Ian Shenk, age 84, passed on June 6, 2025 in Fairfax City, VA at home surrounded by loved ones after a rapid decline from Alzheimer's Dementia. Born on November 18, 1940 in Washington, DC, Ian was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, physician, ethicist, international relief worker, and grandfather extraordinaire. Known for his kindness and compassion caring for people around the world.
Ian graduated from Washington DC's Woodrow Wilson High School '58, Johns Hopkins University BS 62' and MD '67, and a fellowship in gastroenterology at Yale Medical School in 1968. He then served as a US Navy physician based in San Diego, CA, at Balboa Hospital. He returned to Fairfax, VA to establish a private practice in gastroenterology, for the next 60+ years, specializing in liver disease and recognized as a skilled proceduralist and recognized leader in ERCP technique. He worked on the Ethics Committee at Fairfax Hospital, and taught medical ethics at Georgetown Medical School. He transitioned from private practice to Kaiser Permanente late in his career, and traveled often for international relief work with Medical Teams International, delivering care in active conflict and disaster zones in 13 countries. He was an active volunteer in VA/DC area free clinics serving local Muslim and immigrant communities, caring for those in greatest need. He made family, friends and patients feel loved and seen, as the most important person in the world was always the one right in front of him.
Survived by his beloved wife Joanne Shenk, and step-children Laura and Steven Cubarney, Patrick and Nina Cosgriff, Susan and Greg Lavoie; and Sylvia Shenk, mother of his 3 children Maury Shenk and Katharine Scarfe Beckett, Julie and Jamie Godfrey, Gary Shenk and Cristina Miro, and siblings Royce and Alan Friedman, Jeff and Nancy Shenk, and Wayne and Susan Shenk. He left his profound and loving impact on 15 grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all.
Service on June 13, 1 p.m. at Fairfax Memorial Park, 9900 Braddock Rd, Fairfax, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family would most appreciate donations to the internal relief organization that took him on adventures across the world, Medical Teams International, or to his caregivers at Vitas Hospice.

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Published by The Washington Post on Jun. 8, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Ian Shenk

19 Entries

Sherry and Fred West

July 4, 2025

Fred and I are so sorry to hear of Ian´s passing.
So sorry we never keep in touch.

MARVIN WALDMAN

June 14, 2025

Curly was a phenomenal person. He was President of his high school graduation class at Coolidge High School (not Wilson, per the mistake in the obituary) and also a valedictorian of the class (All A's from 9th grade on). Smart, friendly, modest, a good athlete, and above all a genuine mensch.

Amy Beathe-Miller

June 14, 2025

I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Dr Shenk. My mother, Delores Beathe, worked for his practice for many, many years and spoke of nothing but absolutely wonderful things of Ian. I would frequently visit the office and Dr Shenk was always so open and kind, always making you feel welcome. I am honored to have had the chance to meet Ian and send huge prayers of strength and healing your way. I am truly honored to make a donation in his name to the relief organization he so passionately supported.

Tom Russo

June 13, 2025

I have so many fond memories of Ian. I will miss his sense of humor, his smile, and his insights on world events. My heartfelt condolences to Joanne, his children and step children and the grand kids.

Michael and Arleen Cohen

June 13, 2025

Curly and I became close friends at Hopkins Undergraduate school and then as members of the second accelerated Hopkins Medical School class, starting in 1960. Curly was the Best Man at our wedding in 1962 and we attended his wedding to Sylvia a year later. Curly was aa brilliant, compassionate and extremely sensitive soul. His work in Gastroenterolgy and Ethics was outstanding. I will treasure these memories dearly, always.
Michael H. Cohen, MD

Scott Silverthorne

June 12, 2025

The world and our community has lost one of the best. Ian personally gave me at least another 10 years on this earth thanks to his medical expertise and for that I will always be grateful. My heart goes out to Joanne and the family - he was truly the best.

susan schmidt

June 12, 2025

I just made a donation in his name to Medical Teams International. I was a volunteer interpreter who often worked with him a AFC. He was a delightful and caring person.

