Obituary of Diane Baxter Hankin

Diane Hankin passed away in her home on August 18, 2013. Diane was born in New York City on May 22, 1941. She was predeceased by her father, Charles M. (Wing) Baxter, a former investment banker and co-owner of the Cleveland Indians; her mother, Constance M. Barnett, a noted horse woman and horse farm owner. Diane is survived by her only son, Jay M. Hankin; her stepmothers, Elliewood K. Baxter and Cynthia Chrysler Rupp; her brother, Gordon M. Baxter; stepbrother, Charles M. Baxter III; her niece, Ashley Baxter and nephews, Morgan M. Baxter and Andrew J. Baxter; stepbrother, Jason Barnett and stepsisters, Andrea and Constance Barnett; and an extraordinary friend, Sue Carpenter. She was always there for Diane in a time of need. Diane grew up riding horses and competed at the national level as a teenager. She rode several times in the National Horseshow at the Madison Square Garden. As a youth she owned a horse named Sky Ebony. Her horse was ridden by Elizabeth Taylor in the movie "Giant"; some of which was filmed in the Charlottesville, VA area. Diane's mother was the riding double for Elizabeth Taylor's action scenes. Diane graduated from the Madeira School in Washington, D.C., Briarcliff College and Katherine Gibbs in NYC. She traveled extensively and sailed a great deal in the Chesapeake Bay. Diane moved to Castle Creek, NY in 1966. Her home soon became "Rockrun Farm". Her love for animals became more evident as the years passed. "Rockrun Farm" became home to a large and diverse population of animals. Diane began breeding Chesapeake Bay Retrievers in 1975 and became one of the most respected dog breeders in the United States. Her puppies have found homes in virtually every state and many foreign countries. Her dogs have done well in the show ring and are also much sought after by water fowl hunters. Diane led a rich full life and will be sorely missed by those who knew her. She was definitely one-of-a-kind. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton Tuesday, August 27, 2013 from 5-7 p.m. Diane will be interred in Charlottesville, VA on Monticello Mountain later this year. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Morris Animal Foundation, 45 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, CO 80112.