Samuel Edward Gaskins MD

Samuel Edward Gaskins MD, 81, of Northport, died peacefully at his home on October 18th.

He was born in Washington DC on August 10, 1944, the youngest child of Darius Gaskins and Ceres Hadcock Gaskins.

Sam grew up in Great Falls Virginia and graduated from Sidwell Friends school in Washington DC in 1962.

The academically rigorous atmosphere, sports, and close friendships formed there were an essential part of who he was and how he lived his life.

After graduating from Cornell University Sam then entered medical school at Medical College of Virginia (now Virginia Commonwealth University) where he met his wife of 53 years, Susan Wickham.

A residency in Family Medicine at Riverside Commonwealth Family Medicine Program in Newport News, Virginia followed.

In 1979 he was recruited by University Medical Center in Tuscaloosa Alabama to teach in their Family Practice Residency program. Ultimately he became Director of the program where he recruited and trained scores of future physicians until his retirement in 2005. At the 50th anniversary of the program Sam was honored with the Educator of Distinction Award which "recognizes individuals who have shaped future generations through outstanding teaching and mentorship”.

Summers were spent at the family camp, Juniper Lodge on Chebeague Island Maine, built by his maternal Grandmother in 1914. While there, Sam worked to maintain the property, the view of Casco Bay, and the legacy for future generations.

From an early age Sam enjoyed watching and participating in many sports. He played racquetball with the same group of friends three times a week for over forty years.

Sam’s fondness for motorcycles was legendary. It evolved from riding to restoring vintage BMW’s and side cars.

Throughout his life, Sam enjoyed music. He always had curated background music playing and enjoyed attending concerts.

Survivors include his wife Susan, and Daughters: Elizabeth Gaskins MD and son-in-law Joseph Harth of Lynnfield, MA and their children Oliver and Sage. Virginia Castine and son-in-law Michael Castine MD, of New Orleans LA and their children Samantha and Vivian, his sister Ceres York, brother Darius Gaskins, a host of nieces and nephews, and special cousins Rose and Ron Bradshaw.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Dr. Samuel E. Gaskins Endowed Medical Students Scholarship at the University of Alabama at give.ua.edu or Habitat for Humanity.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Bryant Conference Center at the University of Alabama on November 1, 2025, at 11:00am. The family welcomes guests to join them for lunch afterwards.