Local resident John Denis Baxter passed away at his residence in Bayfield Road, Galston on the 16th of January, having celebrated his 86th birthday only a week before. Born in England, Denis arrived in Australia with his Mother, Father and siblings in 1950.
Denis was one of four children to Lilian, and the eminent philanthropist Sir Phillip Baxter. Sir John Philip Baxter KBE CMG FAA (7th May 1905 – 5th September 1989) was a British-Australian chemical engineer. He was the second director of the University of New South Wales from 1953, continuing as vice-chancellor when the position’s title was changed in 1955. Philip Baxter College is named in his honour.
Denis had been a renowned Architect in his early life constructing many buildings across Sydney as well as designing a Hotel in Nauru. He later started up his own successful Pool Chemicals and Equipment business which he ran for years. He was an avid collector of Antique aircraft, and was instrumental in setting up the The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Inc (HARS), a not-for-profit organisation formed in 1979 by a group of aviation enthusiasts interested in the preservation of Australian aviation history. Denis bequeathed his collection (including a Vampire Fighter and Boomerang airplane) to the organisation which is located at Albion Park Rail on the South Coast.
Fellow Armoured Vehicle enthusiast, and good mate, Tim Parry remembers him as a ‘true English gentleman and a man of many interests.’
Denis leaves behind three children; Jeanie, John and Andrew. Grandchildren; Kezia, Leo, Cressida, Madeline & Henry and Great Grandchildren; Florian, Lisa and Remy.
His Service was held at Macquarie Park Crematorium on the 15th February and was attended by family and close friends. A Memorial Service will be held at Albion Park at a later date.
