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Robert Bashford Obituary
March 4, 1945 - December 31, 2019
Chapel Hill
Dr. Robert Alonzo Bashford was born on March 4, 1945 in Raleigh, NC and died on December 31, 2019 in Chapel Hill, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ryan Alonzo and Margaret Dickens Bashford; his older sister, Linda Ryan Bashford Lowe; and his stepson, Charles William (Will) Steiner.
Robert graduated from NC State University in 1967 and earned his MD from the UNC School of Medicine in 1971. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UNC in 1975, and he practiced for 12 years in Wilmington, NC. He then returned to UNC in 1987 to complete a second residency and fellowship in Psychiatry, which he practiced at UNC for the past 25 years. During this tenure, he received five Medical School-wide teaching awards and was asked to be the Medical School Commencement speaker an unprecedented seven times. From 2008 to 2017, he also served as the Associate Dean for Admissions at the Medical School. Most recently, he served as Associate Dean for the UNC School of Medicine Office of Rural Initiatives, leading the institution's efforts related to the education, training, and retention of primary care physicians to rural and underserved areas in North Carolina.
Robert is survived by his wife, Cynthia Quinn Bashford; his sons, Robert Ryan (Bear) Bashford (wife Paula) and David Hill Bashford (wife Jen); stepsons, Jonathan Alan Steiner and Sydney Taylor Rudisill, Taylor's children, Live Grace and Colt Sewell, and a host of loving cousins.
There will be a private burial at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh later this week. A memorial reception for all who knew Dr. Bashford will be held at The Carolina Club (George Watts Hill Alumni Center, 550 Stadium Drive, Chapel Hill) on Friday, January 10, 2020 from 2-4 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to the UNC Medical Foundation (123 W. Franklin St. #510, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516), to advance the work of medical school admissions and rural initiatives.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bashford
Frankie Mae & Louis Edward Saunders
May 31, 2025
Dr Bashford was a wonderful Doctor. He delivered our 2nd child, a son on 06-11-1981. With no doubt, Dr Bashford is and was one of the Best Doctors, that God blessed us with on this earth and we loved him. Rest in peace friend. Sending our love, thoughts, and prayers to all of the family during and after this difficult sad time. I know this is late, but I just found out that our good Dr Bashford had past this earth and gone on to live with God and the good Lord Jesus.
Harry Taub
July 28, 2024
Dear Dr. Bashford,
As I reflect on the years since you passed, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and admiration for the profound impact you had on my life and career. I vividly remember our interview during my residency and the immediate connection we made. Your warm kindness and genuine interest in my journey stood out, and I am forever grateful for your advocacy and belief in me.
You were not just a mentor in child psychiatry but a beacon of compassion, humility, and dedication. The way you demonstrated these qualities has been instrumental in shaping me into the caregiver I aspired to be. You trusted me, and in return, I placed my trust in you.
Though I regret drifting away from you, I cherish the fact that in my greatest time of need, you were there for me, guiding me towards a healthier path. Your memory continues to reside in my mind and heart, providing unwavering support and inspiration.
Thank you for everything. My heart will never forget you.
With deepest gratitude and love,
Harry Taub, MD
John Brooks
March 26, 2020
I just read about Dr. Bashford in the Alumni Review magazine. Dr. Bashford delivered my son, Brent, on 7-27-80 in Wilmington, N C. I was holding my son up to the clock and at the same time instructing Dr. Bashford to snap our picture. He laughed and said he was not sure this was part of his contract. He continued snapping pictures as we both laughed out loud. I remember him telling me I was the most excited new father that he had ever witnessed. Great memories of a great man! So sorry for your loss.
John Brooks
Wilmington, N C
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Alan Sipe
March 25, 2020
Cynthia, just now finding this out. We are so sorry to hear this. Paige, Jan and I were so fortunate to meet Robert and get to know him better. You are definitely in our prayers.
bill gage
February 3, 2020
Doctor Bashford was a prince. His skill set was immense, yet he also cared so much for his patients welfare. He helped us on many occasions, because he was so kind.
The world is less with Bobs passing, and the people who cared as much as he did, need to grab the reins, and care.
