Ian Michael Baxter left this world to be among the forests, mountains and fishing holes he so dearly loved. Affectionally known as “Ian Bear” from a childhood book his Ma read to him, he is the middle son of Jane (Walters) Baxter and the late Michael Baxter.
Ian came into the world on August 26, 1986, in St. Albans, Vt. He lived briefly in Swanton, Vt., until his family moved to Rochester, N.H., and Falmouth, Maine. He attended schools there and graduated from the University of Maine, Orono. Ian loved Maine and eventually made his home in Sebago in a house which seemed made just for him, complete with a fish etched in glass on the front door and views of Sebago Lake. He shared his life there with his love, Kelsey, and cats Banshee and Pants.
Always the outdoorsman, Ian never would have been happy behind a desk. He worked for Davey Tree Service as an arborist. Climbing and hanging out in trees was his favorite thing. Before his job at Davey, he spent summers working for the Adirondack Mountain Club. He would have worked in those mountains all year round if he could have. When the season was over he would remark, “I miss the ADK.”
Ian was very practical and logical, a trait he got from his father. His work ethic is something you don’t see as much today. When he had a job to do, he did it right and saw it through.
Ian shared his love of the Adirondacks with his brother, Ryan. When Ryan graduated from high school, the two of them took a weeklong canoe trip in the Adirondacks. What a special time for them to share. Always best friends and kindred spirits, Ian and Ryan shared many adventures and shenanigans; some Ma knows about, probably many more she doesn’t!
Ian was the spitting image of his father, not only in his love of fishing, hiking, skiing, deer hunting or just being in the woods but also in his stoic nature and “think it through, take your time, don’t rush” nature. But he had a playful and mischievous side as well. Once, he and his nephew Michael hid a G.I. Joe figure dressed in camouflage in one of Ma’s plants. When she went to water it, she let out a yelp! And she knew exactly who had done it!
But under all this, Ian had a gentle and sensitive soul, quietly comforting others with a kind word or gesture, many his family is just now learning about from those he touched.
His spirit will always be with us and his soul intertwined into the fabric of our lives, holding us strong as a family. In his memory, let us always love deeply, be kind and fair, and laugh often.
Ian, your bright sparkle and mischievous, playful light shone so beautifully. You lit up our lives with your laugh, your gentle heart, your practical mind, your beautiful soul.
We know you shone it as long as you could. But you had to let it go. Oh, how we will miss you. You will forever shine in our hearts, at night when the stars shine, in the warm sunshine, in the diamond snow, on the sparkling, sandy beach. When the breezes blow our hair, we will know you are near, our Ian Bear.
He is so loved by his “Ma,” Jane, and her partner, Phil; his love, Kelsey Mulcahy; sister, Shannon (Darnell) Baxter, and children Serenity and Michael; brother, Ryan (Katy) Baxter, and son Hawkeye; and his many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 2, 2026, noon to 3 p.m., at Rock Point Commons in Burlington, Vt. Come by for light refreshments, to share your favorite memories and be surrounded by all who loved “Ian Bear.”