Deceased May 6, 2017
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In Memory
Jev died peacefully on May 6, 2017, following a spate of medical challenges over the prior nine months. He came to Amherst from West High School in Minneapolis, where he was president of his class. An economics major, he joined Alpha Delt fraternity, where he served as president and helped with the Chest drive.
After graduation, Jev returned to Minneapolis, where he spent the rest of his life. He was a stockbroker for nearly 20 years with two Twin Cities-based firms, advancing to being an assistant manager at one firm. In the mid-’70s, Jev switched careers, becoming a manufacturer’s rep and working for himself. Jev was a success selling a variety of holiday items to many businesses in the Upper Midwest, including Target.
Charlie Kopp ’55 remembers Jev, saying, “I was a roommate and fraternity brother of Jev for three years at Amherst. At 6 feet, 6 inches tall, Jev Baskin was a gentle giant with a heart of gold. Jev was one of the nicest people I have ever met. Not only nice, he was also a devoted family man and a truly fine human being with warmth, character, class and integrity. His picture in the memory bank of my mind shines as brightly today as it did the day we graduated in 1955. Jev was that kind of a unique and wonderful man.”
In 1969 Jev married Patricia Kantor, a fourth grade teacher. He would often stop by Patti’s classroom to run off copies for her and interact with the students. They all loved Jev. He and Patti had a boat where they spent hours relaxing and entertaining. They also enjoyed bicycle riding. Jev was simply a hard-working common man. He is survived by Patti and their three daughters, all of whom spoke highly of him at Jev’s memorial service.
Rob Sowersby ’55