Dr. Orhan Baybura

Dr. Orhan Baybura, 99, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 25, 2019. He was born in Istanbul, Turkey, September 5, 1920, son of the late Ibrahim and Huriye Baybura. Following graduation from a French speaking high school, he was admitted to the University of Istanbul Medical Faculty in 1941, graduating in 1947 as a medical doctor. Dr. Baybura served his military service as a medical doctor in the Corp. of Engineering Division of the armed forces and returned to the University of Istanbul Medical Faculty for residency training in general surgery in 1949. Following the completion of his residency and taking his board examination, he obtained his license to practice general surgery in 1953. He then applied for and obtained a position as administrator for a mining company hospital with a 50-bed capacity and was in charge of the surgical department. After three years of duty, he applied to hospitals in the United States for a position through the Exchange Visitor Program to seek advancement in his field, particularly in the cardiovascular field. His first position was in San Francisco at Marys Help Hospital in 1956. In 1958, he applied to the Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland Oregon for residency in general surgery. He then moved to New York Grand Central Hospital for a year. Upon returning to Oregon, due to requirements and red tape imposed by the U.S. Government, he had to pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination. After passing the examination he came to Michigan where he studied to take the Michigan State Board Examination, all while working at the Lapeer State Hospital from 1961 to 1966. Passing the exam in Basic Science and all clinical subjects, he obtained his license to practice as a physician and surgeon in the state of Michigan. He first practiced in Ithaca associated with the Gratiot Community Hospital in Alma. Quoting Dr. Baybura, At that time, Edmore had just opened their new Tri-County Community Hospital and was looking for physicians to fill staff requirements. I was encouraged to come to Edmore and Dr. Myron Becker was very gracious to give me space in his office where I started to work with him, and the rest is history. During the years from 1966 until his retirement in 1987, Dr. Baybura served in the capacity of Chief of Surgery and Chief of Medical Staff at the Tri-County Community Hospital. Orhan loved providing for his family and serving his community. He enjoyed traveling, sailing, landscaping, model railroading and playing chess and backgammon with his wonderful friend, Dr. Irfan Gervin. Orhan is survived by three children, Erol Baybura, Hasan (Naomi) Baybura, Suzan Baybura and their mother Violet; stepchildren Brenda (Tim) Collins, Brad (Beth) Wager, Tracey Sherman, and Scott (Vera Soukupova) Wager; beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Ibrahim and Huriye Baybura, his wife Marlys Wager-Baybura, stepson Cal Wager and brother Turhan Baybura. Orhans funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home followed by refreshments. Interment will conclude at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders and Grace Hospice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. To leave a condolence for the family or to sign the on-line guest book please visit www.CharlesRLux.com