Mr. Timur Anum Baruti, M. D.

Obituary Timur Anum Baruti, a physician, husband, friend, father, brother, son and community advocate. Timur made his transition on August 17, 2020 while at Henry Ford- Allegiance Hospital in Jackson, Michigan. (He fought the good fight and finished the race). He was born June 20, 1958 in Detroit, Michigan to Thomas Gibson Sr. (deceased) and Jean H. Ward. He was the fifth of eight children and the second oldest son. Timur’s given name at birth was James Derrick Gibson; during an African naming ceremony he was named Timur Anum Baruti to reflect his value and appreciation of his African ancestry. Ironically, in addition to Sierra Leone being the first African country he visited, later when completing his “African Ancestry” genetic test he was elated to find out that he is a member of the Mende tribe in Sierra Leone. He attended Bethel Apostolic Faith Church at 3381 Mack Avenue in Detroit, MI with his family and accepted Christ at an early age. He enjoyed spiritual mediation on a regular basis. Timur, was a young man from humble beginnings. He was raised and attended school in the inner City of Detroit. He was highly motivated and driven to excel in academics. He was determined to make his life’s work special and meaningful. Timur graduated from Martin Luther King high school where he was on the swim team and was recognized for his academic excellence. He later became a lifeguard at River Rouge Park to help pay for his education. Timur attended the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology . It was while a student at the University of Michigan that Timur became keenly aware of the existence of health disparities in the Black community. He went on to attend graduate school at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit and graduated in 1986. While at the University of Michigan, he pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Delta Rho, Ann Arbor Chapter. He crossed into frat the cold and snowy winter of 3/26/1977, aided by his only Sands. Together they commandeered a University of Michigan School of Engineering GMC Tour Bus as their secret hid-away, much to their Big Brothers Charging and later dismay. He was a life-long learner and made sure he was informed of the changes in his discipline; consistently pursuing knowledge and enhancing his ability to provide care that was evidence based and equitable. After a one year surgery fellowship at Harlem Hospital Medical Center in New York, he pursued and completed the Family Medicine Residency and a fellowship in Gastroenterology and Obstetrics at Henry Ford Health Systems in Detroit, Michigan. Timur was a man who did not try to be politically correct, rather spent his life focused on improving the quality of healthcare for those who were disenfranchised. Timur was joined in holy matrimony with LaToshia L. Love on July 4, 2009 and from this union they raised two children Branden (12) and Imani (14), of Rives Junction. Timur found his soul mate and kindred spirit in LaToshia. They were devoted to each other; allowing each other to explore and pursue their dreams to improve the delivery of health care. Together as entrepreneurs they developed several businesses both locally and globally. He owned and operated, Leslie Family Community Medical Center, an independent family medicine office in Leslie, Michigan. Previously, he was married to Dr. Amina Baruti and from that union 4 children; Akil Baruti (Texas), Anwar Baruti (deceased), Ayana Baruti (Texas) and Brook Smith (Detroit). Timur enjoyed travelling especially to Africa – making more than 20 trips to the continent. It was here where he was able to achieve his objective of addressing health disparities and improve the quality of life for disadvantaged populations. Dr. Timur Baruti also served as Board Chair and Medical Director of Young Health Pioneers; an organization which strives to bridge healthcare disparity and facilitate access to quality healthcare in Africa and Asia. While a medical student and during his travels to Sierra Leone, South Africa and Nigeria he observed the inequality in healthcare and became determined to do something about it. Through an NGO, Ghana West Africa Project – Help, started by his Mother Jean Ward, he began to provide support and care to the population at large. His interest was on preventative medicine and improving Africa’s health system through capacity building of the human capital. As the Coordinator of the first Responders training program in Serra Leone, West Africa he provided oversight to a significant number of newly certified trainers. Timur was both a dedicated board certified physician and a down to earth man. His family affectionately referred to him as a farmer at heart, that is a barefoot farmer, because he never liked to wear shoes. In his free time he enjoyed bidding on farm animals at the local auctions, tinkering with tractors and other farm equipment, watching documentaries, educating patients, family and friends on various health topics. He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, LaToshia L. Baruti, Children; Imani Love, Branden Love, of Rives Junction, Michigan, Michael Spencer, Westland, MI, Akil Baruti of Frisco, Texas Ayana Anderson of Mansfield, Texas and Brook Smith of Detroit, Michigan, Grandson Pax Anderson of Mansfield, Texas Grand-daughters Aliyah Baruti of Detroit, Michigan, Jazira Anderson, Samira Anderson of Mansfield, Texas and Madison Baruti of Frisco, Texas. Mother; Jean H. Ward; Siblings; Shirley Ali of Hartford, Connecticut, Edwina Gibson of Arlington, Texas, Bertha Gibson, Renae I. Gibson, Thomas Gibson Jr., Shawn Gibson and Orlando Gibson of Detroit, Michigan, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. A special mention, Young Health Pioneer’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Timur Anum Baruti, M. D.

June 20, 1958 - August 17, 2020