Daniel Baxter Jenkins

1939 - 2023

Daniel Baxter Jenkins
Love will be my legacy
February 13, 2023, a day before his 53rd wedding anniversary, Dan Jenkins, 83, passed away gently with wife, Bobbie, by his side. Fondly known as Grandpa Boonie and Dr. Dan, he lived his core values of connection, love and forgiveness. He wanted to be remembered as a "man who hugs."
Daniel Baxter Jenkins was born on August 16,1939 to Helen Mildred Cox and Dr. Kenneth Baxter Jenkins in Oakland, CA. He grew up in Piedmont with twin sister, Deanna, older brother Charles and sister Terry Lynn. After graduating from UC Berkeley in 1962, he married Susan Smith and they had two children, Craig (preceding him in death) and Dana. They divorced in 1969.
He considered three careers - coaching, ministry or medicine - ultimately attending medical school at UCSF. While in residency in orthopedics, he met Bobbie Bumgardner. They married in San Francisco on February 14, 1970 and made Sonoma their home in 1972 when Dan joined Dr. William Newman in private practice.
In 1976, he found a second home joining the medical staff at Sonoma Developmental Center where he practiced for the next 30 years. He always considered his job a lucky match to practice his kind of medicine. He was well known for giving big hugs to staff and patients alike. Dan loved to teach and for 15 years he taught Orthopedics to UCSF residents, receiving the Gold Headed Cane Award for Outstanding Clinical Teacher.
In 1978, diagnosing patients with lead poisoning, he discovered the source of the lead and co-authored a paper that led to complete eradication of lead poisoning in California's Developmental Centers by 1985. Dr. Jenkins received a Superior Accomplishment Award from the State of California. Dan was awarded the Centennial Award, SDC's most prestigious honor, for dedication and outstanding commitment in 2004.
Apart from work, Dan and Bobbie shared a passion for hiking and exploring the great outdoors. In 1977 they had the first Pickleball tournament in Sonoma. Sierra was welcomed to the family in 1982, followed by Skye in 1986. Dan was a devoted and playful father, an enthusiastic Scoutmaster, and served as team doctor during all soccer games. His competitive spirit was renowned, almost as much as his love for relishing a good pun.
After retiring in 2005, his interests turned to the psycho spiritual and joy and meaning were found in connection with others through Peer Counseling, and diverse groups at Vintage House, Sonoma United Methodist Church (SUMC) and Earth Care Alliance. At Cogir, he became an Ambassador and co-led a discussion group.
He called upon his spiritual beliefs and community as he dealt with aging. Beginning dialysis in December 2021, he particularly treasured hanging out with his "Backyard Boys" and numerous dear friends who drove him to dialysis.
He is survived by his wife, Bobbie and children, Sierra Abukins (Roni) and Skye Jenkins (Kelsey) and Dana O'Donnell. He leaves behind five grandchildren: J.D. and Christian O'Donnell, Nicholas and Jude Abukins and Hewitt "Huey" Jenkins, his brother Charles (Nancy), sister Terry(George), and eight nephews and nieces. His survivors take comfort knowing Dan is in a better place and his love and heritage will live on. Rest in peace, dear Dan.
Dan's Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 6th at SUMC, 109 Patten St. Donations in his honor can be made to SUMC or one of your choosing.