Dr. Robert Pipkin

Dr. Robert Donald Pipkin

March 29, 1939 - January 24, 2024

Robert Donald Pipkin passed away peacefully on January 24, 2024 at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Bob was a loyal and dedicated son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, colleague, and friend. Bob was born on March 29, 1939 in Rocks Springs, Wyoming to Donald and Angela Pipkin. At the age of two, he was joined by twin siblings, David and Dorothy. In 1949, his family moved to Denver, Colorado and in 1953 moved to Casper, Wyoming. They returned to Denver in 1955. Bob studied piano from an early age and was an amazing piano player with one of his favorite songs being Clair de Lune by Debussy. He was raised in a loving home that valued a good education, strong work ethic and Catholic upbringing.

Bob was a disciplined scholar throughout school, graduating from Regis High School with an Honors Diploma. He graduated summa cum laude from Regis College in 1962 with degrees in Chemistry and Philosophy. He received numerous scholar awards and served in political positions during his time there, twice receiving “Regis Man of the Year” distinction. After graduation, Bob enjoyed traveling through Europe on a motorcycle. He graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1966. He was a surgical resident at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, where he met his wife, Patricia, who was a nurse there. Bob served as a Captain and combat medical doctor in Vietnam from August 1968 to August 1969 for which he received several awards and badges for his dedication and service: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Combat Medical Badge, Bronze Star Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, and Army Commendation Medal.

Bob and Pat were married on August 21, 1969 in Baltimore, Maryland. They had four children and moved the family to the hills of Woodside, California in the San Francisco Bay Area where he started his cardiovascular surgery practice at Stanford Hospital. While practicing at Stanford, Robert approached Washington Hospital in Fremont, CA in 1985 to start an open heart surgery program where he continued to practice cardiovascular surgery, specializing in Cardiovascular Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) procedures. He was awarded Regis College Alumni Achievement Award for his accomplishments in 2010. After decades of a successful surgical practice at both Stanford and Washington Hospital, Robert retired from active surgery in 2006 to continue to advise Washington Hospital on clinical quality and excellence until his retirement in 2021. Robert’s passion for medicine and clinical excellence continued well beyond the sterile hallways of operating suites, and he dedicated his life to the pursuit of clinical excellence.

Bob and Pat enjoyed a full life in California raising their children, enjoying their careers, sports, the arts, traveling and gathering with family and friends. In the 1980’s Bob and Pat visited Santa Fe, New Mexico for medical meetings and fell in love with its culture and scenic beauty. Santa Fe became their permanent residence in 1998 and has been a magical place for treasured family gatherings. One of Bob and Pat’s greatest joys was spending time with their grandchildren. Bob loved Pat’s delicious meals, one of his favorites was her spaghetti and meatballs. He delighted in the many dinner parties that lent themselves to wonderful conversations filled with friendly debates, histories and valued opinions.

Bob is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Patricia, his parents, Donald and Angela Pipkin, and his sister- in-law, Marilyn Pipkin. He is survived by his children: Kristin (Curtis), Rebecca, Sean (Kristina), Donald, his stepson: Mike (Stase), his grandchildren: Brittany (Chris), Nolan (Lindsey), Lindsay, Chandler (Nathan), Isabella, Trevor, Trent, Cole and Maddox, his great-grandchildren: Cali Marie and Nolan, his sister: Dorothy McConnell, his brother: David, his brother-in-law: Chuck McConnell, and several nieces and nephews.

Bob’s thirst for knowledge never waned and he was blessed with an amazing memory. He was a compassionate man of strong principals and integrity. He had a deep love for his family and immersed himself in the experiences of life- the arts, museums, opera, symphony, paintings, music, films, literature, book clubs, politics, world events, and sports.

                                                         Robert’s essence and spirit will live on through us all.