Cover photo for Michael Baxter's Obituary
Michael Baxter Profile Photo
1987 Michael 2014

Michael Baxter

August 22, 1987 — September 22, 2014

Michael Allen Hanks Baxter died on September 22, 2014, after a courageous battle with a terminal illness. His family and close friends surrounded him with love until he took his last breath and beyond. An honoring of his life will take place at the home of Wes Horn at a date to be announced.

Michael was born and raised in Davis, California. At the age of seven, he became the youngest Black Belt candidate at Pallen's Martial Arts. When he was nine, his father was diagnosed with Stage IV kidney cancer. This event changed his family's life. Because there were no viable treatment strategies in the U.S., he moved selflessly with his parents to Freeport, Bahamas. Successful immunotherapy treatment brought the family back to Davis, where he continued his elementary education. He graduated from King High School in 2004 while studying independently in the beautiful wilderness of Utah.

Michael began to develop his natural abilities as an illustrator, eventually attending the Academy of Arts University in San Francisco. It was there that he honed in on his love of street arti��soon becoming a known rattle artist on the West Coast. Michael has left a legacy of art in the public arena as well as in the private homes that are graced by his commissioned work.

He had a true appreciation for all of the artsi��he loved film, he loved music, he loved books, he loved fine food, he loved his friends, he loved his family, and he loved sushi.

Michael died peacefully as a result of an accidental heroin overdose. He, his parents and his extended family of relatives and friends remained steady and strong with their love and devotion for each other as he faced his final days. They are forever grateful to the people of HRS for their love, their kindness and their expertise, which made the quality of his and their lives beautifully bearable.

Michael was preceded in death by his loving grandfather V.M. Hanks, Jr., his grandmother Nadine Hanks, his paternal grandparents, David and Ruth Baxter, and most recently, by his dear Aunt Penny. His partner in life, Sammie Bee Young, also predeceased him in July 2013. Besides his mother, Lisa Hanks Baxter, and his father, John Baxter, he is survived by his Aunt and Uncle- Janet and Gary Sheldon; his cousins Ruby and Jacob; his cousins by his Uncle Georgei��Erin (Kyle and baby Leona); Christopher Skye; Brianna (Neil); Caitlin; Heidi (Rich); Alison (Johnny); his Aunt and Uncle-Jo and David Baxter; his cousins Debra and David; his Aunt and Uncle-Patty and Chuck Hanks; his cousins Amber, Justin and Megan; his second parents, Lora and Phil Schroeder; and honorary pallbearers, Jacob Schroeder, Colin DeFord Clark and Brianna Allen, Wes Horn, Tati Gerowitz and Kevin Reed. Michael and his family would like for memory donations to be sent directly to: Harm Reduction Services, 2800 Stockton Blvd. Sacramento, California 95817

Michael Allen Hanks Baxter's MICHAELPALOOZA

We will be gathering to honor Michael's life, his loves, and his talents. This event will include live music, Michael's art on display, and the creation of a memorial mural. We will be serving handmade pizza from the wood fired oven and encourage bringing a favorite topping to share. This will take place at the home of Wes Horn- 35301 County Road 31, Davis- on Saturday, October 18, 2014, beginning at 2 pm. Out of respect for our family, please consider this a sober celebration.

Previous Events

Celebration of Life
Saturday, October 18, 2014
2:00 PM
Residence

Davis, CA

Michael Allen Hanks Baxter's MICHAELPALOOZA We will be gathering to honor Michael's life, his loves, and his talents. This event will include live music, Michael's art on display, and the creation of a memorial mural. We will be serving handmade pizza from the wood fired oven and encourage bringing a favorite topping to share. This will take place at the home of Wes Horn- 35301 County Road 31, Davis- on Saturday, October 18, 2014, beginning at 2 pm. Out of respect for our family, please consider this a sober celebration.


To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michael Baxter, please visit our flower store.

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