Donavin A. Baumgartner ’52

Respected physician and race car driver, Don came to the class from Shaw High School in Cleveland. He majored in biology, joined Tiger Inn, and played football. Don joined The Daily Princetonian business board, won the McCleary Medal in ROTC, and was a member of Triangle Club. Other associations were the Republican Club, Cleveland Club, and the Pre-Med Society. He roomed with Joel Leuchter and Vince Barrett.

After graduation he went to Harvard Medical School and graduated in 1956 with honors. He practiced at Cleveland’s St. Luke’s Hospital, specializing in surgery and emergency medicine. He was the director of emergency services and of trauma services at St. Luke’s. He served as president of the Academy of Medicine of Cleveland and the Ohio State Medical Association.

In the mid ’70s he held lap records at Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio, and Nelsons Ledges road courses. An enthusiastic and informed oenologist, Don collected a large number of wines, especially from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne. He taught classes in wine appreciation after retiring to Naples, Fla., and was a member of the St. Andrew’s Society.

Don died April 3, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, known to many of us from reunions; and their children, Donavin III, Peter, and Karen. The class sends its regret to all upon the loss of one of our liveliest.