Richard F. Baxter, age 72, of Spring Lake, was called to his heavenly home after a lengthy battle with the COVID virus on Saturday, November 28, 2020. He was preceded in death by his brother, William Baxter. He will be lovingly remembered by his life’s partner, Barbara Mitchell; son, Adam (MerriCarol) Baxter and daughter, Anne Baxter; grandchildren, Arly, Courtney Johnson, Morgan Roe, Jarred, Zachary, and Austin Baxter; his former wife, Patricia; his two sisters, Barbara (Denny) Doyle, Margaret (Joe) Lebednick; his sister-in-law, Margarethe Baxter; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Dick was a warm, loving, caring father and grandfather. He was dedicated to his God and family. He loved to coach girls basketball and boys baseball at St. John Vianney School. He served as Athletic Director for many years and was an usher, festival chair and worker for the SJV school. Dick loved boating and golf, serving as a board member for the Riviera Yacht Club and secretary/treasurer for the SJV Men’s Golf League. Dick valiantly served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War. He loved being a “sideline coach” for his grandkids, encouraging them and supporting all of their efforts. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday 11 am at St. John Vianney Church, 4101 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Wyoming with Fr. John Vallier officiating. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from 10 to 11 am at the church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.
Leave Your Tribute Message
December 04, 2020 2:44pm
Richard you are such a special genuine
Person and you took such great care of Barb. You quickly became a boat family member of the RYC and were always willing to lend a hand or help or just offer a joke to make everyone laugh. Truly one of a kind. We miss you. Thank you for your years of service. I know you are resting in peace. We shall see you again someday.
- Victoria and Dan Van Dine-
December 04, 2020 2:24pm
Coach - Many fond memories. Thank you for your support of family and catholic values. Thank you for loving and caring for your childrens friends as if they were your own. Honored to have known you. To the Baxter family - Deepest sympathies for your loss.
- Bobby Gable
December 04, 2020 1:01pm
Thinking of all of you! I know the kids always enjoyed when he came into the classroom!
- Sara Preston
December 04, 2020 12:59pm
I will always remember my Uncle Dick. My sister and I called him Uncle Dicky:). Rest In Peace God Father and I’m praying for the family at this time 🙏
- Andrea Price- Gallagher
December 04, 2020 12:37pm
I am so sorry for your loss, Adam Baxter and family. I always remember how special it was when Adam had his dad come into his Social Studies Class for Veterans day.
- Mary Sue Stegehuis
December 04, 2020 8:26am
Dickie B, Bax, Rich, Richard, My Friend - these are just some of the names that I have called you over the years. I will miss the late-night phone calls after cards on your drive back home. The talks we would have while you were delivering parts to Customers & the phone calls for no real reason other than to check up on each other. You are missed and I appreciated your friendship immensely.
"Count your age by friends not years. Count your life by smiles not tears" - John Lennon
Richard, you have brought us all so many smiles and we thank you for that - Rest in Peace "My Friend"
- Tom Rummelt
December 03, 2020 7:50pm
We were shocked and saddened to hear about Dick’s illness and death. He was truly genuine and down to earth. A pleasure to know and talk to. Our condolences to the Baxter family. He will be missed. Rest In Peace Dick.
- Mike and Kathy (Wolf) Figueroa
December 03, 2020 7:10pm
Dick, you will be greatly missed. Lots of memories of the good ole days!
- Tim and Shirley Schueller
December 03, 2020 6:18pm
Alexis and Courtney I am so sorry to hear that your Grandpa has passed away. Just be thankful he is no longer in pain .It hurts so much for all of you. My love and prayers are with you. I love you both! Grandma Barb Johnson
- Barbara J Johnson
December 03, 2020 7:45am
We wanted to send our deepest sympathies on the passing of our friend Richard. The minute we met Richard ( thru our good friend Barbara) it was like we had known him forever. He was so friendly and kind we knew Barbara was in good hands. We will miss you, Richard. Love Patty and Marlin
- Patty and Marlin Wingard
December 02, 2020 4:00am
Richard, you will be missed, my friend! Not seeing your smiling face at RYC events or occasionally at Stan's, will take some getting used to. We will send a toast up to you the next time RYC is able to get together. I'll give Barb a big hug from you next time!
- Michael and Jo Beth Earl
December 02, 2020 3:48am
Kelly and I always enjoyed every time we got to see you at our RYC boating events. I could never help but smile around you and Barb when we saw you both. We will miss you.
