Tribute to Cedric Baxter, OAM

BWF has paid tribute to Cedric Baxter, OAM, who passed away on 10 March 2024 at the age 93.

Cedric Baxter had a long and distinguished career in badminton at the state (Badminton Western Australia), national (Badminton Australia), continental (Badminton Oceania) and international level (IBF) that spanned nearly 40 years from 1965.

He was the last of four Oceania stalwarts, Ian Palmer and Jeff Robson of New Zealand and Roy Ward and Cedric Baxter of Australia, who all served IBF with great distinction as long-serving Council Members in the last decades of the 20th century.

Together with Roy Ward, Heather Robson, Jeff Robson and Ian Palmer – Cedric Baxter was a founding member of the Oceania Badminton Confederation (OBC) which was established on 21 May 1987.

Cedric Baxter served as OBC Continental Representative on the IBF Council (1993 to 2003). He was an active IBF committee member serving on various committees over more than a decade: Rules and Laws Committee (1993 – 2003), Development Committee (1993 – 2003) (Deputy Chair in 1996 – 1997), Continental Coordination Committee (1995), as well as serving on the Awards Committee and the Publicity Committee.

Born in Burma 1930, Cedric Baxter came to Australia after the second World War. Following his playing career, he was elected President of Badminton Western Australia in 1966 and served in this position for 11 years during which period he also became President of Badminton Australia in two periods, in 1971 and again in 1977. After his final presidency, he was elected Hon. Secretary of Badminton Australia and served in this capacity from 1979 to 1991.

Cedric Baxter was honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia in 1990 “in recognition of his service to the sport of badminton”. He was a Life Member of Badminton Australia, Badminton Western Australia and Commonwealth Games Australia. He received the BWF Distinguished Service Award in 2003.

Outside his service to badminton, Cedric Baxter was a graphic designer and artist. He had a special talent as a cartoonist and used this with his great sense of humour. More than once he circulated an improvised cartoon in the Council or a Committee meeting illustrating a heated discussion from a friendly and funny angle, easing any tension. His drawings illustrating the Laws of Badminton and used for many years in that publication, will also long be remembered.

Our thoughts go to Cedric Baxter’s lifelong companion Patricia, following him all the way from Burma, to their sons and the family who have lost a loving father. The world of badminton has said farewell to a great personality.

Torsten Berg – BWF Honorary Life Vice President