News

Our father, Jack Baxter, passed away peacefully at the well- earned age of 91. Born in Iowa and raised in Redwood City, he was stationed at Fort Ord when with less than a month before discharge, WWII was declared, and he was in for the duration. He served as a Battery Commander and Battalion S2 (Intelligence Officer) in the South Pacific during WWII. He was involved in the rapid assault and liberation of a civilian internment camp in Manila before the Japanese were able to liquidate the prisoners who had been in the camp for years. He was promoted to the rank of Major and was decorated with the Silver Star and the Bronze Star with V for his service. When he was discharged he went to work for the Pacific Portland Cement in Redwood City. This later became Ideal Cement and he worked his way up to Plant Manager in Redwood City and,San Juan Bautista. In 1959 he moved his family to Hollister where he lived until 1970 when the cement company transferred him to Knoxville, TN. He retired in 1974 and settled in Morgan Hill where he and his wife, Frances, could be near their children and grandchildren. Dad was a golfer, an avid gardener with over 200 roses to tend and an accomplished Scottish Country dancer who kept dancing well into his 80's. Never one to do anything half way he got a kilt and all the proper accoutrements, then made half the family join him even building his own dance floor in his back yard which was surrounded by his rose garden. He was a member of the San Juan Bautista Service Club, San Juan VFW Post 6359, Clan MacMillan and the Saint Andrews Society in San Francisco. He lived alone after our Mom passed away and in is later years was frustrated when he couldn't climb his tree or on to the roof. He was very proud of his rose garden and Koi ponds which he cared for and shared with anyone who visited. He was quite active in his retirement only slowing down when things began to wear out at age 91.He was preceded in death by his wonderful wife, Frances. He is survived by his loving children, Jack Baxter, Jr., of Lakeport, CA and Bradley Baxter of Morgan Hill, and his dear friend of 60 years, Marj Lamb of San Juan Bautista, three grandchildren, four great- grandchildren and scores of wonderful friends.His family and friends will be gathering at his home in Morgan Hill on July 4th. This was his annual BBQ and Garden Party for everyone and he hoped to be able to hang on long enough for this one. Now he'll be there in a different form but ready to enjoy a party nonetheless. Please know you are all invited to join us on the 4th for a celebration of his life and Scottish Celeidh.

Gregg Giusiana - Gilroy Police Chief