David Adair Baskin

In loving memory of David Adair Baskin, 59, who passed away in Austin, Texas on August 9th, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Lyuda of Austin, son David Christian of Virginia and brother, Jonathan of San Antonio. David was a man of honor and compassion, loyal to friends and family and devoted to history, music and books. Widely read, his first love in literature was the Homeric epics - the Iliad the Odyssey - which he studied throughout his life, frequently quoting verses of which he was particularly fond. He also had a great interest in the history of World War II and the Civil War - partly due to the recognition of his father's and ancestors' service in these conflicts.

He was an accomplished, though amateur, musician with the French horn, guitar and mandolin his chosen instruments. His love of music was eclectic, encompassing classical, blues, jazz and the rock and psychedelic styles of the 1960s. His favorite hobby was woodworking as attested to by the many piece of furniture and art he crafted.

Following his graduation from Stephen F. Austin University he moved to Austin and began a career at the Texas State Library where he served in the Genealogy Collection until his retirement in 2007. In his work he helped innumerable people trace their ancestors and descendents, bringing them closer to their family and their personal history. While there he also received numerous awards and citations for his work at the library as well as in genealogical societies in Austin and surrounding communities.

David was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Sunday, the 19th of August, in the Colonial Chapel of Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Interment will follow in Austin Memorial Park, Austin, Texas.

Condolences may be sent to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.