Obituary of Richard Baxter Sr.

Richard Baxter Sr. , age 85, of Bristol (CT) died on January 28th after a short illness, in the loving company of his wife and family. Richard “Dick” Baxter was born July 3, 1934 in Glasgow, Scotland. He was the son of James Paterson Baxter and Annie Wilson Burns. He was raised in Rutherglen and there he met his wife, Ena. Dick immigrated to the USA in 1955 with his parents and brother, settling near Bridgeport (CT). Dick was soon joined by his fiancé, and they were married in Shelton on May 8, 1957. Dick was inducted into the US Army soon after and served in active and reserve duties until honorably discharged in 1963. Dick lived much of his life in Seymour, where he and Ena raised their three children. He worked for many years in sales and service at Mel Hart Appliance stores in Bridgeport and nearby, including Glazer’s/Mel Hart in Ansonia. Dick also worked at Scalzo Appliances in Danbury before fully retiring. In retirement, Dick and Ena moved to Bristol to live closer to their children. Greatly dedicated to his wife and family, Dick enjoyed spending time with his children, their spouses, and their families. He and Ena also took great pleasure in Scottish Country Dancing, participating for many years in clubs, shows and tours. Dick was an avid gardner and landscaper, and skillful in stonemasonry and carpentry. He took pride in his beautiful yard and gardens in Seymour and Bristol. Dick and Ena also enjoyed many travels to visit sites and family in North America, Tasmania and Scotland. Surviving are his beloved wife of 62 years, Ena Dickson (Halliday) Baxter; son, James George Baxter and wife, Jamie, of Waterford, CT; son, Richard Baxter, Jr. of New Britain; daughter, Laura Jean Hedenberg and husband, Ralph, of Burlington, CT; grandchildren, Amber, Richard III (and wife, Jennifer), Allison, David, Aislyn and Casey Baxter; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Bristol Baxter. His parents, and brother, Phillip Burns Baxter, predecease him. Dick’s wife and children would like to thank family, friends and caregivers for their support and words of condolence. Funeral arrangements are by Farrell Funeral Home of New Britain. No calling hours are planned. A private burial with military honors will be at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick’s memory can be made to the National Hemophilia Foundation 7 Pennsylvania Plaza #1204, New York, NY 10001.