Mark and Carole Campbell

June 11, 2025

Carole and I offer our heartfelt condolences to Joanne and the rest of the Shenk family on the loss of their dearly beloved Ian. As neighbors we´ve had the singular privilege of knowing Ian for the past 28 years. We´ll always remember him as one of the most exceptional human beings we´ve ever known. Caring, kind, compassionate, magnanimous, generous, noble, humble, always willing to help . . . The list of superlatives is endless when searching for ways to capture the essence of who he was and the influence he had on the thousands of lives he touched over the course of his time here on Earth. When we think of Ian we see his perennial smile, we hear his soft, gentle voice, and recall his wonderful sense of humor. A favorite memory was a time many years ago now when I was doing some work on our townhome that found me high atop a 40 foot extension ladder. As Ian passed by he yelled up asking if he could help. He said, "I can´t help with the work you´re doing but I can at least hold the ladder for you. That way if you fall, I´ll be here to give you a colonoscopy." I´m sure this was but one of a thousand colonoscopy jokes he´d compiled over his decades long illustrious career. Whenever we saw Ian he brightened our day, and knowing him has brightened our lives. As he now reaps his well earned eternal reward, we can´t think of a more fitting greeting as he walks through the Pearly Gates, than, "Well done, Ian, well done!" May God bless and keep him; he will be sorely missed.

Nancy Bossard

June 11, 2025

Joanne, I am so sorry for your loss. Ian was a special person, so caring and loving, I was fortunate enough to work with him at the Arlington Fee Clinic. He will be missed.

Ann ajihnsin

June 9, 2025

One of the kindest people I have ever worked with on Medical Teams International, RIP dear friend
Ann Johnson

Dee and Ed Melisky

June 9, 2025

A caring, deeply kind man and a wonderful physician...this is how we remember "Dr. Ian."

Martha Hoeber

June 9, 2025

Ian was a prince among men. Our big family loved him as one of our own. The world is smaller, sadder, darker, with his passing, because this world so desperately needs so many more like him.

Amy Mann

June 9, 2025

Ian Shenk was a colleague of my late husband, Oscar
Mann. They were both associated with Georgetown
Medical School for many years. Oscar invited Dr. Shenk to join the Georgetown Romeo Group. I
remember Dr. Shenk giving an excellent talk to our
group, on which occasion his concern and caring for others was so evident. Rest in Peace, Dr. Shenk.
My sincere condolences to your family and friends.

Tonett Lanier

June 9, 2025

A man who left an unforgettable mark on those who knew him. He cared deeply for those he loved, worked with and took care of. I worked with him for a short time but I can truly say that no other can compare to the work ethic, compassion or dedication this man operated in. I am ever so grateful to God for the privilege of being allowed to know him.

Peter Snaith

June 8, 2025

What an amazing person he was, so kind and gentle! Always active, always willing to help anyone! The world needs more people like Ian! I will never forget Ian my heart goes out to him and all his family! Love you Ian and Joanne!

Gail and Jim Z

June 8, 2025

Ian was an amazing role model, doctor and husband to Joanne. He always had a kind word to share and was so generous in his work and with others. Thinking of you, my beautiful sister, with love. We are here for you and know Ian´s memories will always keep a smile on your face.
Love, Gail and Jim Z

Terri and Bill Brown

June 8, 2025

A brilliant man who was humble, kind, and such a people person! He will be remembered and missed! Sincere condolences to Joanne and family.

Terri and Bill Brown

June 8, 2025

We will remember Ian with fondness and admiration. What a difference he made in Fairfax and the world. Our heartfelt sympathy to Joanne and family.

Alison Brown Parkinson

June 8, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Shenk´s passing. I have fond memories of the summer in high school when I worked at his practice. He always had a smile on his face and was so kind.
Thinking of you all.

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