Joshua D. Gaines M.D.

Dr. Joshua Gaines, 31, of Midland passed peacefully on July 17, 2014, at the UMC Supportive Care unit after a prolonged illness with close family at his side. Josh graduated from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in May 2013 and had been accepted into an anesthesiology residency at Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio, when he became terminally ill. Joshua received treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer through the Southwest Cancer Center and MD Anderson. After a long battle, Joshua was informed the treatment was no longer working. Due to his very weak and deteriorating condition, and an extremely generous donation from a Texas Tech Health Sciences Center alumni Josh was placed on a private charter plane on July 16, so he could fulfill his wish to spend his last days with family and friends in Lubbock. Josh was loved by all who knew him and was a blessing to his family and friends. His generous spirit, caring for others, love of animals, quick wit and his keen and inquisitive intellect were deeply appreciated by all who knew him. Josh accomplished many things in his short time with us. He was among the top students in his medical school graduating class, and had received a Master's Degree in Political Science at Texas Tech University, an Associate's Degree in Computer Science from Midland College, and a Bachelor's Degree in History and Political Science prior to entering medical school. He obtained one of the highest MCAT scores in the Permian Basin in 10 years. Joshua was a brilliant writer and authored an inspiring article about his experience as a doctor in the patient role and the changes in perspective he experienced after his diagnosis. He helped many fellow students with chemistry tutoring while attending pre-med classes at Midland College and teaching government at UTPB. He kept the family computers networked and running smoothly. He challenged us all intellectually. He traveled all over Europe alone. Josh is survived by his loving mother and caregiver, Marty Riggs, and step-father John Riggs, DC, of Midland, Texas; his father, John D. Gaines and wife Elena Gaines; brother, Rouslan Gaines; and sister, Julia Gaines of Flintville, Tennessee; his brother, John J. Gaines, PhD; sister-in-law, Michelle Gaines, PhD; and nephew William Gaines of Lubbock, Texas; his best friends, David Watson, PhD, of Alpine, Texas, and Chad DeMars of Lubbock, Texas, as well as numerous loving uncles, aunts, and cousins in Tennessee, Mississippi, and North Carolina; his medical family at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, and his dogs Sage, Risky, Riley, and Ramsey. Josh was a warrior and with his unique sense of humor, wanted his transition to be made with a Klingon death yell. His mother Marty, brother John (Jay) and sister-in-law Michelle all accommodated this wish at the time of his passing. A true warrior is on his way! The passing of Josh, who was loved and admired by so many, will not soon be forgotten. His passing has left a hole in the Universe that may never be plugged. Josh's wish is for everyone to be educated and aware of the warning signs of colorectal cancer and to obtain proper screening. Memorial services will be held in Midland, Texas, at the Unitarian Universalist Church 3301 Neely Avenue on Sunday July 27, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. with a gathering afterwards. It is his wish and his family's wish that in lieu of flowers, any donations be directed to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Lubbock, Texas, where Josh spent many days while undergoing chemotherapy. Donations for colon cancer can also be directed to Chris 4 Life.com.