Walter B. Watkin, Jr., M.D., of Lower Paxton Township, a distinguished Harrisburg Internist, whose dynamic leadership and mentoring helped countless medical students and fellow physicians, passed away Monday October 22, 2018 at UPMC Community Osteopathic Hospital, in Harrisburg, at the age of 76. Born in Saltillo, Huntingdon County, on October 25, 1941, he was a son of the late Walter B. Watkin, Sr., M.D. and Clementine A. (Bucher) Watkin. Following his graduation from Juniata College, he earned his Medical degree, with Honors, from the Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and served his Residency at the former Polyclinic Hospital in Harrisburg. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era, prior to his honorable discharge. Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Watkin actively practiced for over 50 years; always dedicated to the care of his patients, he maintained a practice with Drs. Nipple and Freshman for many of those years. Dr. Watkin shared his passion for medicine as the Director of the Residency Program at Community General Osteopathic Hospital. The Residents who he mentored, or “his kids” as he liked to call them, demonstrated their appreciation by voting him Teacher of the Year numerous times. Over the course of his career, his patients appreciated his kindness and ability to listen while his colleagues respected his clinical and diagnostic skills. Walter was a generous, grateful and gentle person who expected excellence from himself and those around him. He had a clever wit, and could see the humor in life and share it with others. An avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed the times he was able to spend in nature with his brothers and nephews. As dedicated as he was to his practice, he was equally devoted to the care and well being of his family. He delighted in family dinners at home and evenings out at the Progress Grill. He was well respected, appreciated and special to many people throughout the community. Dr. Watkin is survived by Marianne K. Loney, his life partner of over 21 years; his daughters, Sarah W. (Andrew) Landis, of Harrisburg, and Darla Sue (Bracken) Evock, of Trout Run, Lycoming County; and, brothers, Thomas S. (Emma) Watkin, of McAlisterville, Juniata County and James R. (Kim) Watkin, of Orbisonia, Huntingdon County. He is also survived by his niece, Natalie Watkin, who was like a daughter to him; and several other nieces and nephews, and his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, William B. Watkin, and, an uncle, Robert Watkins, who he regarded as another brother. The family would welcome the opportunity to receive friends during a Remembrance Gathering on Tuesday October 30, 2018, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M., at the Jesse H. Geigle Funeral Home, Inc., 2100 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg. Interment, with Military Honors, will be held in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Central Pennsylvania Chapter, 101 Erford Road, Suite 201, Camp Hill, PA 17011 or at lls.org/central-pennsylvania.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Walter B Watkin Jr D 2018.
Death notice for the town of: Harrisburg, state: Pennsylvania