Obituary of William C. Baxter

William C. Baxter, 89, passed away June 28, 2020, in Olympia, Washington.  He was born March 9, 1931, to Jesse and Mary Baxter in Shelton, Washington.  He resided in Tumwater, Washington for 49 years.

 

Bill was proud of his service in the U.S. Navy from January 1951 to November 1954, during the Korean Conflict.  He met Joanne Lopez while stationed in San Diego. They were married on July 31, 1954, in Yuma, Arizona.  He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from the University of Washington, graduating with the class of 1959. Professionally, Bill worked for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources as a Project Forester. He retired in 1987, after 28 years of dedicated service.

 

Bill was brilliant, resourceful, hardworking, kind and generous.  He lived a life that was full of adventure and experiences.  He loved his family unconditionally, especially Joanne, his wife of 66 years.  Being in the outdoors was a passion of Bill’s.  Camping, hiking, hunting and fishing were favorite pastimes.  Saturdays in the fall were reserved for UW Husky football; he became a lifelong fan after graduating from the UW.  He also enjoyed Seahawks football on Sundays. Other favorite activities included travel and, of course, spending time with his family.

 

It’s so difficult to tell the story of Bill’s amazing life in a few lines. One of his hunting buddies described his passing as “the loss of a legend.” We treasure our memories and are forever grateful for having experienced life with him.

 

He is survived by his wife, Joanne Baxter; daughter, Julie Johnsen (husband, Kerry); and grandchildren, Jack Waterman and Marina Waterman.  He was predeceased by his daughter, Kathleen Baxter Gargett; his parents, Mary and Jesse Baxter; and brother, Richard Baxter.

 

Memorial donations may be made to Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center, Tumwater Historical Association, or Pacific Peaks Girl Scout Council.

 

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