Glen Ralph Baxter

On Friday August 12, 2022, Glen Ralph Baxter, loving and devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully in his home in Davis, CA at the age of 85. 

Glen was born on July 4, 1937 in Norwood, CO to Maurice and Naomi (Ausmus) Baxter. He served in the United State Marine Corps Reserve and the United States Army. In April 1966 he married Shirley J. Sperinde and together they raised two sons, Patrick and Gregory, and one daughter, Kimberly. He worked at UC Davis for 44 years, first as a farm hand at Vegetable Crops and then as a steamfitter in Physical Plant (Facilities), retiring in 1996. 

Glen enjoyed being active, productive, and helpful, and he always had a kind word and cheerful smile for everyone. He supported and often volunteered to help in all the sport, social, and artistic pursuits of his children. He knew a little bit about nearly everything mechanical/structural and was a master at repairing anything, often with spare parts and odds-n-ends that he’d collected through the years “just in case”. He spent countless hours working in his yard, garden, and house, as well as helping his parents, in-laws, and friends whenever and wherever there was work to be done. He also gave his time and talents to charitable organizations like Craftsmen for Christ and Meals on Wheels.

As his children grew older and he found spare time he tried his hand at hobbies like photography and skiing, although eventually golf became his favorite leisure pastime. He cared less about the score than he did about the exercise and camaraderie of his fellow players, particularly the group of Physical Plant friends/co-workers who enjoyed frequent local games and regular Lake Tahoe golf excursions. He loved to read and had a thirst for knowledge, particularly history and literature. He enjoyed poetry and for years composed original, personalized verses to commemorate any special occasion. He had a great love for animals and always kept a special place in his heart for the pug dog he called “My Sweet Shadow”. He loved to laugh and his sense of humor and sweet, cheerful nature endured to the very end.

Glen was preceded in death by his father, Maurice, mother, Naomi, and brother Melvin. He is survived by his wife Shirley, his three children Patrick, Gregory (Rebecca), and Kimberly (Joe), his four grandchildren Ryan, Gabriella, Joseph, and Thomas, and his sister Shirley, as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A funeral mass is scheduled for Monday, August 22, 10:00am at St. James Catholic Church (1275 B. St, Davis, CA, 95616) and a graveside service will be held Tuesday, August 23, 10:00am at New Auburn Cemetery (1040 Collins Dr., Auburn, CA, 95603), and all family and friends are welcome.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Meals on Wheels Yolo County (https://www.mowyolo.org) where Glen spent many hours serving the community.