Born on July 19, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lynn completed his undergraduate education at Harvard University, his medical degree at Washington University in St. Louis and residency at the University of Colorado. Lynn then completed his military service at the National Institutes of Health followed by a fellowship in pediatric pulmonology at McGill University.
In 1974, Lynn was recruited to create a program in pediatric pulmonology at the University of Arizona School of Medicine, becoming the Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics 11 years later and founding the Steele Children’s Research Center. In 1993, Lynn became the first physician President/CEO of National Jewish Health, spearheading philanthropic support to build the Molly Blank Conference Center and the Smith Research/Clinical Facility.
Lynn’s final position before retiring in 2017 was Special Advisor to the Provost for Life Sciences at the University of Denver. There, he launched the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging (KIHA), guiding its development from concept to a globally influential center for aging research, education, and outreach.
He led groundbreaking studies focused on the pathophysiology and treatment of asthma and cystic fibrosis. One of Lynn’s most significant achievements was being the principal investigator on the Tucson Children’s Respiratory Study, which followed over 1,400 newborns from 1980 to the present to examine risk factors for the development of asthma. He authored three books, 200 articles, and was invited to be a keynote speaker at dozens of national and international conferences and institutions.
Lynn was generous with his time, serving on more than 50 community and professional committees and boards. Throughout his illustrious career, Lynn received many honors and accolades for his contributions to medicine, including the Alumni Achievement Award from the Washington University School of Medicine, the Distinguished Achievement Award from the American Thoracic Society and the Founders Award from the Scientific Assembly on Pediatrics. He was most proud of being a dedicated educator and mentor to numerous medical students, residents, and over 20 fellows.
He loved nothing more than spending time with his family and friends from across the nation and globe, especially on vacations. He will be remembered for his passion for playing games (especially poker, hearts, and gin rummy), his sweet tooth (especially root beer floats before dinner and orange slices), and his insatiable zest for life.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Lisa, his brother Stuart (Marianne), his daughters, Jennifer and Heather, his son-in-law, Brett, and grandchildren Zoe (fiancé Max), Jess, and Lexi.
Donations in Lynn’s memory can be made to National Jewish Health, Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, Parkinson’s Association of the Rockies, B’nai Havurah, or Jewish Family Service of Colorado.
