Morton Leon Gubin
Morton Leon Gubin, M.D., 98, died quietly at home after a short illness, surrounded by his family. Born in New York City, he grew up and attended high school in Mount Vernon, New York. Dr. Gubin’s military service was important to him. When World War II broke out, he enlisted in the US Navy and was enrolled in the V12 program, attending Northwestern University and Midshipmen’s school. Upon graduation he was assigned to the amphibious force and given command of an LCT (Landing Craft, Tank) for duty in the Philippines. This was where (in his words) he spent the war “cruising the Philippines at five knots”. His duty sent him from the Philippines to Okinawa and ultimately to Japan. His LCT was part of the US armada present in Tokyo Bay at the Japanese surrender to the allies ending WWII. After the war, he graduated from Memphis State University before attending medical school at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. He practiced there until 1971 when he moved his family to Palm Springs, CA. While in Memphis, he joined the Navy Reserve, serving in the Medical Corps as a flight surgeon. He retired as a Commander after 30 years. A specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, he loved delivering babies. While practicing at Desert Regional Medical Center for over 30 years, he delivered their first set of triplets as well as the largest baby (at the time). He loved to fly and talk about all things aviation. After retiring from OB-GYN, he continued to work, performing flight physicals until late 2020, completing 60 years as an FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner. Over the years, Dr. Gubin served as President of the Riverside County Medical Association, and was both a founding member and an active board member of the Palm Springs Air Museum. He was a longtime member of the Palm Springs Police Aero Squadron and belonged to several area aviation organizations over the years. A kind and generous man, Dr. Gubin went out of his way to help anyone in need. He will be missed by the thousands of people, including multiple generations of families, he touched throughout his life. He leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Christine; son Sydney of Palm Springs; and daughter Lori of San Francisco.
