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Arthur Ablin Obituary
November 1, 1926August 14, 2017
Arthur Robert Ablin Dr. Arthur Ablin died peacefully at home on Monday, August 14, 2017, surrounded by his family. Art was a 62-year resident of Marin County, where he was a general pediatrician. In 1971, he started a pioneering practice as a pediatric hematologist and oncologist at the University of California San Francisco. Art was an inspired professor and researcher, a tireless philanthropist and avid horticulturist. With his wife, Debbie, he was also a devoted environmentalist. He is survived by Debbie, his two daughters and six grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that friends make donations to the focus of much of his philanthropy, Nancy and Stephen Grand Family House in San Francisco (familyhouseinc.org), which provided essential housing and community to families whose children are undergoing cancer treatment. A memorial service in Art's honor will be held at Family House on his birthday, November 1, 2017.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Ablin
Peter Sennhauser
August 26, 2021
Although quite belated, I want to convey my condolences to Art's family and friends.
We meet people in our lives that we recognize quickly as being special, even as children or perhaps because we are/were children.
Art and Debbie were tenants in our same apartment building back in the 50s, when the young couple lived in Switzerland. Even back then Art felt like an uncle, rather than a stranger. Debbie would occasionally let us kids walk their dog (it might have been a standard Poodle type) and we would greet Dr Ablin when he came home from work.
Almost half a century later, long after immigrating to 'their' country, I felt grateful to contact them and be invited to a garden party event, re-connecting with the now elderly couple. Rare people, both of them. The rest of us are privileged to meet a few of them in our lives.
Sergio Aguilar
December 6, 2020
El Dr. Ablin fue mi maestro de hematología durante dos meses (diciembre 77 y enero 78), el hospital Moffit de San Francisco. Yo llegue desde Guatemala a hacer un entrenamiento y el fue mi maestro. Una vez me invitó a cenar a su casa, allí recuerdo que compartimos un agradable momento, una de las hijas de él también estuvo presente. Además de un gran maestro era una linda persona, muy amable y generoso. A pesar de los pocos meses que estuve como su alumno, hay muchas cosas importantes que el me enseñó y que persisten en mi práctica profesional como médico. Abrazos y cariño a su familia
October 18, 2017
Dr Ablin was a wonderful Doctor. He started chemo on my daughter Dayna Brister Sandberg in 1973 when she was diagnoised with Rhabdomyoscarcoma. She was in the experimental program, as nothing was available at that time to cure this Cancer. His combo of chemo drugs saved her life, and at the end of her treatment after 4 years of chemo, he promised to pierce her ears, and he did...she was so happy. She is 45 years old now, and helping her son Zach fight Leukemia. She is a wonderful mother. Thank you Dr. Ablin for your miracle work, and Dr. DeLormier for his many surgeries to save her. Bonnie Brister Williams
Greg Batlin
September 10, 2017
My deepest sympathy to Debbie Ablin . Both of you have been mentors to so many people.
Doctor Ablin was truly the kindest man I've ever known. Both he and his wife Debbie are angels.
He never ever stopped giving and helped so many people in his life.
He will be missed and always loved.
Me and my cat "Mau Mau"
Roy Shryock
September 7, 2017
My condolences for Dr. Art, such a nice man, I will miss him but know he is no longer suffering, and is free to ponder life's intriguing mysteries, although his body has perished, he will always be with us in spirit! Thanks for all you have done Dr. Art!
September 3, 2017
I remember referring patients to dr albin years ago when I worked with my husband dr Donald errante. Art joined Don for coffee at rulies when Don was living with Parkinson's. He was so kind to Don. I remember how caring he was. My thoughts go out to you as you deal with the loss of a good man
Lois errante
August 29, 2017
Heartfelt condolences are extended to your family at this difficult time. Seek the love and support God provides to help you cope during this time - Psalms 29:11
Sharon & Steve Munkdale
August 28, 2017
Sincere sympathy to the Ablin family. Dr. Ablin, along with Dr. Kushner, provided such wonderful care for our daughter, Karen age 11, sfter she was diagnosed with aplastic anemia in 1978. Those were the days before the bone-marrow registery but Dr. Ablin, Dr. Kushner and the team at UCSF did all they could to provide comfort for Karen and our family. We will be forever grateful for their kindness and caring.
August 26, 2017
May the God of all comfort grant you peace in this time of distress. Psalms 119:76
Mary Kay Finn
August 26, 2017
We never once doubted our son (30-year cancer survivor) was in the hands of the best when he was in the care of Dr. Ablin and the UCSF team. Dr. Ablin's kind manner and his thoughtful discussions were so helpful and reassuring. We send our condolences to your family at this sad time.
The Finn Family
The Callen Family
August 25, 2017
Thank you Dr Ablin for being a very strong and intelligent light in our family's darkest hour. We appreciated your honest words and brilliant mind. UCSF Hospital was also the best place to be .... This family will never forget May you RIP
Scott PARKHURST
August 24, 2017
I am very sorry to hear of your families loss. He was my doctor when I was a child and we remained friends throughout the years. I saw him last about two years ago and it was so pleasant. I will miss him but am so honored to have known him. Thank you for sharing him with all of us. Fondly, Scott T. Parkhurst
lawrence wolff
August 23, 2017
I met Art over 40 years ago. He was a very intelligent person. Of greater importance , he was generous and kind to a fault in care for his patients and their families. Additionally, he was very supportive of younger physicians. He had the insight to ask other members of the health care team what they had to offer in order to better care for the patient and the family
He improved the health of many children and young adults and was a mentor/ inspiration to countless people in the health care field.
Dee Silva
August 22, 2017
My family is a "Family House Family" thanks to Dr. Ablin. No words can express our gratitude for the loving and supportive place you created for families dealing with pediatric cancer. May the love and support we've received at Family House be returned to your family 10-fold during this difficult time of loss. Sending love and prayers. God bless you all.
Ailis Hillard
August 21, 2017
He was a true inspiration in my life. He saved my life when I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 1979. I am now 37 years cancer free and will always keep him in my heart and mind.
Peter Hallquist
August 20, 2017
My best to the Ablin family.
DR A was our family pediatrician in the 60's. He was always comforting and caring during stressful times.Rest in peace.
Carolyn Allen
August 19, 2017
My condolences to the Ablin family of the passing of Arthur Robert Ablin. He was my daughter's Dr. back in 1975.
Carolyn Allen
August 18, 2017
Having had the extraordinarily good fortune of growing up next door to the Ablins, I will forever cherish my memories of Dr. Ablin - bigger than life and kinder than one could ever imagine.
Love and heartfelt wishes to Debbie, Kelly, Recky and the grandchildren.
Jim & Cathy Soule
August 18, 2017
We were privileged to know Dr. Ablin when he treated our son, Stephen, for Leukemia. He was such an amazing man and we were better for having known him, as were many other people whose lives he touched. Our hearts go out to you Debbie and the family as you grieve your loss. Dr. Ablin was one of those rare people that made the world a better place.
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