Obituary of John Taylor BAXTER

July 27, 1927 – Johnstone, Scotland
March 3, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

John, aged 93, passed away peacefully in Calgary, AB on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, surrounded by his family. Predeceased by Joyce, his wife of 54 years, he is survived by his two children, John Jr. and Gail.

John was born in Johnstone, Scotland, the youngest of four boys to Robert and Jessie Baxter. A standard of excelling in school and on the sports field had been set and John met the challenge. He loved the competition of badminton, tennis or cards, but it was when he followed his brothers to the Johnstone Wheelers Cycling Club that he discovered his love of peddling his bike on the open road. After high school, he went to work at Rolls Royce while taking night classes at the Royal Technical College, Glasgow, until he was drafted. John served three years in the Middle East and upon arriving back home decided to immigrate to Montreal, Canada in 1949. He was soon hired by Shell Canada to work in the Montreal East refinery. The 1960s were a busy time, working full time with Shell, John earned his Bachelor of Science from Sir George Williams (Concordia) University with Honours. He married Joyce, and together they had John and Gail. Moving to Shell’s head office in Calgary in 1969, John managed health, safety, maintenance and start-up practices for the oil and gas facilities in Alberta. The position meant spending a lot of time in the field, but when home he was all in. John’s strong belief in community service and giving back was evident as he spent early mornings driving kids to the pool, evenings at fastball games, and countless weekends as an official at swim meets. After retiring from Shell in 1983, John then went on to consult with Fluor Canada in the construction of the ethylene plant in Joffre, AB, before fully retiring in 1984.

In retirement, John spent endless hours riding the roads and pathways around Calgary on his bicycle, until the age of 86 when he hung up his wheels. Time was also spent tending to his garden, with lunches often spent at a favourite restaurant with his beloved Joyce. For over 20 years the two wintered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

A loving husband and father, whose kindness touched so many. Whether at work or in the community, so many friendships were made. What a wonderful ride it was.

Private services will be held. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed   on John’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Health Foundation (formerly Calgary Health Trust), Suite 800, 11012 MacLeod Trail S.E., Calgary, AB T2J 6A5, Telephone: (403) 943-0615, www.thetrust.ca or the Calgary Public Library Foundation, 800 3 Street SW, Calgary, AB, T2G 2E7, Telephone: (403)221-2002, www.addin.ca.

In living memory of John Baxter, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.