Dr. Robert Irwin Henkin

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University of California Los Angeles University of Southern California

Robert Henkin Obituary

Dr. Robert Irwin Henkin, 93, of Los Angeles, CA, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2024, in Bethesda, MD. Robert will be deeply missed by his wife, Jane Munger Pettit; and his six children and many grandchildren, Amanda Henkin Lemar (Lee, Mimi, and Sammy), Michael Henkin (Helmi and Julius), David Henkin (Kerra and Bradley), Joshua Henkin, Elizabeth (Henkin) and David Field (Harrison and Liam), and Hannah (Henkin) and David Hughes (Nora, Nicholas, Malea, and Mason). Robert will also be missed by his step children and their families, Chris Pettit of Sanibel, FL, Sara Pettit of New Market, MD, and Andy Pettit of Jefferson, MD. Robert earned his BA at the University of Southern California and his MA from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). He worked in Hollywood as a composer of music after obtaining his PHD in music at UCLA and then attended medical school there.
Robert was a dedicated and passionate scientist and physician. After years of conducting basic and clinical research, he established the Taste and Smell Clinic in 1986 where he continued his research and treated patients from around the world. Over the course of his career, Dr. Henkin saw more than 6,000 patients, was granted over 60 patents, and published hundreds of articles relating to lost, reduced, or distorted ability to taste or smell. He also developed novel treatments to help those who suffer loss or impairment of these vital senses.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Doctors Without Borders. Services will be held on the afternoon of Sunday, April 7, in Bethesda, MD.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Mar. 10, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Henkin

8 Entries

Lisa Smith

October 28, 2025

I met and worked for Dr Henkin later on in his life. There were moments I considered him like family. As a professional Dr. Henkin´s standards were remarkably admirable. He walked in the office every morning with a greeting so purely spoken. As I type this I know he left us over a year ago, this was hard for me considering the circumstances. Although some considered him to be quite the opposite of approachable, I loved him with all my soul. The conversations he and I had when no one was was in the office but him and I, allowed me to understand why he was so well admired. I had the privilege of obtaining Dr Henkin´s lectures at NIH through recordings. He and I was working on publishing his book on the courses he taught there on the beginnings of music. I was also the last office manager at the Taste and Smell Clinic before I had to close it down. I am honored to say this book will be finished and published soon. I have positioned myself to continue his legacy and it´s a pleasure to be able to do so. I haven´t stopped listening to his recordings oh man how I miss his voice. With all my love along with so many of his previous staff members continue to Sleep In Peace, we miss you here tremendously!

Lisa Smith, Ph.D

David Sica

February 2, 2025

Treated me for exposure to CARC paint and was on way to bringing back my sense of smell ,,& taste.

Ronald Link

May 18, 2024

Peace be with Dr. Henkin's family.
A truly wonderful man who treated me at the clinic for many years.
Ron

Jose R. Dasilva

May 15, 2024

I know this is late but I'm just finding out about Dr. Henkin. To his family, please accept my sincere condolences. I first met Dr. Henkin back in 2003 after I developed a severe taste and smell distortion. I was a patient of his for almost 20 years. Through his treatments and testings I was finally proclaimed cured. I don't know what I would have done had I never found the Taste and Smell Clinic and Dr. Henkin. A true expert and pioneer in his field and also a wonderful doctor. He will be missed.

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AMRyan

April 25, 2024

In 2017, I lost my taste and smell due to a URI. Needless to say, I was devastated and researched as much as I could about who could help. I traveled from Arizona to see Dr. Henkin over the course of a couple of days. After numerous ENTs and their `no hope´ approach, Dr. Henkin was the only person who showed true empathy and concern. That meant more to me than anything. He was absolutely determined to find a cure for anosmia and for all of his work, I am grateful. Although he was unable to help me, I will be forever thankful for his never ending pursuit for a cure for this invisible disease that was only recently brought to light by Covid.

Hannah Hughes

April 16, 2024

To my Dad you will be missed .Although I didn't go visit my dad which now I deeply regret, I always will remember the good times we had and know that you were always in my thoughts, my heart and k will always know you did you helped so many ..you touched so many poeple lives ..I thank you dearly .We will see eachother againI love you Dad.
Hannah Hughes..

Camille Clary

April 6, 2024

It was a privilege to have worked with Dr. Henkin at The Taste and Smell Clinic. It has been nearly 20 years ago, but I still think of him often. He had an ineffable passion for his work and was a true intellectual. He made a mark on everyone's life he touched. Dr. Henkin will be missed. My sincerest condolences to Jane and family.

Brian Martin

March 19, 2024

It was great to enteract with as I called him (only to myself) Spitter. A great colleague and a good doctor and scientist. I really enjoyed our conversation and interactions. All our best wishes to Jane and family. Brian and Birte

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