In Our Thoughts and Prayers

Our condolences and deepest sympathy are extended to the family of Lee Baxandall, who passed away on Thanksgiving Day in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. As most of you know, Lee was founder of The Naturist Society. Lee is survived by his wife Johanna, his sister Ann, his son Phineas, two grandchildren, and thousands of naturists. Please see additional information in Debra Sue’s report below.

Debra Sue Stevens, Government Affairs

Lee Baxandall – A True Nudist Advocate (1935-2008)

Alonzo Stevens, AANR Government Affairs Chair

As most of you are aware, The Naturist Society (TNS) founder Lee Baxandall passed away on Thanksgiving Day.  I first met Lee and Johanna Baxandall when we bought our condo at Desert Shadows Inn (now Desert Sun Resort).  All the condo owners were invited to join our friends and family at our wedding in
2000.  Lee and Johanna were in attendance.  Lee shared many hours talking with us about nude recreation and the importance of advocacy.  Johanna, we send you and your family our love and condolences.

Lee Baxandall began his naturist activism in the 1960s when he and his family visited the Cape Cod National Seashore to skinny-dip, leading to his induction into the AANR Hall of Fame over three decades later.  Tallahassee Naturally was relentless in making their nomination a reality, “The nomination cited Mr. Baxandall’s quarter-century of public service, starting on Cape Cod in 1976, and leading to the establishment of The Naturist Society in 1980. At a time when no other national organization took an
interest in America’s vanishing free beaches, Lee sponsored the organization of more than 50 local clubs–including ours. He led the way in accepting single people, gay people, and the disabled into the naturist family. And he led us back to original principals by putting the emphasis on nature.

Most importantly, Lee saw the need for political activism. When anti-nudity bills first hit the Florida legislature in 1994, an experienced Naturist Action Committee (NAC) was there to advise us. At that time, our club took some criticism for cooperating with both national nudist organizations. In recent years, the two groups have increasingly worked together and pooled their resources. The Mid-Winter Naturist Festival each February remains the staging ground where Florida clubs plan their annual strategy for dealing
with the legislature.”

It is my hope that in 2009 AANR/GAT can focus on continuing to combine efforts with TNS and their advocacy arm NAC.   Though these two national organizations may differ in mission and approach, it is clear that we both want to preserve and promote nude recreation.

For more information regarding Lee Baxandall’s life, visit:

The Naturist Society at http://www.naturistsociety.com/
Naturist Action Committee at http://naturistaction.org/

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 2 p.m. at the Seefeld Funeral and Cremation Services, 1025 Oregon Street, Oshkosh, WI 54902. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of the service and a reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation. Please visit www.seefeldfuneral.com to send online condolences to the family.