Anthony Eric Baxter
“Tony”
August 27, 1944 – March 29, 2019
Tony passed away peacefully on the evening of March 29, 2019 at his home in Beeton at the age of 74. He was surrounded by family. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 45 years Marieanne Baxter (nee Matysek) and his children Kelly Jo (James), Jennifer (Mark), Kimberly (Justin) and Allison. Loving Pappy to his grandchildren Cole and Rhys, Carter and Avery.
Tony was born into a military family where he spent his childhood on airforce bases. He was the oldest of four children. Growing up, Tony had a passion for music, sports and anything that involved using his hands – mechanics, woodworking, welding etc. Tony went on to graduate from teacher’s college and worked as a teacher with the York Region Catholic School Board. He met the love of his life Marieanne and they were married on October 27, 1973. He continued teaching, completing his Masters and went on to become a Vice Principal and later Principal retiring at the age of 55.
Throughout his life Tony belonged to a number of sports teams including hockey and baseball. He continued to play hockey until his final weeks and was a true competitor in every sense of the word. He loved his guitar, his motorcycles and later in life, Tony took up the hobby of range shooting. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, summers at his cottage in Ladysmith, Quebec, backyard barbecues by the pool and many nights spent in his workshop listening to music while fixing things. Tony was rarely seen without a beer in hand, occasionally accompanied by a cigar.
Tony’s sense of humour and quick wit was with him until the very end. He will be greatly missed by all of his friends and especially his family. Cremation along with a private family service will take place at Rod Abrams Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will follow on Sunday April 28th, 2019 at the King City Community Centre, 25 Doctors Lane, King City, ON., from 1:00 to 4:00pm.
“Have a drink and be somebody. And, while you’re at it, sit down; you’re making the room look untidy”. Tony
Carole Latilppe says
Carole Latulippe again. I just finished reading all the messages of condolences for Tony. None go back as far as when I knew (I think) his family in RCAF Station Foymount Ont. in the 50’s. I also lived in Richmond Hill in the 70’s and went to nursing school at North York regional in Toronto. I so hope that there is someone out there who can connect with me with hopes of confirming that I am thinking of the Baxter family I knew. I remember back then, Tony’s parents had a cottage on Golden Lake and I loved going there with Suzanne. Sounds like Tony was deeply loved and respected. I wish I had known him when I was older to appreciate all these attributes of his, I love a great sense of humor, and the fact that he was so respected and loved, I KNOW I would have felt the same. If I recall he also had a another brother named Rick., who was younger. Rick was closer to my age and Suzanne was the youngest. Again. my sincere Condolences from my heart. I am sure that he is resting in peace in a wonderful place……Bless all of you out there whoo had the pleasure to know him in later years.
Carole Latulippe says
Hello, my name is Carole Latulippe. I was also brought up in the military on different radar bases. I am not sure if this is the same Tony Baxter that I knew in the 5o’s. He had a sister named Suzanne and she was my best friend for the years that we were on the same base. I send you very deep condolences to all the family. It would be great to know if this is the “Baxter” family I knew way back then. If anyone knows, feel fre to contact me as getting in touch with Suzanne would be absolutely marvelous for mr. When brought up in the military, people move around so much and lose track of ech other. No PCs back then as I am talking 1955-1960.. My older brother George Latulippe lnew Tony more than I did as I was much younger but remember him very well. It is hard to tell from his picture as it has been so very long ago. thank you and I hope someone reads this and knows Suzanne (If it is indeed the same Baxter family I knew. I would welcome any information. Thank you so very much.
Carole Latulippe (now in Ottawa Ontario.
Suzan LaLiberte says
Dear Carole Latulippe,
Yes, you were my very very best friend, and I have never forgotten you! Think about those Foymount days often, and I would love to be back in touch with you again.
Hope you see this, and will try searching for you , also
Hugs, Suzan
Todd Pennington says
Hello Suzan
I am sorry to inform you that Carole passed away January3, 2023. I knew her brother George in Moisie in 1961 to 1963 and reunited with him many years later, and susequently came to know Carole very well during the five years before her death here in Ottawa.
