RODNEY `ROD’ BAXTER

RODNEY ‘ROD’ BAXTER 1941 – 2026
It is with great sadness that the family of Rodney “Rod” Baxter announces his passing on June 26, 2026, at River Ridge Seniors Village, at the age of 85.
Rod was born on May 14, 1941, in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. During his childhood, his family lived in South Fork before eventually settling in Cadillac, Saskatchewan. As a young man, Rod moved to Swift Current, where he met the love of his life, Carol. They married and built a life together filled with family, hard work, and adventure.
Rod began his career with Weatherford Oilfield Services in Calgary, Alberta. His work took the family on many adventures, including living in Anchorage, Alaska, and Houston, Texas. After taking early retirement, Rod and Carol purchased a KOA campground in Pulaski, Tennessee, where they moved with their family in 1989. In 1991, Rod returned to Weatherford, bringing the family back to Calgary, where he continued his career until retiring in 2006.
After purchasing what they had hoped would be their retirement home in Pincher Creek, Alberta, Rod faced the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife, Carol, following her courageous battle with cancer. He later made Medicine Hat his home, where he reconnected with lifelong friends and enjoyed being closer to family.
Retirement gave Rod the opportunity to enjoy many of the things he loved most. He had a lifelong passion for classic cars and enjoyed cruising, camping, and spending winters in Yuma, Arizona. He never met a mechanical problem he couldn’t figure out and took pride in being able to fix just about anything. Whether he was behind the wheel of a classic car, around a campground, enjoying a good cup of coffee with friends, or soaking up the Arizona sunshine, Rod was happiest spending time with the people he cared about. He made friends wherever life took him and earned the respect of those around him through his quiet confidence, strong work ethic, and willingness to help whenever it was needed.
He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Candice Baxter and her partner, Stuart; his son, Ryan Baxter and his partner Sheena; his cherished grandchildren, Noah, Addison, and Jackson; his sisters, Marcy Smith and Carol Jeffries; sister-in-law Rose Baxter; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Rod was predeceased by his beloved wife, Carol Baxter.
Rod will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, independence, strong work ethic, quiet strength, and unwavering love for his family. He lived life on his own terms, embraced every opportunity that came his way, and left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Rod’s memory.
Celebration Of Rod’s Life Reflections Reception Facility, 937- 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat (Please use south side patio entrance) Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Murray Jaster Luncheon to follow
(Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”