Dr. Hugh A. Baskin, 68, passed away peacefully at home on November 25, 2016 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Hugh was born on December 3, 1947 in Denver, CO to Jack and Lela Baskin.
He was the middle of three children. His parents instilled in him the values of honesty, self-discipline, a strong work ethic, patience and kindness.
Much of his childhood was spent helping out on the family farm. When the chores were done, Hugh could be found reading, throwing the football or riding his pony Corky to school.
After graduating as valedictorian of his high school class, he attended Davidson College in North Carolina. He sang in the men’s chorus and spent a year studying in Southern France.
He truly valued the liberal arts education, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in French in 1970. Hugh then attended University of Colorado for medical school, graduating in 1974.
Hugh met Patricia Sheahan of Oak Park, IL on a blind date set up by mutual friends. They were married in Westminster, CO on June 1st, 1974 then relocated to Tucson, AZ for Hugh’s residency in pediatrics.
After visiting the Pacific NW they fell in love with the area and settled in Salem, OR, where he began his career at Salem Pediatric Clinic in 1977.
Dr. Baskin dedicated his career to caring for children and families. His calm demeanor, endless patience and kind heart were qualities that guided him through 37 years of practice. He taught the importance of honesty and service to others by example.
He spent over four years on the board at Salem Hospital, and was head of the medical staff for a year. Despite putting in long hours at work, Hugh was a dedicated husband and father to his two children.
In recent years he was able to enjoy time with his three grandchildren. Dr. Baskin valued a lifetime of education; he was an avid reader, and read both for work and pleasure.
He appreciated music, visits to art and history museums, and was fluent in French and Spanish. He loved the outdoors and travelling. Camping, hiking, and running were frequent activities, and he participated in many Hood to Coast relays.
His greatest adventure was hiking the Camino de Santiago with his wife in 2014, a 500 mile pilgrimage across Northern Spain. The following year they walked the Chemain Jacques, a 200 mile trek through southern France.
Hugh is survived by his wife Patty of 42 years, his son Colin Baskin and wife Jennifer Alexander, his daughter Megan Weathers and husband Sam, grand-daughter Anna (8 years), and grandsons Cormac and Emmett (1 year).
Also surviving are his older sister Mary Lee Moneypenny and husband Robert, his younger brother Joseph Baskin and wife Dee, and nieces René, Kedryn, Cameryn, and Kyna.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made to Family Building Blocks at www.familybuildingblocks.org.