Kent Shadwick says
In my early years at the YCDSB I had the good fortune to meet and work with Tony on various projects at his school. He was always warm and welcoming and I too appreciated his sense of humour. I was thinking about him recently. Rest in peace Tony.
Lucy Rizzi says
I worked with Tony at St Margaret Mary school in the early 80s. I remember Tony with great fondness and have never forgot his love of life and his great smile!! Recently learned of his passing as I am now a retired Principal. God Bless Tony and his family!
Greg Quattrin says
I was shocked to learn today, May 7, from a former student, then fellow teacher of mine of Tony’s passing. I have many fond memories of him both as one of his teachers and as a friend away from school, mostly at the rink.This came as a complete surprise to me and,had I known he was ill,I would have loved to have spent time with him sharing a few laughs over a few beers, which we often did. I have Tony to thank for giving me my first opportunity to teach at St. Bernadette and he always had wise advice for me as I began my teaching career.Every memory I have of Tony is a good one and I send my deepest condolences to Marianne and his girls. He was a great man. God bless you all.
Rosanna Frasca says
I just heard of the passing of Tony and I was heartbroken to hear.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Tony was the nicest and kindest man that you would ever meet. He helped me during the most difficult times of my live with my handicapped child. I don’t know what I would of done without all of his love and great support that he gave me. He always made me feel good and relaxed after talking to him. He was a true friend and I will never forget him.May God Bless him
Stella Dizes says
I just heard the news of the passing of Tony-my heartfelt condolences to the family-In my position in Human Resources, I had the pleasure of working with and assisting Tony with his academic staffing needs while he was a Principal. He was always so kind and had a wicked sense of humour-which always made me smile.
Lori Chiarot says
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Mr. Baxter was my Grade 8 teacher at St. Margaret Mary in Woodbridge. He was always smiling and I loved having him as my teacher. He shared his love of music with us and I still remember some of the songs he taught us. I went on to become a teacher in Aurora and I loved talking to him at our large PA Day gathering.
Ana and Dinis Soares says
Dear Marieanne,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tony was someone we had the privilege to call our friend. His humor and caring he should us and especially for Maddie will always be remembered. May he Rest In Peace and May the lord welcome him in his new home.
Frances Bagley says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time. Tony was my Grade 4 teacher at Our Lady Help of Christians in Richmond Hill. I remember him to be a teacher who cared deeply for all of his students. He had a wonderful sense of humour and brought his love of music into the classroom on many occasions. And, yes, I remember his love of motorcycles as we could always “hear” when he arrived to school. As a teacher at York Catholic our paths crossed professionally many times prior to his retirement and we always found a moment to chat.
May the many memories of Tony that you hold dearly in your hearts bring you peace and comfort in the days to come.
Jun Pu says
I am so sorry to hear Tony’s passing Marieanne. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. You and your family are in my heart and mind.
I will miss the conversation with him for every subjects we talked, from Cliff’s hockey to school, children’s education…..
May he rest in peace!
Dr. Paul Taylor and Team says
We are all saddened to hear of Tony’s passing. Tony was always a welcomed visitor to our office. His quick wit and sense of humour had a way of lighting up our day. We will truly miss his infectious spirit. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
Jack Stoutenburg says
RIP Tony,Very talented man.A pleasure to be part of your life.Enjoyed myself so much with the beautiful group of girls you left behind.They will miss you dearly…this I know!Take care and enjoy what you left behind only till you are all one once more.Such a wonderful family.God Bless.
Marieanne Baxter says
Dear Jack
My daughter suggested I check out Tonys obituaries because there was a recent post
I am apologizing because I honestly did not read them at the time and today I went through them
Thank you for your kind words, our family always enjoyed our time with you and the family. The girls remembered the fun times with their uncle Jack
I hope all is well with you
We are doing well,remembering Tony always
Hugs
Marieanne
Jake Brunott says
Hi Marieanne I have warm thoughts thinking about you and Tony. Great role models for all around you including your girls. They are sweet. I would like to thank Owen for reminding me about Tony’s pranks. He got me every time he called the shop. Warm wishes to you,family and friends.