Cathy Doggett Thick
January 26, 2020
Dear Cynthia
You are in my thoughts and prayers
Cathy Doggett Thick
January 26, 2020
You are in my thoughts and prayers
D. McCollum
January 22, 2020
I was introduced to Dr. Bashford as simply, Robert, about 2 years ago through a mutual colleague. I later discovered through his anecdotal stories that he was extremely humorous and so relatable. I will truly miss those brief interactions. Prayers and sympathies for the Bashford Family and for the Chapel Hill & UNC communities.
Andrea Dickerson, MD
January 17, 2020
Dr Bashford was one of my professors and mentors while I was in medical school at UNC- Chapel Hill. I saw this gentle and understanding spirit as an example of how I wanted to be as a physician; as a human. He told me once that being an OB/Gyn was also being a psychiatrist for women because they would tell us all the secrets they could tell no one else. He taught me to listen and the patients would give you their diagnosis. He taught me that everyone had a psych diagnosis. He taught self-care and awareness. God bless your family at this time. R.I.P.
Amy Fowler
January 15, 2020
My deepest sympathies to his family. I have fond memories of his witty lectures that made psychiatry an interesting highlight for me as a medical student back in the day. He made the world a better place. Wishing peace and strength to the family.
Love, Amy Fowler MD
Martha & Richard Betz
January 12, 2020
My husband and I only met Dr. Bashford, and his son Bear once, and it was on the occasion of my aunt Lizette Pryor's 90th Birthday party at Millbrook United Methodist Church in Raleigh last year. He clearly had the distinctive Bashford family's white mane of hair,(like my dear "Mamah", Lizette Bashford Lewis), and it was evident from that short encounter that he was a true Southern gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very sad time.
Julian Taylor
January 11, 2020
Robert came into my famiy's life in the late 1950s.
He and my brother Joe were Broughton classmates and both were big Wolfpack Fans.
Joe developed seizures in about 1959 and this took him out of an active athletic life and, sadly, affected him socially.
Robert was a friend who stuck by Joe when he could not drive.
Through the years I ran into Robert Several times.
Early in my own practice, I referred an OB patient to UNC and Robert was the Resident I spoke to.
I heard Robert give CME presentations and wished he could have taught me all subjects.
He spoke at our SeaBoard Medical Association Annual Meeting several years ago to a very favorable reception.
The last time I remember seeing Robert was at Kitchen in Chapel Hill.
Robert always asked about Joe and I loved him for that.
I always thought he understood my brother's plight and would have changed it, were he able.
My best to the family and may he rest forever in peace!
Kind, gentle, true learned Southern Gentleman
Jim Price
January 11, 2020
I truly regret that I was unable to attend the celebration of Robert's life yesterday. On March 8, 1974 (when I was a third-year medical student and Dr. Bashford was a third-year resident) he supervised the first delivery that I ever did. Robert was one of the finest people whom I have ever known. He was one of my most valued mentors. I, quite similarly, valued him as a colleague. I cherished him as a friend, as well as knowledgeable and most trustworthy confidante. As fine of a physician and teacher as he was, I believe that he could done equally well as a comedian. Over the years, I have told hundreds upon hundreds of patients, colleagues, family members, and friends his stories (and they always get laughs). I love Robert Bashford, and I shall forever miss him; but, with true conviction of the heart, I am a believer in the words inscribed on my paternal grandfather's tombstone: "We Will Meet Again."
Jim Price, M.D.
Wilmington, NC
Anne Turlington
January 10, 2020
it might not be surprising that Robert's legacy preceded him. I met Robert Bashford when he and Cynthia (who was my neighbor at the time) were dating. His accolades from his previous patiences were adoring and too many to count. Well, a long story shortened, Robert jogged by my home on August 20 1995 just in time to give birth to my daughter (known in Wilmington as "Bashford Baby")- in the ambulance in the front yard eight years after he stop delivering babies. When we arrived at the hospital, the staff went crazy "It's Dr. Bashford." "And I have a baby!" he replied. The mom on the gurney was just a prop. He was my angel. His caring did not stop there. He called me that night in the hospital, the next night and the next. The following day he appeared on my doorstep to "check" on us. As scheduled I visited the Pediatrician two weeks later. Henry commented that he should have know I would have been there because Robert called him that morning. Repeat this scenario at the OB/Gyn office two weeks later. Fast forward 8 years, my husband and I attended a teenager what to expect class. Who should be the teacher? Yes, Robert Bashford. He managed to almost complete the class when he added "but if you delivery your baby in the driveway, there's another story." All the attendees but two were confused.
