Rosemary Bakes-Martin, public health administrator for the El Paso County Department of Health and Environment, died July 8 after a long battle with cancer.According to a July 11 news release from the Health Department, Rosemary was hired as deputy director of the Health Department in 2000; and, in 2002, the El Paso County Board of Health unanimously approved her appointment as public health administrator.The news release stated that Rosemary “profoundly strengthened the relationship between public health and health care professionals through her leadership role with the Community Health Partnership … Rosemary led the Health Department’s efforts in providing expertise and assistance to health care providers, businesses and citizens focused on disease prevention.”Rosemary has left an indelible mark on the Health Department and the field of public health that we will strive to uphold in her absence,” said Board of Health President John Suits. “Her innumerable contributions and achievements over the years are only outweighed by her tremendous heart and concern for the well being of our citizens. She will be greatly missed.”Rosemary also will be greatly missed by the NFH. Rosemary supported the NFH from its inception, and for the last year or so she wrote a monthly column to educate readers about health issues in the county. Rosemary shared a love of books with another NFH columnist, Kathy Hare. Kathy shares her friendship and experiences with Rosemary in the following: My first introduction to Rosemary Bakes-Martin was at an El Paso County Board of County Commissioners meeting. I was impressed with her commitment to improving the Health Department and her desire to educate the public about important health issues. She contacted local media outlets, including The New Falcon Herald, to get out information about West Nile Virus, Hantavirus, tuberculosis and other diseases. Rosemary believed education was key to the prevention of diseases.I got to know Rosemary on a more personal level when the Falcon Book Club first started. Knowing the demands of her job, I often wondered where Rosemary found the time to read but it was evident she did. She would listen to different opinions and then express her views about a book or issue in an intelligent, thoughtful manner. One day last winter, when I was hiking through Woodmen Hills, Rosemary stopped her car to say “hello.” We discussed new books and the latest Falcon news.Rosemary Bakes-Martin devoted her life to making this world a better place. I will miss her, and I want to extend my deepest sympathy to her family and friends. The people of this county have truly lost a dedicated advocate.– Kathy HareAs well, The NFH extends our sympathies to Rosemary’s family and friends.
