James Sinclair Rennick Baxter

James Sinclair Rennick Baxter (“Rennie”) was in born in Canada while his Irish parents were living in Montreal. He attended Clifton College in Bristol, then went up to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, in 1954, followed by his clinical years at Charing Cross Hospital, London. He specialised in otolaryngology and took up his first consultant post in King’s Lynn in 1969. He then transferred to the Kent and Canterbury Hospital in 1971, where he remained as consultant until 1997. His subspecialisation was in audiology, and one of his proudest achievements was the growth of the audiology department.

Sadly a few months before his planned retirement, he had a severe stroke in June 1997. He was devotedly nursed at home by his wife, Patty, for the next 11 years. In 2008 he had to go to a nursing home as his condition had deteriorated. After a urinary tract infection he developed septic shock and died peacefully in the hospital he served for so long.

He was a fine craftsman in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. He renovated several old houses. He was passionate about music: he played the trumpet and sang in various choirs, including the Canterbury Choral Society.

He is remembered by all for his sense of the absurd and great humour. He is survived by Patty, three children (one of whom followed him into medicine), and six grandchildren.