BAXTER, DAVID - The sudden death of David Baxter occurred in Fort McMurray on December 16, 2014. David is survived by his mother Muriel, his brother Rick (Sara Wegwitz), his son Stephen Doucette, and his paternal half-sister Stephanie (Jeff Peck). He is predeceased by his father Charles (Jake) William, his sister Dianne, and his paternal half-brother Stephen. David graduated from Saint John High School (1983) and attended a number of universities obtaining a B.Sc. in Kinesiology and Ergonomics from the University of Waterloo (1990), and an M.H.Sc. in Occupational and Environmental Health from the University of Toronto (1992). David worked in the Occupational Health and Safety field in Fort McMurray from 2003 until his death. He held the position of Safety Specialist for a number of companies including the Government of Alberta (Workplace Health and Safety), Suncor Energy Inc., CEDA International, and DCM Inc. He was also an instructor in the Occupational Health and Safety Program of the University of Alberta at Keyano College where he was highly regarded as a teacher and mentor.
Many of David’s co-workers, students, and friends honoured him and his life at an informal farewell on Sunday, December 21. A formal ceremony is being planned in Fort McMurray at Howard Pew Park to coincide with the National Day of Mourning which is observed annually on April 28 to commemorate workers who have been lost or injured on the job. This day was sacred to David and reflected his devotion to promoting a safe and healthy work environment. His family intends to place a memorial bench at this location and his colleagues are planning to establish an annual award in his name recognizing the person who best exemplifies his attributes.