I will be always grateful for his love and caring as a person, doctor to my family and the happiness he and Cynthia found together.
My daughter will always be known as "the Bashford Baby" in Wilmington. And Robert, I remember that day you commented you always wanted to be on an airplane to deliver. I am so grateful that we were not on airplane. And one day we will share what you told the EMS driver.
Thanks for touching our lives.
As a friend shared, once you met Robert you smiled and felt like you had a best friend.
Anne Turlingon
John Lovett
January 10, 2020
To be within 3 feet of Robert Bashford was to know the joy of human connection at its best.
Katherine Zoller
January 8, 2020
There was no man I have met that had a sweet tooth like southern roots Robert Bashford. While we will always miss him, he comes across my mind every time I see even gas station famous amos and chips ahoy cookie packs he would munch on all the time in the office. I envy whatever gold star sweets he is being served in Heaven, but he is so humble he probably would still want oreos. Though he moved offices in the past few years, I will always think of him in his little corner office seat having a half cup of diet coke when I pass by conner drive.
Anna McKinsey
January 8, 2020
I will never forget the first time I met Dr. Bashford, but the second time I met him was even more unforgettable.
The first time we met, I ended up in his office to talk about my interest in rural primary care and had a great time connecting with someone who was so invested in students who shared this passion. I had a great time chatting with him - everything was very relaxed and casual. As I remember, the conversation, which took place while Dr. Bashford was eating lunch (caesar salad I believe..), meandered around and included some animated stories about some of Dr. Bashford's former students. I remember leaving the office thinking, "Oh wow. What an awesome person." We didn't see each other again until several months later when I formally applied to be part of the Rural Scholars Program and I honestly didn't expect Dr. Bashford to recognize me. However, not only did he recognize me, he remembered seemingly every single thing about our conversation several months prior - everything about my life, experiences, goals in medicine, specific interests, etc. I was totally floored. Never in my academic career had someone showed such dedication to truly listening and absorbing a conversation like that, and I know I'm not the only one. Dr. Bashford's commitment to his students was astounding, seemingly infinite, and the kind of commitment that changes students lives forever.
Nancy Dieffenbach
January 8, 2020
As Ann's coworker and friend, I met Robert more than forty years ago in Wilmington. On the occasions that our paths crossed, I most remember Robert's sense of humor and quick wit. As skillful as a natural comedian, his unexpected delivery of a short, spontaneous, and lively story ended an interaction in shared joyful laughter. For me, it was the laughter, not the story, that created a memorable moment in time. A memory of shared happiness during interactions has stayed with me so many years later and captures the essence that was Robert.
Linda Bennie
January 7, 2020
When I first heard the news of Robert's death, I was immediately transported back to the mid-1980s when I had a piano studio attached to my home just around the corner from where the Bashford's lived in Wilmington. Robert was my piano student for awhile. He was a terrible student, not taking time to practice. But he loved classical music & always listened to it in his home, Mary Eunice Troy, another piano teacher who taught Bear and David, was his friend & heroine. He loved hearing music and talking about it. For Christmas that year, he gave me a biography of Glen Gould, which I cherish to this day. My condolences go out to his family. I am sure Robert is still listening to beautiful music somewhere in the heavenly spheres.
Lisa Barroilhet
January 7, 2020
One of the best humans I have had the pleasure of knowing. He will be missed.
Larry Raines
January 7, 2020
Dr. Bashford was a mentor to all of us at UNC. His dedication to helping each of us be the best physician we could be was ever-present. He was a superior storyteller. His talents added so much to my understanding of life and transitions.
January 7, 2020
I was a patient of Dr. Bashford when I attended undergrad at Chapel Hill and to this day I think of all that he taught me and how he completely changed my life over the two years that I was in his care. I have gone on to be a happier, more fulfilled person because of him-I truly attribute where I am in life to my experience as his patient. He had a profound impact on my life and his legacy will surely live on in all of us who feel this way. My deepest sympathies go out to the Bashford family.
Tom Tucker
January 6, 2020
I will miss your positive
Spirit and friendly wit.
