Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - Synapsis Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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I N M E M RUSSELL DUANE D ' vEATH takes in but one short moment that vhich it took life many years to produce. And then sorrowFully we recognize greatness, all but too late. Truly a man oF eminence and dis- tinction. A man whose accomplishments were greater and more varied than we could realize. This descendant of Benjamin Franklin was born in Swedesboro, N. J., June 15, 1866, and died in Viilanova, Pa., January 1 8, 1 938, following a year ' s illness. After quite an extensive training at Harvard, University of Virginia, and the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania in his chosen profession of law, he was admitted to the Philadelphia Bar in 1891. From that time on, this Philadelphia law- yer became a prominent figure in civic affairs. One of his most commendable actions was to found the Committee of 70, an organization of greatest importance to Philadelphia. He received his first governmental appointment as a Junior Counsel in the Bering Sea arbitration proceedings. He was active in politics while serving as the executive of very many organizations and a member of others too numerous to mention. Mr. Duane had long manifested an interest in Osteopathy. In 1916 he addressed the graduating class of P. C. O. with a message, Osteopathy Fifty Years Hence. which has since been reproduced many times. He was elected a member of the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Osteopathic College and Hospital in 1930. In 1931 he was elected to the presidency of the same board. The same activity which he manifested In civic affairs was also carried on in Osteopathic affairs. It is this interest, this earnest, untiring work so characteristic of the man that P. C. O. and Osteopathy as a whole will sincerely miss. 12

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EDWARD A. WARD, D.O.

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O R I A M GILBERT A. GAVIN To A loyal and noble servant of the Osteo- pathic Collese came the Angel of Death to put to rest Gilbert Gavin. It might be ably stated that he died in action and by the work he loved. His departure was quiet and simple — so symbolic of his life and work. Learning of the growing Osteopathic College at 19th and Spring Garden Streets, he sought out association with the College by applying to Dean Flack and presenting his qualifications. He was accepted twelve years ago last November fifteenth. With the advancing educational program, dissec- tion of cadavers became a prime requirement in the anatomical understanding for the manipulating fingers of the Osteopath. Mr. Gavin strove to build up a laboratory to serve the needs of the students, under conditions that were not truly favorable. By clever tactics he obtained cadavers that were as intact as possible from the central distributing centers. Once in his possession, he processed them to his liking and skill — carrying on his work as any artist would do. His endeavors for perfection were realized when the present dissection laboratory was completed. Here Mr. Gavin had facilities for working, and opportunity for experimenting to secure cadavers that were odorless, slow to decompose, and usable for long periods. He ex- perimented with embalming fluids a number of years so that he eventually found one to his satisfaction. This became his guarded secret which he entrusted to no one nor in writing. Death sealing his lips — he carries it with him. A man who has made his work an art, has given much and obtained more. This was Gilbert Gavin ' s life. His passing has broken a small link in the orderly functioning of the College. All his friends of the College and Hospital extend the deepest sympathy to his widow and with her say — God rest him. 13