Dr. Edward G. Haskell, Jr., age 88, of Virginia Beach, Va., passed away on February 1, 2011, after a brief illness. He was the son of the late Edward G. Haskell, Sr. and Sarah Walters Haskell. Born July 23, 1922 and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, he attended Fishweir Elementary School, John Gorrie Junior High School, and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1939. He continued his education at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. Upon graduation, he went to Duke University School of Medicine where he obtained his medical degree. While at Duke, he met Gale Deane Shumate who later became his wife of 28 years. Dr. Haskell set up his first medical practice in Branford, Florida (Suwannee County) where he made many life-long friendships. He was the only doctor in the small community and through the years he had many tales to tell of his life as a country doctor. In 1958, he moved his growing family to Tallahassee, FL where he further established his medical practice. During his years in Tallahassee, he was very involved in medical organizations, civic activities, youth programs, and political affairs. He was a past president of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians, past president of the Capital Medical Society, past president of the FSU Seminole Boosters, Director and Crewe Chief of Springtime Tallahassee. He founded a youth group known as Christian Youth in Action. He was a Lifetime Honorary Member of the Florida Sheriff’s Association and served on the Board of Directors of the Florida Sheriff’s Boys Ranch in Live Oak. The family home was always open to host various events and organizations. He was a past member of the Rotary Club. He served on the Executive Committee of FLAMPAC (Florida Medical Political Action Committee) and later as Chairman. He was the originator of “Doctor of the Day” Program for the Florida Legislature which continues today. The clinic which he helped establish at the Florida Capitol is named in his honor. In the mid-1970s, he moved to Charleston, SC where he became an associate professor at the Medical University of South Carolina in the Department of Family Practice. He taught classes and continued to practice medicine. During this time, he became involved with a program known as AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) which promotes recruiting doctors to practice medicine in rural areas. In 1978, the South Carolina Legislature recognized his outstanding commitment to this program with a Concurrent Resolution. He continued his advocacy of AHEC for many years, even when he moved to Virginia Beach, VA in 1980. At Eastern Virginia Medical School he was a Professor in the Department of Family Medicine as well as the Project Director for AHEC. His love of the practice of medicine and his overwhelming desire to assure quality medical care for rural communities influenced his tireless efforts and pursuits throughout his professional career. Life was an adventure and he lived it to the fullest. His charm, his humor, and his enthusiasm in all that he did, drew people to him. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he loved to watch any sports game, especially the Florida State Seminoles. He was always able to find beauty in life and the world around him – beautiful music, beautiful flowers, or simply a beautiful sunset. As wide and varied as his range of interests were, practicing medicine and helping people were his greatest God-given gift. He is survived by his wife, Joan Haskell, and his four daughters, Deborah Haskell Hurley (Pat), Karen Haskell Beaufort, Sarah Teresa Haskell, and Michelle Haskell Eubanks. Grandchildren, Charles (Chad) William Beaufort III, Sarah Elizabeth Beaufort, Lauren Hurley Smith (Cash), Patrick Edward Hurley, James Haskell Eubanks, Caroline Mayfield Eubanks, Brooke Michelle Eubanks, and Michael Edward Eubanks. Great Granddaughter, Lillian Gale Smith. Two step-sons, Jeff DeWinkler and John DeWinkler and their families. He was preceded in death by his son, Edward G. Haskell III, his brother B. Kemp Haskell, and his son-in-law Charles W. Beaufort, Jr. The celebration of his life and memorial service will be Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 2:00 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, FL. In lieu of flowers, if you desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Sheriff’s Boys Ranch or to a charity of your choice. Tags: 1943
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