Longtime Montecito resident Ralph Baxter died peacefully on December 5th of non-COVID related causes.
He was 96 years old.
Born in Hamburg Germany, he and his family immigrated to England in 1935 to escape the rapidly growing Nazi threat. In 1941, the family was able to immigrate to the US and settled in New York City.
In 1943, Ralph enlisted into the US Army and returned to Europe as a combat soldier in 1945. After Germany’s surrender, the Army’s “counter-intelligence” branch enlisted Ralph’s fluent German language skills to capture and interrogate suspected war criminals.
Returning from the war in 1946, Ralph enrolled at UCLA and then transferred to UC Berkeley, graduating in 1949 with a degree in mechanical engineering. His work responsibilities focused on engineering and manufacturing issues at multiple companies including Revell, Reim, Hunt Foods and Avery (which ultimately became Avery-Dennison). Ralph retired in 1990.
In 1960, Ralph met and then married Jan Phillips. They settled in La Habra Heights and raised three sons.
In 1991, Ralph and Jan moved to Montecito. Santa Barbara had always been a favorite Baxter summer vacation destination.
After settling into their new community, Ralph was determined to find some interesting and challenging volunteer opportunities in the local, non-profit community. Over the years he held various position on the boards of the Montecito Association, Jewish Family Services, Anti-Defamation League, Casa del Herrero and Catholic Charities. He also served one year on the Santa Barbara County Civil Grand Jury.
Ralph continued to indulge in his lifetime love of tennis, playing until he was well into his 80s. For over 20 years, he took ceramic courses at SBCC and produced hundreds of handmade clay pots and vases. As longtime classical music fans, Ralph and Jan were supporters of the SB Music Academy enjoying the master classes and performances annually. Other favorite activities included gardening, reading historical biographies and travel. For over 20 years, Ralph and Jan traveled the globe to a variety of locations.
Ralph was predeceased by Jan, his wife of nearly 58 years. He leaves behind three sons and one daughter-in-law.
Contributions in Ralph’s name may be sent to Jewish Family Services c/o The Jewish Federation of Santa Barbara.