Hugh Black says
A true and genuine friend who will be greatly missed. Deepest sympathy to Marianne and the family circle. My thoughts, prayers and condolences are with you at this difficult time.
Patty & Art Ella says
Dear Marieanne, the Baxter Girls & all their families, Tony was a wonderful friend & we will miss him greatly especially his wit & sense of humour. The holidays won’t be the same without Tony’s stories. Sending all of our Love & Prayers. God Bless, The Ella Families xoxo
Daniel R Matsalla says
Dear Marianne and family, I was sorry too hear of Tony’s passing. I enjoyed his wit and sense of humour. My sincerest condolences in this difficult time.
Stu and Sandy Bundy says
It sounds like he was a wonderful man that enjoyed a great life. We are thinking of you all at this very sad time.
Owen Croft says
My first couple of interactions with Tony consisted of him making prank calls to me at the office enquiring about landscaping. The first call was not long after I started at JC and Tony identified himself as Igor wanting information about design and build. Tony had me fooled for about 3 min into the conversation and he only blew his cover when he called me “kiddo”. Over the years, Tony still made his prank calls but I managed to out him early into the calls. I will miss his great sense of humour and our conversations and emails about politics, internet humour and our shared passion with firearms and the associated technology. As we say in the Military Airborne community, “Blue skies and soft landings Tony until we regroup together on that big Drop Zone again”. Rest well.
Rav McKee says
Dear Marianne and family, I was so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. Our paths crossed, socially and professionally, many times throughout the years. My memories always include his warm smile, his joy of life and his love for his wonderful family. My prayers and sincere condolences are with you.
Dorothy and Murray says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We will cheer for the Canadiens in Tony’s honour (only once, mind you).
Kim & Ivan Zichy says
I think of Tony and immediately a warm smile comes over me as I reminisce on his wit, caring and happy go lucky demour and his incredible love for Marieanne, his girls and the rest of family. He always had a smile on his face while you were near and he was surrounded by friends. Big hugs to all and RIP to an incredible man!
Mike Shriqui says
This was clearly a gentleman who knew how to enjoy life while providing those around him with a smile and a wise word. May his memory be a blessing and comfort to the many people who cherish and love him.
Charlene James says
Dear Marieanne and Family. I was very sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. I have some wonderful and funny memories of Tony and his sidekicks Joe Milne and Adam Young. My first two years of teaching with Tony and the gang were full of fun and adventure. I do remember the beer and the bike! Tony was my brother Peter’s teacher….his math and his music were much loved by the kids!
James Stoutenburg says
Rest In Peace Uncle tony
Susan Shaw says
I quite enjoyed working with Tony at St. Francis of Assisi He was real,witty, kind and always thoughtful. I will always remember his devilish grin.
Condolences to his family and regrets I will not be able to attend the Celebration of his life. You will be in my thoughts that day and I shall raise a glass in his honour.
Gail Murphy says
Dear Marieanne and family
I was so sorry to hear the news about Tony.
I will miss our telephone conversations where he never ceased to amaze me with his witty sense of humour and his stories especially during our political discussions.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Peggy says
Beat principal I had in my 36 year career. Professional, kind hearted and always took the time to listen. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Tyler McManus says
Dear Marieanne and family, Jacqueline and I will miss Tony a lot. Love that quote ! I can hear him saying that. He was always very kind to Jacqueline and I, and interested in whatever we were up to. Our heartfelt condolences.
Rita Mahar says
Tony Baxter was a wise, witty and altogether wonderful principal. He was so supportive of his staff and loved his students. May he rest in peace!
Janny Maas says
My deepest condolences to Tony’s family.
Tony was my Principal at SMI early in my teaching career.
He was so kind, supportive and above all funny! You could come into his office with a problem and walk out laughing every time!
Steve Ley says
I attended St. Mary Immaculate and while I dont remember much from my younger days, I do remember having the best Principal. I still remember Mr. Baxter fondly and was lucky to have had such an obviously caring person in my early and informative years. Both he and his family are in my thoughts and prayers
Penny Coleman says
Dear Marieanne and family, sending my heartfelt condolences at this most difficult time.