I just learned of Dr Baxter passing away from another professor. I worked in Timon Hall years ago. I always admired his vast book collection in his corner office. He loved his students and they loved him! RIP

I just learned of Pete's passing. I work at a hotel that he would stay at when teaching. We used to talk for hours at the front desk. I was just telling a story that involved him and decided to look him up. I am so sorry for your loss.

I was heartbroken recently to learn of Dr. Baxter's passing last summer. Dr. Baxter changed my life. I remember my very first class with him, American Government, as a freshman at NU. From that point on I knew that I would change my major to political science so that I could continue to study with him. I had an interest in law, but it was because of his engaging teaching style, enthusiasm, and support that I ended up going on to law school. I had always been very reserved as a child and young adult, and I didn't know if I would be successful on a path in law. Not only did Dr. Baxter foster in me the writing and public speaking tools that I needed to succeed, but importantly, he believed in me. He told me that he knew I could do it, and indeed, I could. After practicing law for a spell, I wanted a change and ended up pursuing a career in librarianship. Recently, I came back to my legal roots and am now working as a law librarian, which is an absolutely perfect fit for me. One of the first things I thought of was that I wanted to tell Dr. Baxter that I had come back to law. We had kept in touch sporadically through the years, and when I looked him up to reach out, that's when I discovered that he had passed away, and I'm getting teary again just thinking back on it. I wish I had been able to tell him all about my new legal adventures, I know he would have loved that. Dr. Baxter's infectious joy and his passion for his field were a shining bright light in my life and I'll never forget that. His legacy lives on through all of the lives that he touched, and I'll do my best to keep paying that forward. Dr. Baxter, thank you. I'll raise a glass to you tonight, and endeavor to always make you proud.

Dr. Baxter,

So sorry to hear about his passing. My sympathies to his family.  He was an excellent professor at Niagara University and prepared me well for law school. He was always supportive of his students. He will be missed.

Dr. Baxter was an inspirational professor that transformed lives including mine.  His passion for what he taught was abundantly evident and infectious.  He was one of those professors that we consider "tough" or "difficult", yet we couldn't wait to sign up for another course he was teaching.  Having the blessing of being one of his pre-law students, I am forever thankful for his dedication to preparing us not only for law school...but for life.  For after practicing law for 19 years, I can attest that it was him being "tough" that made being his student so challenging, invigorating, and meaningful.  May God bless you as you lecture in heaven and may there be profound peace felt by your family.

I will always miss this guy. He traveled all over this world making any friends along the way. I love this picture. He wanted to vacation off the grid, so he did. Fishing at Attata Tonga. ❤️

A memorial Mass for Dr. Baxter will be held at the Niagara University chapel at 4PM on August 13, with fellowship and a chance to share memories of Dr. Baxter after Mass.  

I knew the Baxter family when lived in Cragsmoor when I was young . I have fond remember playing with all them . Rest in Paradise Peter  . Frank Mazesky 

Dr. Baxter (or the Notorious Ph.D. as he called himself) was one of the funniest professors I ever had. He caught an error in my course credits to help me graduate. I was thinking of one of his catchphrases today: "Those were the days when men were men. And so were the women." So, I was sorry hours later to hear of his passing. We had stayed in touch over the years here and there. He had a wealth of knowledge and combined with his vast love for his students, he truly was a special man. May he rest in peace.

Dr. Baxter was one of my favorite teachers.   He was engaging, entertaining, and fun in class.   I am remembering him fondly. He inspired me.  

Pete was an awesome instructor and a great neighbor in Tim Hall!  His laugh and smile truly lit up any room.  He was also so encouraging even in the midst of usual times like these! I will miss my Facebook friend! Sending prayers to the family for continued strength during this difficult time. Pete will truly be missed. 

Vanita Jamison, Buffalo, New York

Dr. B possessed the ultra-rare combination of brilliant intellect that was able to communicate that intellect to others. Perhaps the most dynamic educator I came across in my scholastic career. Wishing the family peace and strength during these difficult times; a great man gone too soon.  

An absolute phenomenal man.  A staunch defender of his students…I remember our last class and last day…called us his kids.  Class man.  I’m very grateful for his time with me.  99-05

One time in class Dr. Baxter told us a story about being a cross county runner.  Whether it was insinuated by the look of the students or someone asked the question "what happened?" directly, Dr. Baxter's response to what everyone was thinking was: "I sat down!"  

I thought he would prefer if I led this off with a joke.  Dr. Baxter was one of the most important people in my life.  I started with an Intro to Law class with him my first semester at Niagara, and proceeded to take one class with him every semester until I graduated.  He's the reason I became a lawyer.  I certainly wouldn't be where I am without him.  I took many classes with professors who clearly didn't want to be there, and Dr. Baxter was one of the few shining exceptions.  I laughed in every class, and learned in every class.  Dr. Baxter had an exceptional ability to make everyone feel welcome.  He let me get away with some BS, but not too much.  It's impossible to summarize who he was to me in just a few paragraphs, so I'm not even going to try.  Rest easy, my teacher, my mentor, my friend.  I'm really sorry I didn't stay in touch like I should have.  But I guess this is one final lesson.  Thanks, Dr. Baxter.  

