this shore — over to the next, Baxter Mercer peacefully was transformed on The 17th of January, 2025 into pure Glory.

A calm and loyal servant of The Almighty, and a born native of the land near Bay Roberts Newfoundland; Baxter Mercer of Cambridge, Ontario was a dedicated loving husband of Evelyn June Mercer (Geiger); a lifelong watchful father to his daughter, Janet May Mercer of Cambridge; and a humble and honest role model for his son, Rendal-Walter Mercer of Toronto; Baxter also lovingly cherished his daughter-in-law, Ruth Badal Magbanua of Toronto, formerly of Cebu, The Philippines.

Both of Baxter’s grandsons rewarded him with the immense joy of not only experiencing what it was like to be a great Dad but also a beloved, playful grandfather to Jeffrey Randy Harold Yetman of Alberta and Elijah-Tenzin Sonam Ajhan (Magbanua) Mercer or Toronto.

Baxter was a dutiful and loving brother to his sister Annie Mercer of Bay Roberts Newfoundland, his brother Rendal Newman of Spaniard Bay, Newfoundland, and a loving brother-in-law to Dorothy Kitchen (Geiger) of Sanford, Florida; a loving uncle to his nieces; Edith Mercer of Cambridge, Margaret (deceased), Barbara, Pamela, Lisa, Laura, Tanya (deceased) and Cheryl. And to his Nephews; Jeffrey, Rodney, Robert Edward, Tom; and an understanding father-in-law to Randy Yetman.

Predeceased by his parents John Mercer and Edith Mercer (Neil) and his brother William Newman and sister Jane Hunt, both from Newfoundland, Baxter was a loyal and trustworthy son-in law to the late Cleason Walter Geiger and Lily Jane Geiger (Spurgeon) of Cambridge, Ontario, formerly of Kelvedon, Essex England.

Built of stone, Baxter fed his family by fulfilling a 41 year career at Babcock and Wilcox, where his work ethic and kindness quietly cared for those who knew him. Outside of work, Baxter was known for his joyful spirit, mischievous but gentle humour, and love of the God’s great outdoors.

Originally raised in the Anglican tradition, and as a small boy, after completing grade six, Baxter’s dedication and loyalty to his family was honed in NFLD during the war years, when food was scarce, he and his big brother fed their family with wild berries, ducks, snared game and of course fishing.

With his sensible organization and practical skills in outdoor survival, in his junior years, he offered his service to young people organizations like Cubs/Scouts with practical hunting, bushcraft stuff.

Form sin and suffering, throughout his life and struggle to reach liberation, Baxter was always alert and energized to get whatever had to be done, done.

A very social character, Baxter developed and possessed a lion’s heart to never give up or give into anger and hate but to rely solely on prayer to God.

Baxter was also a past president of the Loyal Orange Lodge, a cub leader, and a dedicated volunteer with St. John’s Ambulance. Above all, Baxter treasured his family, and his greatest pride was in the love he shared with them.

An adherent supporter of the Salvation Army, Baxter’s faith was central to his life. His commitment to the mission of the Salvation Army extended beyond mere membership; over the years he was actively involved in local events, contributing both his time and resources to help those in need.

Baxter was deeply inspired by the Salvation Army's work in the community and supported their efforts to spread kindness, help the less fortunate, and foster a sense of belonging for all. His faith guided him through his life.

Baxter had a special affection for the words of Psalm 23 and the songs “Shine Jesus, Shine,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” and “Amazing Grace.” His memory will live on through the love he gave and the joy he spread.

Later on in his life, community centres relied on Baxter to play snooker challenges, lawn bowling teams, shuffleboard, and carpet bowling throughout his senior life.

Baxter’s legacy is his family, who will forever cherish the wonderful memories of his kind and playful spirited nature. He will be deeply missed by all who enjoyed the privilege of knowing and loving him.

From 4 pm -7 pm; a visitation for friends will be received by Baxter’s wife loving Evelyn and her dear family at the Coutts Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Monday, January 27, 2025.

Funeral Services will be conducted in the Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 10:30 am. Major Danette Woods Officiating. Interment at Memory Garden Cemetery Breslau.

Under William Booth's tradition, Baxter was always fond of the many street missions his family have seen on the streets of Toronto and recently hearing of salvation meals for homeless people on the streets of Bangkok, Thailand.

Practically touched by those experiencing inward homelessness and wondering without inner shelter, for any reason at all, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the The Salvation Army (Street Mission) Cambridge Citadel-Ontario, Canada or to the The Salvation Army website: https://salvationarmy.ca/donations/donate-online/