- Dennis Czerwinski
December 01, 2020 6:03pm
RIP Dick...we knew each other for a long time. Though not "close" friends, I'll say close enough that you will be missed. Prayers for your family.
- Tom Dutkiewicz
December 01, 2020 2:11pm
Richard, you are very much missed by family and friends. Rhonda and I will cherish the great memories we had with you. Until we meet again...
Prayers for Barb and your family.
- Rick Westgate
December 01, 2020 2:01pm
We are so sorry to hear of your passing. You were always very kind, always happy and smiling. We will miss you Richard. Rest In Peace friend.
Bruce and Denice Bunker
- Denice Bunker
December 01, 2020 12:19pm
Dickie B - Our entire family is saddened by your passing. We will all miss your smile and endless enthusiasm for fellowship. Thank you for blessing us with the time we had with you. The Wiseman Family
- Scott & Michelle Wiseman
December 01, 2020 3:31am
Richard,
Our time with you was too short. You will be missed, your smile, you laughter and your good heart. Heaven gained a great man. We will see you again! 💕
- Harry and Sally TenBrink
December 01, 2020 3:27am
Richard,
Your time with us was too short. You will be so missed for your smile, your laughter and for your kind heart. Heaven is gaining a special man! We will see you again. 💕
- Harry and Sally TenBrink
December 01, 2020 2:21am
Richie,
A one-of-a-kind guy! He will truly be missed by many of the boating community. God surely does have a plan for all of us and Heaven gained a really great guy, miss you my friend.
- Steve Palazzolo
November 30, 2020 6:13pm
My friend Dicki B, your sense of humor, your kind heart, your constant work ethic, your love of your family, and your friendship will certainly be missed. I’m sure you were met by your family and mine. No more pain, no more suffering, and eternal peace. You were a good man Richard and a positive influence and example for your grandkids. Rest In Peace.
Bob Page
- Bob Page
November 30, 2020 5:07pm
Richard,
I still can’t comprehend that you are not part of our every day! You always had a smile and good story to share, and will be greatly missed by your Condo Family. Heaven is blessed to have you as a new Angel
- Cheri & Wayne Vaupel
November 30, 2020 4:38pm
I am saddened to hear about Mr. Baxter’s passing. I have known Mr Baxter for as long as long as I can remember. I had the pleasure to be coached by him my 8th grade year at SJV and he always had a smile on his face... he was the glue that held our team together. He will be missed and will always hold a special place in my heart.
- Lisa Holmes (Figueroa)
November 30, 2020 4:31pm
Dickie B, you will be missed by all , especially Village Cove Marina. Your witt, etc. And believe you me,, we will maintain the beautiful lawn that you took so much pride in. RIP. My friend. Mick & Kelley
- Mike Bofysil
November 30, 2020 12:30pm
I met Richard thru Barbara~ He was a Gentleman on AllAll levels & will be Dearly missed ❤️
- JoAnn Roland (Southern)
November 30, 2020 10:36am
Dick you will missed by me and many. You were always very sweet to me and I considered you a brother even tough we didn't see each other alot just always know you are loved and remembered. I'll always remembered my Senior year and how kind you were to me.
Till we meet again my friend
RIP Dick so glad you aren't suffering any more
- Dottie Dietrich
November 30, 2020 8:58am
Richie I will miss your laughter and energy. Whenever at the lake Scott and I always said let’s go see if Barb and Richie are home; often times you were out on the dinghy (mini-boat) and we would somehow meet up. Never a dull moment. Love you friend so blessed to know you. May perpetual light shine upon you.
- Nancy
November 29, 2020 5:14pm
Uncle Dick,
We are so saddened by your passing, but thankful to God for an end to your suffering. We love you and will miss the sound of your laughter. Our prayers and love to all who mourn you.
Mike & Evie (Baxter) Vincent
- Evie Vincent
November 29, 2020 3:55pm
May you Rest In Peace Dick! Rest well no more Covid breathe free and deep. Prayers for your family
- Anna Hess
November 29, 2020 3:00pm
Papa, you were my everything for so many years. I love you so much and have missed you these past years. I'm so glad you are no longer suffering and are at peace. Give hugs to Uncle Bill, Grandma and Grandpa and Winnie for me. Til we see each other again.
- Anne M Baxter
November 29, 2020 1:17pm
I love you Pa. Thank you for all of your love and support throughout the years, I’m so proud to be your first grandkid.
- Arly Miles Johnson
Order flowers for Richard's service.
