Tributes and admiration for Edmonton doctor who delivered 18,000 babies

Two days before he died, retired Edmonton doctor Chris Hoskins got up early enough to capture a stunning sunrise over the mountains in Canmore.

The 74-year-old posted the photo on his Facebook page and described it to a friend: "My favourite view." 

On Sept. 4, Hoskins set out with some family members to conquer Big Sister mountain — his favourite climb, his obituary would say later.

On the way down, he lost his footing and fell. Despite heroic rescue efforts, Hoskins died as a result of his injuries en route to hospital.

Hoskins's death has sparked an outpouring of admiration and memories from friends, family, former colleagues and patients of the obstetrician and gynecologist who touched so many lives in a 40-year medical career. 

"I have been surprised by the outpouring of so many people," said his son, Dr. Ryan Hoskins. "I think most of the comments kind of revolve around his bedside manner and how he dealt with people. 

"We calculated that he was involved with the delivery of probably over 18,000 babies in Edmonton."

That's roughly equal to the population of Stony Plain, Alta., or a baby for every seat in Rogers Place. 

Ryan Hoskins remembers that when he was growing up, his dad was always on call during the week, no matter the time of day or night.

There were countless disrupted dinners and middle-of-the-night trips to the hospital to deliver babies. 

"He felt there was no other job in the world that gave you the capacity to see so much of the world," Ryan said.

"You could have a homeless person as a patient in the morning and the next patient could be an NHL hockey player's wife."

Ryan said his father treated all patients with the same compassion, patience and dignity. 

Dr. John Marko was a mentor to Hoskins.