You have been an inspiration to me and my family.
Thank you for a life well lived, you have touched many with your grace.
Condolences to your family
Sandy Hall
January 6, 2020
What a blessing to have known this wonderful caring kind man, who has given so much of himself in more ways than will ever be known. A great doctor and teacher, mentor to many young residents as well.
It was a pleasure to have known and worked with him at DDH
He will be missed by so many
Sandy Hall RN, Retired DDH and UNC
Jeff Snow
January 6, 2020
Robert was my office mate in residency and quickly became a friend. I was always amazed at the energy and commitment he devoted to the students of UNC psychiatry, while he always had time to talk to a friend. I will miss him!
Katherine Zoller
January 6, 2020
Robert was a mentor, a doctor, a friend and an irreplaceable source of support and undivided kindness to me and my family for the past 10+ years. I was honored to know him and so lucky to know him through my own recovery and a decade past. The first time I met him I never thought he would end up being such a major part of my upbringing into my adult life. Robert taught me how to live as both once a patient, a friend, fraternal family and I'll never forget him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He loved his wife Cynthia, children and family like no one I have ever known and his kindness showed through in every aspect of his world. Not a single person who knew him did not have less than 15 words of praise to say about him. He will be missed and the seeds he planted in this world will continue growing as if he lived forever.
Cindy West
January 6, 2020
I knew Dr. Bashford when I worked as a nurse in Child Psychiatry at UNC from 1990-2000. He was one of the best doctors I have ever known. His compassion for patients was shown on a daily basis. I always looked forward to him covering our service when I was working. He will be missed. Blessings to him and his family and friends. Thank you and R.I.P. Dr. Bashford.
Cindy West, RN Retired
God is Love
David Foster
January 6, 2020
The Seapath Tower family sends out our condolences to Cynthia and all the family. Our prayers are for your peace and healing. Robert was a friend who will be sadly missed, but we pray only good memories will fill all our hearts and minds. May God grant you comfort and healing.
We Love you all.
Sincerely,
Your Seapath Family
Dan Bradford
January 5, 2020
Dr. Bashford was one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever had the chance to know. I was inspired to go into psychiatry largely as a result of the 2nd year course in psychiatry he taught at UNC, then had the good fortune to get to know him well as a UNC psychiatry resident, fellow, and continuing since as a fellow NC State grad and Wolfpack fan. Dr. Bashford loved the spotlight and used it for much good. No one, and I mean NO ONE, could tell a story like he could, and always with an altruistic message embedded. But, he was exactly the same when there was no spotlight- joyful, caring, inspiring, generous, and GOOD. I personally was the recipient of incredible kindnesses from him, and I know many others were as well. When my father was diagnosed with cancer in 2001, I walked straight to Dr. Bashford's office after getting the news. He told me he would help me any way he could. I knew he meant it and he was indeed an incredible support to me for 33 months. He and his wife Cynthia attended my father's funeral in 2004 on a weekday morning in Huntersville, NC 2 hours from Chapel Hill. No spotlight there. He was simply a kind and loving human being who was devoted to bringing caring and goodness into the world. My deepest condolences to his wonderful family.
Douglas MacMillan, MD
January 5, 2020
I was a medical student at UNC in 1994. This was shortly after Dr. Bashford found his footing as an instructor. To sit in his lectures was like listening to Mark Twain weave a tale that brought you to a singular and undeniable point. He did this with a gentle North Carolina drawl that could lull a baby to sleep but transfixed a room full of nervous medical students.
He was not just a lecturer. He knew how to connect. I immediately pursued him as a mentor. He understood medical students. He knew that we were ambitious, anxious, and idealistic kids with big dreams and lots of faults. He always knew what to say and how to say it.
It is hard to describe the power of a true mentor in a person's life.
Dr Bashford, you done good...real good. God bless.
January 5, 2020
Sending my deepest sympathy to the family. The UNC Department of Psychiatry has lost a dear friend and wonderful colleague. We are grateful for the ~29 years that Robert was part of our community and he will be deeply missed.
Samantha Meltzer-Brody, MD
Chair, UNC Department of Psychiatry
Crystal Rogan
January 5, 2020
Such a wonderful man. I was so honored to know him and will forever cherish all the memories. Love you always Dr. B.
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