Melvin John Baxter

With great sadness we announce the passing of Melvin John Baxter on October 19, 2018 at the age of 88.

Mel was born May 8, 1930 at Semans Saskatchewan, the oldest of 4 children. He spent his early days working in a garage in Semans and on seismic crews in northern Alberta prior to marrying Gwendolyn Tetz in 1960 in Calgary. In 1962 they moved to Pincher Creek where Mel worked for Gulf Canada at the Pincher Creek Gas Plant until his retirement. During Mel’s 56 years in Pincher Creek he was passionate about his family, was active in the community through hockey and curling both as a player and a coach and through the Anglican Church.

Mel was never afraid to tackle a project be it fixing his car or building his dream house and workshop on his acreage. He had vision and a desire to create lasting beauty with his hands. He always considered it a pleasure and an honour when he could build and give someone one of his woodworking treasures - it brightened up his life.

Mel leaves to mourn his passing: his children Mark (Barb) of Calgary, Paul (Morleta) of Kamloops and Kathy (Jim) Welsch of Pincher Creek; his grandchildren Laura and Tom Welsch of Pincher Creek; his brother Joseph (Nancy) of Red Deer and brother-in-law Roger (Virginia) Tetz of Cornwall. Mel was predeceased by his parents Claude and Annie; his first wife Gwen (1992), his partner of 20 years Shirley Wennes (2014); sister Margaret (Bob) Downey and brother George (Muriel) and his canine friend Buffy.

Many family and friends knew him as having a crusty edge, a heart of gold, a mischievous smile and a twinkle in his eye.

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