One of the best professors I had at Niagara University.  He definitely molded me into the adult I am today and I am truly honored to have been taught by this amazing man.  Dr. Baxter, thank you for all you did for me and so many others.  Prayers go out to your family during this difficult time.
Sarimar Miller (Ruiz) - Niagara University (Class of 1997)

You were an amazing friend and mentor. My favorite memory would have to be when I came to one of your classes on my birthday, a class I wasn't in, and you stopped lecturing to wish me happy birthday and made the class say it as well. Thank you for being a great mentor. You knew when something was wrong without me saying anything. I will miss you and our talks so much 

I loved working with Pete in Timon Hall.  When he was stressed out, he'd come into the Dean's Office to sit under our "meditation tree", which was a fake ficus tree with little white lights.  I was honored to see him receive his NACADA Academic Advisor award, which was well deserved.  Students adored him because he gave so much of himself in order to help them become the best they could be.  

Pete always came to work early and on Halloween morning I came to work dressed as an ugly haggard old witch.  I stopped by his office door and cackled and he almost fell off his chair.  I always felt badly that I scared him like that.  Pete was a wonderful colleague and friend and I will miss him.  



He was such an important part of my adulthood. He taught me to put mental health first, he shared his knowledge with joy and passion - he was the best professor I’ve ever had. I truly am grateful to have had him as my professor at my time at NU. Thank you for all that you did for me, for keeping in touch with me and always asking about my son and family. The impact you left is irreplaceable. I wish I could’ve seen you one more time. Baxter - you are deeply missed. Sending love and support to your family.

Our condolences on Pete's passing. He was a terrific colleague and very supportive of me when I first came to NU.

Kevin Blair

Similar to the sentiments of others, Dr. B as most of us called him, left a mark on each student's life. I too chose to attend Niagara University after meeting with him to learn about the Political Science program. If you were his student you were family. He taught us about far more than the law and was far more than just a professor we had in college. Many of us are connected today because of the learning environment Dr. B created both inside and outside of the classroom. In fact, just a month ago a few of us went on a trip we dubbed the post-law trip, based on the fond memories of the connections we built in our pre-law trips with Dr. B. May he rest easy watching all his 'legal eagles' kick butt and take names every day. 

I was an NU student from 1992-1996, where I basically "minored" in Dr. Baxter.  He loved teaching and it showed.  He made substantial contributions to the pre-law program and all pre-law students who crossed his path.  I am sorry to hear of his passing and hope that the Baxter family finds some solace in the knowledge that he impacted so many lives during his career.  

I was a student of Dr. Baxter’s from 2009-2013. He was an intellectual giant, with so much knowledge to share. To this day he is one of my most beloved professors. I am a proud member of the Maryland Bar—an accomplishment that would never have been possible without his mentorship. I wish his family and loved ones comfort and peace during this difficult time. 

I don't know that I've ever added a comment to an online obit, but I feel the family should know how truly valued PJB was to his students.  The program he molded at NU was entirely the reason I ended up going to school there and he was an asset to the university. I made sure to take one of his classes every semester, and I even audited a class (when I took literally EVERYTHING he offered) the semester before I started law school.  His classes made me and many, many others extremely well  extremely well prepared for law school. I felt so much more confident at law school for having his instruction every semester.  He took the time to really get to know us as students and know our strengths and weaknesses and purposefully (but respectfully) pushed us outside our comfort zones to grow as students and future attorneys (or honestly, whatever other route we took) and made us think outside the box.  He shared his passions with us, but it was very clear that his students were also his passion and he was always there for any one of them if they needed. After graduation, he continued to check in with me regularly - cheering me on in law school, being supportive whenever I needed it, and even cheering me on during my biggest journey yet - parenthood.  

Everyone influenced by Dr. B during their life should remember - take no prisoners! 

My sincerest condolences to the Baxter family for the loss of Doctor B. He was one of a kind and will be truly missed. He was one of my favourite professors at Niagara U and we have kept in touch over the years since since in 2009. He was instrumental in writing a letter of recommendation for me joining policing in Halton and was always there for a friendly catch up.  RIP my friend and thank you for everything you did for me.    Sully 

I'm Stephen Vaughan Peters cousin from Glasgow Scotland. I remember Peter coming over to stay with us for a holiday. We introduced him to Irn Bru ,square sausage, tattie scones and Magee's  crispy rolls. When Peter arrived in Glasgow he was a slim young guy i think when he left he was about 4 stone heavier. Pete loved Scotland and we loved him. Yes definitely one of the good guys taken to soon .God bless Pete lay down some laws in heaven 🙏. 

My sincere condolences to the entire Baxter family. Pete was more than just my professor, he was a mentor and a friend. He shaped the lives and had a profound impact on so many of his students. There is not enough space here to explain how important Pete’s mentorship was to me. His lessons shaped my studies, career and life in so many ways. I cannot thank him enough. Thank you for sharing him with us, his students. 

I studied under Pete from 2001-2005. He was a tremendous mentor to me as a student and developed into a dear friend later.   He truly gave his heart and soul to his students, standing way above other professors.  Pete Baxter inspired thousands.  He will be sorely missed.  Please accept my sincerest condolences. 

OBITUARY

Peter Joseph Baxter

May 25, 1961 – June 24, 2022

Cotten Funeral Home

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