ROBERT J. BAXTER

BAXTER, ROBERT J. II, 76, passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2025. 

Bob was a man whose journey took him far and wide, making his home in many places, always leaving a lasting impression with his charm, warmth, and kind nature. 

Born in California, Bob spent his young adulthood across the Southwestern United States in Texas, Colorado, Virginia and California as a part of a military family. His father was a Naval Captain and his mother a homemaker, he also had a sister Jan who he spoke of as free spirited and beautiful. 

After earning an engineering degree, he began a career in the telecommunications and construction equipment industries, helping establish the first cable lines across the vast landscapes of the United States. His work took him on long, winding highways, and over the years, he accumulated countless stories that could fill a lifetime and he enjoyed telling them.

Eventually, Bob's path led him east, where he settled in Connecticut before finding his final home in Rhode Island. It was here that he joined forces with his dear friend and business partner, Martha MacBurnie, to found Spiral 8 Connections and Helios health products, holistic healing business’ fueled by their shared belief in the power of healing and movement. Bob became passionate about helping others improve their health and well-being, a fire that drove him to live every day with vigor and enthusiasm. 

Though Bob never had children of his own, he was a father figure to many. In Rhode Island, he formed a close bond with his good friend and partner, Mel. Together, they raised her children, Sage and Chapin and through this experience, Bob embraced his love for country life. Bob also was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Baby Witham this summer. At Mel’s farm in Charlestown, they worked the land, raising goats, chickens, and tending to gardens. They shared a deep appreciation for animals and nature, often riding horses and enjoying the simple joys of rural life. Bob’s special bond with his horse, Jack, and his beloved canine companion Mush—who was by his side for ten years—embodied the spirit of love, loyalty, and warmth that Bob brought to every corner of his life.

Later in life, Bob married his beloved “Sparkley Donna,” becoming an adoptive father once again to Gabrielle and Mathew, and a first-time adoptive grandfather to Abigail. Together, they traveled the world, forming lasting friendships and creating business opportunities in their respective fields. In the final years of his life, Bob embraced the joys of global travel, spending time on both exotic and local beaches while enjoying a close-knit family life in West Warwick. Bob and Donna shared a deep love for God and faith, attending church services together most Sundays. Their home was always full of music, dancing, and laughter.

Bob truly lived a life of adventure, something most only dream of. His gregarious nature and ability to “go with the flow” leading him down paths less travelled and earned him an immeasurable number of friends, Bob’s legacy is one of kindness, adventure, and a deep love for those around him. He leaves behind a lasting imprint on the hearts of those who knew him, and his spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to call him a friend. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna Sousa, of West Warwick; His adopted children, Gabrielle Sousa, Mathew Sousa, Sage Whitham and Chapin Witham. And adoptive grandfather of Abigail Sousa and Baby girl Witham and many beloved friends. A lifelong animal lover, Robert was recently predeceased by his beloved canine companion, “Mush”.

Family and friends are invited to Robert’s Celebration of Life,

which will be announced in May.

Please contact His wife Donna Sousa at 401-440-7503

or donnasousa7735@gmail.com.

Burial is respectfully private.

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