Athletics Australia – News – A tribute to David Baxter, a great man, athlete and friend

Dr David S. Baxter  MBBS, B.Sc (Hons)

27^th March 1977 – 2^nd July 2010

We all come into this earth the same way. It is what we do with the time we have whilst we are here that sets us apart.

If David Baxter’s life was a 100m sprint he definitely would have been spoken about in the ilk of a Usain Bolt. People are born with special talents and characteristics but David’s single-minded determination to achieve the tasks he set upon was what astounded all he came into contact with. David’s coach, John Quinn, who has worked with and around the world’s best sports stars tells of Dave’s attention to detail being second to none and how Dave was the most goal orientated person he had ever come across.

“I remember a time travelling with the 1995 junior team in New Zealand and looking across to see Dave reading a neurosurgery book. I asked him why he was reading this and his response was simply because one day that’s what I will be, a neurosurgeon.” 

At the time, David was fresh out of Ivanhoe Grammar School, but being the ambitious person he was, once he set his mind to something it was never out of his grasp.

Fast forward to 2010, 15 years after this bus journey and David was well on the way to achieving this long-term goal. His achievements in this period were nothing short of incredible; degrees in Science and Medicine at Melbourne University, Trauma and Orthopaedic surgery at Oxford, articles published in medical journals, researcher in Stockholm (Karolinska Institute and University Hospital) and Melbourne (Monash University); finally culminating with his acceptance into the Neurosurgical program at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh.

He spoke with so much excitement of being accepted into a program that saw only a handful picked from hundreds of doctors applying. David not only aimed to complete neurosurgery training, but was also completing research for his thesis into Meningioma, a type of brain tumour, as part of his PhD with Monash University.  There is no doubt he would have been an amazing neurosurgeon and the medical world has lost one of its brightest doctors.  

On the track Dave was the ultimate competitor. He epitomised Pierre De Coubertin’s ideals: “The important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle, the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well”.

He trained diligently, was humble in victory and defeat and for those who took the time to get to know him, he was a breath of fresh air in the often self-centred world of track and field. Even after he retired, his emails and calls to friends offering support and encouragement were always forthcoming. His sense of humour and ability to laugh with you and at himself always made him fun to be around.

David represented Australia indoors and out on the world stage. The culmination of years of track and field dedication which began as a youngster at the Doncaster Little Athletics centre came in the 2002 Commonwealth Games where he picked up a bronze medal as part of the 4x100m relay team. Dave was an extremely popular member of Doncaster Athletics Club and has remained close friends with members till the day of his passing.

Cameron Paice, who ran with David at Doncaster, remembers a scrawny young boy running past him on the day they first competed. 

“Dave was a great competitor at club, national and international level who was always committed to Doncaster both on and off the track. He enjoyed assisting younger athletes during training and encouraged them to share his passion for the sport and realise their potential.”

Over time they went on to become great friends, with Cameron counting David as one of the most compassionate and loyal people he has ever known. 

Cameron was fortunate enough to visit  David and his wife Judith in Stockholm recently, where he was receiving excellent treatment and care at the Karolinska Hospital.

“Even in the late stages of his illness he was still his old self, upbeat and more concerned about the health and wellbeing of others. His memory will always live on in my family.”

Dave’s passing has affected his past teammates and continuing friends immensely…

“When I think of Dave Baxter, I immediately think of a loyal and true friend, someone who always put others before himself. He was my training partner who I could always rely on for encouragement and support. I admired his zest for life, his passion for athletics and his ability to excel in whatever he set his mind to. I will miss him.” Lauren Hewitt (world championships finalist, 200m) 

“He was a kind hearted guy with great athletic talent, a super sharp mind who didn't rely on his gifts or rest on his laurels. He pursued his dreams and ambitions tirelessly and achieved so much in such a short amount of time. "Carpe Diem" is so appropriate for Dave as he really did "seize the day". It's a huge loss to bear, the passing of Dave. Dave was someone who gave so much and yet had so much more to give. He will live on in our hearts and minds and continue to inspire us through our memories of him and what he taught us with his own life.” Luke Adams (sixth Beijing Olympics, 20km walk)

“To dedicate oneself to a single career and have success is admirable. To achieve greatness at everything you dedicate yourself to – that is extraordinary. That is exactly who Dave was. He was an extraordinary person, a true friend and always valued team mate.  His self assurance and courage to follow his chosen path – even when it was not always the easiest road to travel – inspired and amazed me.  Whenever Dave and I had the chance to share a meal, Dave always had the low-down on the place to be and the best meal in town.  I always walked away from those meals, looking forward to the next one – I will miss you, mate. I feel extremely fortunate to have been one of the lucky – to have been inspired and humbled by who I know will forever remain one of the best men I have ever known. Rest in peace.” Matt Shirvington (national 100m record-holder 1998-2003)

Once contracted, David knew that this cancer would be with him for the remainder of his life, yet his determination and will to fight was incredible. In the midst of heavy treatment Dave still tweeted and facebooked his friends with positive words and information and once said “remember all melanoma can be a deadly illness, the best treatment is prevention”, proving him a doctor to the end.

The world lost one of its finest on July 2nd, 2010. In the words of David Baxter “every day in every place should feel like a new day is a world of opportunity complete within your grasp. Go get hold of it”… God knows Dave did….

David is survived by his wife Judith, mother Gillian, brothers Stephen and Alan and sisters Christine and Anne.

A service will be held at St James' Anglican Church, 252 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe on Friday 16^th July at 2pm.

If you are unable to attend, online donations can be made in honour of David's memory to his chosen cause, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation for Melanoma research at  www.petermac.org

A commemorative piece by Tamsyn Lewis

Athletics Australia – News