Raymond Baxter

**Adam43** · 15 Sep 2006, 16:21 (Ref:1711207)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/5350436.stm

A real broadcaster, who acheived so much before he went into braodcasting. He then built on the experiences to be one of the best commentators. Sadly missed.

johnw · 15 Sep 2006, 16:22 (Ref:1711208)

Just heard that Raymond Baxter has died.

Spitfire pilot, broadcaster, race commentator and latterly a great and illustrative describer of Spitfire displays at Goodwood.

I last heard him on the Saturday of the Revival, sadly he was too ill to attend on the Sunday.

A gentleman and professional to the end.

**John Turner** · 15 Sep 2006, 16:45 (Ref:1711221)

Yes, I have just learned this, too. Sad, but not entirely surprising given his age and the frailty that became public knowledge at Goodwood. He certainly packed in a full and exciting life and not only did he do all the things you mentioned, John, he also raced and rallied cars as well. To me, he has always been around, involved in aspects of life that I had an interest in, including the successful 'Tomorrows World' programme that he presented for so many years.

Thanks for all the pleasure that you have given to so many for so many years, Raymond.

RIP

(I'll leave this here for a while but it should go eventually into the Tributes forum)

Mark Mitchell · 15 Sep 2006, 16:52 (Ref:1711228)

Bugger!
A real pro broadcaster!
I used to love watching and listening to his aviation stuff.
Excellent on Tomorrows World too

RIP

Alan Raine · 15 Sep 2006, 17:04 (Ref:1711235)

Raymond Baxter was part of my childhood with the racing commentary, Farnborough Airshow and Tomorrow World. He always seemed very calm when talking, was very knowledgable and came across as one of lifes Gentlemen!

RIP

Marbot · 15 Sep 2006, 20:35 (Ref:1711372)

Sad to hear that he has died (84,good innings).The man before the 'Murray' no less.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/54516

Pitstop · 15 Sep 2006, 22:00 (Ref:1711437)

Very sad indeed. My condolences to his famliy.

**ScotsBrutesFan** · 15 Sep 2006, 22:19 (Ref:1711444)

An Amazing man. Spitfire Pilot to commentary box. In so many ways be broke new ground in TV with Live broadcasts and his work on Tomorrow's World.

He and his incredibly evocative voice will be greatly missed.

Paulaweybridge · 16 Sep 2006, 00:56 (Ref:1711511)

HSCC Clerk of the Course John Smith told me earlier that Raymond Baxter had died.

Very sad news indeed.

I grew up listening to his wonderful commentaries on Television and he inspired me in many ways.

I last saw him at the Goodwood Revival Meeting in Sept 2003 and he was in wonderful form.

Rest in peace Raymond.

Paula Hamilton

Marbot · 16 Sep 2006, 01:39 (Ref:1711518)

A fitting tribute to the man.

http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpa...s_art_id=29338

Hugh Jarce · 16 Sep 2006, 06:52 (Ref:1711604)

I'm old enough to remember him on TV as a kid - in its glorious black and white days. Fantatstic live demos on Tomorrow's World and that famous laugh at himself presenting the string sketch in a string vest.

He was part of a broadcasting era where presenters were knowledgeable and figures of respect, unlike many of the mad, shallow self-made celebrities of today who clamour to host the next celebrity roller skating knock challenge.

It's not until someone dies that you remember that their voice was a notable part of your past - in my case whilst I was in short trousers in the 1960's.

Red Bulldog · 16 Sep 2006, 17:54 (Ref:1711942)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh Jarce

I'm old enough to remember him on TV as a kid - in its glorious black and white days. Fantatstic live demos on Tomorrow's World and that famous laugh at himself presenting the string sketch in a string vest.

He was part of a broadcasting era where presenters were knowledgeable and figures of respect, unlike many of the mad, shallow self-made celebrities of today who clamour to host the next celebrity roller skating knock challenge.

It's not until someone dies that you remember that their voice was a notable part of your past - in my case whilst I was in short trousers in the 1960's.

That sums it up for me too (being born 1950)
I've been in Canada for 35 years and I must admit I had forgotten all about him, but after reading this I can hear his distinctive voice like it was yesterday.

Cheers Raymond

Chigley · 16 Sep 2006, 18:40 (Ref:1711960)

Oh no, that's so sad. He will be missed terribly, for his knowledge, personnality, impeccable presentation and diction and the voice that was instantly respected and listened to with pleasure.

My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Ian

Gnomex · 16 Sep 2006, 20:02 (Ref:1711991)

There was only ever one gentleman (I use the word "gentleman" deliberately)who delivered his commentary in that delightful way - Raymond Baxter.

Raymond was the emitome of the commentator's art (I recall he used the word "epitome" often - I associate it with him always).

RIP

JeremySmith · 16 Sep 2006, 22:01 (Ref:1712047)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh Jarce

I'm old enough to remember him on TV as a kid - in its glorious black and white days. Fantatstic live demos on Tomorrow's World and that famous laugh at himself presenting the string sketch in a string vest.

He was part of a broadcasting era where presenters were knowledgeable and figures of respect, unlike many of the mad, shallow self-made celebrities of today who clamour to host the next celebrity roller skating knock challenge.

It's not until someone dies that you remember that their voice was a notable part of your past - in my case whilst I was in short trousers in the 1960's.

Very eloquently put Hugh. I was born in 1950, growing up in London I remember him as a kid on Tomorrows World ..RIP Raymond Baxter

**Peter Mallett** · 17 Sep 2006, 14:43 (Ref:1712320)

Yep I recall him on the old B&W TV.

Calmness personified, I will regret his passing but still enjoy the memories of his shows and commentaries.

johngee · 18 Sep 2006, 09:35 (Ref:1712746)

About 15 years ago I attended a British Aeronautical Society meeting where Raymond spoke of his experiences. An audience of about 200 people and yet, he had that uncanny knack that he was speaking to me personally. A true gentlemen in an age where the term has become devalued.
RIP

Tim the Grey · 22 Sep 2006, 12:05 (Ref:1716293)

Alas, I just found out about Raymond... Sadly missed, but as said previously, I can 'hear' him now, talking about WD40, and LCDs, (uses of string while wearing a string vest, for The Goodies) and the like on Tomorrows World, plus his commentary on TV of Ray Hannah in a Spitfire at Biggin Hill. Sadly, Ray's dead too.

In this talk, did Raymond talk about when he was flying over a Belgian forest in early 1945, when a V2 came up right in front his aircraft?
In that dry way of his, he said
"I fired at it, and missed... It was only when I landed that someone pointed out I'd by flying with a halo if I'd hit all that explosive at 50 yards range!"

Sheila M · 22 Sep 2006, 22:45 (Ref:1716766)

Having just returned from holiday and catching up on the news, we were saddened to learn of this.

RIP Raymond

Paulaweybridge · 13 Oct 2006, 00:40 (Ref:1736713)

I grew up watching Raymond Baxter commentating on Motor Racing....

He was an awesome individual and will be very sadly missed.

I thought that last night's programme was very good but could have been longer, I feel.

Paula Hamilton

White flag man · 13 Oct 2006, 13:39 (Ref:1737186)

Paula,
I'm with you all the way. Great programme, should have been longer, about a great man and one of lifes true characters.
Thank you Raymand, Rest in Peace.

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