In Memoriam: Dr. Steve Baylin

In Memoriam: A tribute to Dr. Steve Baylin

by Dr. Brad Krusky

I miss Steve Baylin. In fact, I am finding it excruciatingly difficult to live without him.

We all have family, friends, colleagues - dear, precious and close - that we’ve lost. Some slowly, some suddenly, some tragically. And our experience with the global pandemic has created a whole new sense of loss. But none of it comes close to the feeling I am living with each and every day. An entire chunk of my heart and soul is simply missing. Gone for good. I suppose memories will become helpful in time, but for now, they just drive the dagger of pain in deeper.

. Steve left his mark on so many. They knew him as a dedicated and passionate pediatric dentist, an exceptional photographer with a truly unique eye for the “wild” side of life, an avid and experienced skier, a fiercely dedicated man of the links, a man who kept family and friends closer than close, and as a man who imprinted himself on the lives of anyone - both close and casual - who came within his purview. To me, he was - he is - all these things and so very much more, and I find it impossible to describe the massive void his death has left behind.

I was a confused, directionless undergrad student when I first met Steve. His insane energy and passion for his career was exactly what I was looking for, and I had the mentor, teacher and coach I needed to help guide me down the path I was meant to be on. Steve had a way of just knowing which people he could inspire, how things could go, what he could add to a situation, a project, or an organization. He did this repeatedly over time. Steve and Debbie, along with their daughter Melissa, have a family history of generosity - simply helping everyone and anyone who required it. Whether it was friends who had lost their way, colleagues needing influence, family seeking support, or any community group or organization that Steve and his family were involved in – there was a seemingly never-ending tank of gas which at times had to have been burdensome to them, but they never stopped sharing of themselves.

Steve’s contributions to Pediatric Dentistry in particular are worth mention. He may not have imprinted his name on the covers of books or in research articles, but his legacy in the practice he founded, the dentists he influenced along the way, and the impact he made amongst colleagues is absolutely indelible. Steve saw the need and helped modernize CAPD’s communications, single-handedly taking over the Mirror newsletter and helping to create the organization’s website. He faithfully served the CAPD almost from the time he joined, never missing an annual meeting, always valuing the chance to gather with friends and colleagues from across the nation, sharing insightful shop-talk and inciting wine-inspired banter in any and every host city regardless of location. In fact, no matter where he was, whomever he was with meant everything. Steve LOVED the opportunity to be social. His patented smile and laughter echoes in my mind and vision daily. Indeed, “those who knew him loved him” When it comes to Steve, this is no cliché, it’s the truth.

We respected him, valued him, looked up to him. We admired and followed and learned from him. We watched him weave magic in his clinic and we were in awe of the many talents he mastered. But Steve’s greatest gift to me and to so many others was his honesty and generosity. Steve continually redefined “giving’” in monumental ways – giving of himself, his time, and his beliefs. At the core of everything he did was the most ardent of ethical codes, one he practiced in every interaction with the patients he looked after. It was always about what’s best for the patient, and he continually reminded me of what’s really important about the service we provide – it’s not how much we produce or what’s left on the bottom line – it’s that we do what is best, we do only what is needed and we do it admirably and with kindness. For those who could not afford it, he made it affordable. For those who were scared, he dispelled fear and made it fun and so exciting that everywhere he went children pursued him screeching, “Dr. Steve! Dr. Steve!” You name the place – the practice, Costco, the airport, the ski hill, everywhere and anywhere - there were hordes of kids who always seemed to know Dr. Steve. They loved him and he loved them.

It was hard for him to say goodbye to his dental career, but he certainly made the best of the change – Banff never had a finer ski hill parking attendant nor Canmore a better golf course marshal. A few seasons later, he made a lateral move to the park he loved so much – Kananaskis. The famed Kananaskis Country Golf Course never had a finer starter, and neighboring Nakiska Ski Area never had a cooler, kinder or more competent attendant at their visitor information booth. Yep. Steve just needed to keep being with people and chatting about what he loved.

And so it was that three years ago I started down the path of denial that my Steve was approaching the end. His wife, Debbie, had contacted me to say something was not right. It’s not that I didn’t believe it. It’s that I couldn’t, or rather wouldn’t. Nothing could be wrong with Steve and that was that.

Steve Baylin was taken from us and from me on January 7th, 2021. After 34 years of practicing pediatric dentistry, 43 years of marriage, 37 years of being a dad and with decades of enjoying retirement ahead of him, he was simply gone. There’s no reason, no rationale I can summon as to why. Comfort … I can find none.

Steve … You took my hand and became my guide. My heart aches for your laughter and your smile and for one more terrifying ride with you in your Porsche. You brought so much to so many and especially to me. I am a much better man, husband and father for my time with you.

Dedicated, Loving, Adventurous and Fun.

Few men on earth were Born to Run.

Rest well my Brother, Steve. We will see you again one day.

- Brad Krusky

Those who love and respect Steve have established a fund in his legacy designed to support all the things he loved, for those who have limited access. We offer the opportunity to help build the fund in honor and memory of our beloved Steve Baylin. https://place2give.com/donations/steve-baylin-fund/