Hearts filled with love and sorrow, we announce the death of Richard Caffyn Baxter. He died March 7th, 2003 , after a long fight with heart disease and stroke, and more recently, with cancer. Richard was surrounded by his family. He waited until all his children came to say goodbye.

He will be forever remembered by his loving wife of 48 years, Cynthia; his six children and their partners: Caffyn (Mearnie), Wendy (Claire), Marnie (Dana), Tom (Tracy), Maya (Mark), and Seonagh (David); his four beloved grandchildren: Aaron, Emma, Naomi and Angelica; his sister Edith (Joseph); many other friends and relatives; and his dog Corrie.

Born May 6, 1922 , in Winnipeg , Richard and his family moved to Vancouver in 1971. He was a graduate in Commerce from the University of Manitoba . He then worked in publishing, insurance, and the company established by his father, Baxter Signs Ltd., before going into real estate development. In 1958, he formed R.C.Baxter Ltd. and later The Baxter Group and developed properties across Canada including Evergreen Place , Winnipeg , Calgary Market Mall, and the Board of Trade tower in Vancouver 's Coal Harbour. He was committed to a bilingual Canada and conducted his business in Quebec in French. Richard enjoyed his many relationships with business associates. He often described the airports of Canada as his neighbourhood.

Richard had a long history of community service and involvement, giving of his time and expertise to professional and charitable organizations. He was a founding member and past president of the West Winnipeg Rotary Club, former Chair of the Manitoba Export Commission, and Past President of the International Council of Shopping Centres. He served for several years as a board member of the National Theatre School and the Vancouver Playhouse. A one-time vaudevillian and always a great appreciator of the arts, he enjoyed going to theatre right up until the last month of his life.  

Richard had a fierce commitment to human rights and celebrated the dignity of all people. He affirmed his children and grandchildren in all their different endeavours and loves. He will always be remembered for his wisdom, his loyalty, his depth of thinking, and his ever-present wit.  As he slipped into unconsciousness, he came up with an answer to his last crossword puzzle and his last joke.

Before he died, Richard was working with daughter Caffyn to create a website describing his philosophies, ideas and investment strategies. He developed the theme of "Global Common Sense," and he wanted to include his "Philosophy of Life" and "Conversations With Corrie." This site is posted as a memorial to a wonderful father and loving friend.