Obituary of Dr. Steven Michael BAYLIN

May 5, 1951 – Montreal, Quebec

January 7, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Dr. Steve Baylin died on January 7, 2021, at the Chinook Hospice in Calgary, Alberta, following a two-year struggle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He faced his illness as he did life -- with fortitude and humour, winning the hearts of his doctors and caregivers.

Steve was the son of Aaron and Freda (Steinberg) Baylin, both of whom predeceased him. He is survived by his sister Sandy (Jerry Golick), wife Debbie (Small), daughter Melissa (Bruno Rizzuto), six nieces and nephews, and many others he loved. To Steve, everyone was family.

Born and raised in Montreal, Steve was a diehard Habs fan. He was a superb skier and worked both as a patroller and instructor at a ski school he started with friends. Some of his fondest memories included summers spent at the family’s cottage in the Laurentians, building bonfires with Sandy and flirting with pretty girls.

As an undergrad at Concordia University, Steve took the train to Banff each summer where he was a waiter for dignitaries at the Banff Springs Hotel and skied the backcountry, beginning his love affair with the Rocky Mountains.

After completing his General Dentistry degree at McGill University, Steve earned his specialty degree in Pedodontics and Master’s Degree of Science at Boston University. Three weeks shy of commencement, he went on a blind date with Debbie and 10 days later literally rolled the dice, leading to a marriage proposal.

In 1978, Steve and Debbie packed up their few belongings and headed to Calgary where Steve worked as an associate with Dr. Len Smith. He went on to open his own practice, bringing smiles to thousands of patients during his 30-year career. Steve was a lifetime member of Alpha Omega, co-founded a synagogue, and was on staff for many years at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

When Melissa Rose arrived in 1983, he became the happiest Dad on the planet. Melissa remained Steve’s greatest joy and favourite sports companion. The two were fiercely competitive, and it bothered Steve just a little that Melissa could outshoot him at pool.

Steve was always a gentleman, generous, enthusiastic, playful and kind. He loved life including retirement when he pursued his love of golf, skiing, hiking, gardening and most importantly photography. Steve had an impeccable eye for capturing the beauty of nature and his legacy lives on through his photographs.

Steve will be missed by everyone who knew the boy with the sparkling blue eyes and smile that lit up our hearts. May his memory be a blessing.

The family would like to acknowledge the extraordinary care provided by Dr. Lesley Street, Dr. Monica Modi, Dr. Dino Smiljic, Dr. Tina Hoang, Rena Richards and the staff at Chinook Hospice.

A Graveside Service will be held at the 37^th Street Jewish Cemetery, (North East Corner of Highway 22X & 37 Street SW, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Steven’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.   If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the For Love of Steve Baylin Fund c/o Jewish Community Foundation of Calgary, or the Dr. Steve Baylin Legacy FUNd c/o Place2Give https://place2give.com/donations/steve-baylin-fund/

Arrangements in care of the CHEVRA KADISHA OF CALGARY, Telephone:  403-244-4717.