Dr. Joseph H. Kahn

Joseph W. Kahn, M.D., 85, died Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2003, at SunBridge Care facility in North Conway, after a protracted period of illness.Dr. Kahn was born in New York, N.Y., attended Columbia University and the University of North Carolina, and completed his medical degree at the University of Cincinnati. On return from service in the Army, he established a general practice in Franklin, N.C. in the southern Appalachians. For the next 45 years, he dedicated his life to the medical care of the people of the mountains.A general practitioner in the traditional sense, he made house calls, provided office and hospital care, and performed general surgery. He took special pride in his obstetric practice and delivered thousands of babies. Dr. Kahn was a charter fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. As an adjunct clinical faculty member for the University of North Carolina, he inspired and trained future generations of family practitioners. The Joseph W. Kahn Medical Building in Franklin is dedicated to the memory of his skill and dedication.His first marriage, to Inez Mease, ended in divorce. His second marriage, to Amelia Bauer, ended with her death. Dr. Kahn is survived by his sister, Bea Kuller, a daughter from his first marriage, Angie, and her four children, Michelle, Leon, Aimee and Jolie. He is also survived by three sons from his second marriage, Michael, Jacob and Robert and their wives. He leaves behind Ann Shepherd, caregiver and friend of the family.The family expresses its thanks to the many individuals in the Mount Washington Valley who have provided kind care, assistance and support during the final months of Dr. Kahn's life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to health care or conservation related charities.