David Soskin

Obituary David Penn Soskin, beloved son, brother and uncle, died June 6, 2018 while recovering from brain tumor surgery and courageously battling depression. Deeply compassionate and a gifted psychiatrist, he was adored by family, friends, patients, and co-workers. He brought healing energy and brilliance to so many. While serving for three years as Medical Director of the Behavioral Health Department in Monterey County, he was a mentor and teacher to doctors and staff, a friend to his patients, and especially committed to caring for the underserved. David had a beautiful mind and was a man of many passions. He loved to run and hike, to surf, to write, to think, and to teach others. He loved basketball, Rumi’s poetry, Tolstoy’s novels, and health food (especially his daily yogurt and almonds). David spent glorious times vacationing with family and friends in Costa Rica and San Diego, and loved his long runs over Soberanes in Big Sur and on the snowy streets of Cambridge. David will be especially remembered for his kindness and compassion. It was important to him to be there for those closest to him as well as for perfect strangers. He adored his family and his rescue dog, Georgette. He was an exceptional listener. David was a beautiful man with a beautiful soul, and his smile would light up the room. David attended local schools and, after graduation from York School, he received his BA and MD from Harvard University. He completed his residency at Harvard/Mass General. David served on the faculty at Harvard Medical School and was the author of numerous articles and books. He received honors throughout his career for his teaching excellence and created innovative tools to improve psychiatric training. He is survived by his parents Bill and Marian, his brother Josh and sister-in-law Grace Jackson, his niece Eleanor, his partner Mary Pennington, and his loving pet, Georgette. May his memory be a blessing and may his light continue to shine in the lives of those he touched. To honor his memory, the family suggests contributions to local or national suicide prevention programs. On July 15th at 10:30 in the morning there will be a celebration of Dave‘s life for family friends and coworkers at the Carmel beach at 11th and scenic. After the service, there will be a traditional surfers paddle out at the 11th St. beach for Dave’s surfer friends. We hope you can attend. . To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Soskin, please visit our floral store.