Obituary of Sol "Buddy" Bassow, M.D.

Dr. Sol (“Buddy”) Bassow died peacefully in his sleep on January 29, 2021, next to the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Judy Bassow.

Buddy, a native of Denver, graduated from Denver East HS, and then received his bachelors and medical degrees from the University of Colorado.  A pillar of the greater Denver medical community for more than three decades, he touched thousands of lives as a pediatrician at Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge, CO and Children’s Hospital in Denver.  He was awarded the United States State Department Certificate of Cooperation for his care of a diplomat’s child.  In addition to the many diagnoses and treatments over the years, he exuded empathy and devotion to his patients and their families. He was always dedicated to children, enjoying their honesty, innocence and wonder, and instilling them with wisdom and a love of nature.

Buddy’s most prized memory is of his wedding day to the love of his life, Judy - June 30, 1957.  63 years of mutual love and support grounded them both through the decades.  His daughters Lisa and Susan brought him much pride and joy as Lisa followed in his medical footsteps and Susan in his pursuit of protection of the natural world.  Buddy’s other favorite days were witnessing the births of his grandchildren.  He and Judy flew across country when the arrival of Susan’s daughter Hannah was imminent.  The nurses were intrigued that a grandfather could be so comfortable holding a newborn.  He witnessed the c-section of Susan’s younger daughter Ellie, and was completely awe-struck at the arrival of Lisa’s twins Ethan and Emily.  His happiness was evident when he shared his time with his grandkids feeding the koi, making grape jelly and potato latkes, exploring Fish Creek, and proudly listening to the many concerts and recitals.  

“Dr. B.” came from a time when he made house calls on sick children, sat with grieving parents, and would take payments in burlap sacks of pinto beans and popcorn from patients who didn’t have the money to cover medical costs.  He was always compassionate and caring.  

He inspired his family and others through his love of music and of wild Colorado (especially Estes Park), his multiple marathons and runs up Mt. Evans, his conquering cancer more than once, and his infinite empathy and tireless commitment to those needing help.

He is survived by his wife Judy Steinberg Bassow, his daughters and sons-in-law (Dr. Lisa Bassow-Scheve and husband Kevin Scheve and Dr. Susan Bassow and husband Eric Fajer), and his grandchildren (Hannah Bassow Fajer, Elinor Bassow Fajer, Ethan Bassow Scheve, and Emily Bassow Scheve). His family all miss him greatly and will endeavor to live up to his legacy.

Donations in his honor can be made to Estes Valley Land Trust ( https://evlandtrust.org/ ), Friends of Man ( https://www.friendsofman.org/ ), or an organization of your choice.  

“Heavens make a star of him!”  - Shakespeare 

When it's my time,
let me go and wish me well.
Turn down the lights and sing me away,
shepherd my spirit to a place of light,
open a window
so I can fly.

Life is so fragile,
like a fading rose.
Let me fade

as nature meant me to.
I will join the flow
of the river.

- Unknown