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Alan Saks Obituary

Saks, Alan Businessman, social activist and advocate of urban Chicago, died January 4, 2005, at age 77. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Esther Shava; daughters, Ruth, Beth (son-in-law, Scott Fithian), Jane (partner, Lynette Jackson) and Naomi; grandchildren, Sam and Sarah; sisters, Sylvia Beeders and Mimi Cooper. Alan was President and CEO of Saxon Paint & Hardware, which was founded by his paternal grandmother in 1914. He developed the company to a 50-store chain across three states and in 1996, he sold off and closed the company. Alan and Saxon became known for pioneering the concept of the "do it yourself trend" in wallpaper, paint and home furnishings. He was a co-founder of the Business Executives Movement Against the War in Vietnam in the 60's. Their activism against he war earned Alan and Esther the distinction of being on Nixon's Enemies list. In the early 1970's, he was a founding member of BPI (Business and Professional People for the Public Interest) and a past president and board member up until his death. He spent approximately 20 years on the board of Columbia College of Chicago, and served on the boards of the ACLU and most recently on the board of JCUA (Jewish Council on Urban Affairs). Alan grew up on the near west side of the city and always felt passionately about Chicago. As a child, he shared with his father a love and fascination with the diverse neighborhoods of the city. Consequently, as an astute businessperson and a social activist, he believed in the diversity, ethnicity and vitality of the city. He was committed to the communities beyond being a local retailer and participated in neighborhood-based initiatives, local public schools and chambers of commerce. At a time when there was rapid urban flight, he opened stores in neighborhoods which were being abandoned by the national chains, food stores, and banks. All of these neighborhood stores remained open until 1996. Alan was a lover of nature, jazz and a world traveler with his wife. He spent many weekends and holidays with his family at their beach house in the Indiana Dunes hiking, sailing, biking, swimming and horseback riding. He was also an avid skier since 1965. His great energy, humor, generosity, enthusiasim for life and tenacity will be remembered and missed by many people. Please call: Goldman Funeral Group at 847-478-1600 for information regarding visitation. Per his request, there will be a party to celebrate the life of Alan Saks scheduled in the near future, date and time to be announced. Call Goldman Funeral Group after January 10, 2005. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Alan's name to one of the three following organizations: 1. The Roger Baldwin Foundation of the ACLU of Illinois, 180 North Michigan Ave., Suite 2300, Chicago, IL 60601-1287, 312-201-9740, Attn: Colleen Connel, www.aclu-il.org. 2. BPI (Business and Professional People for the Public Interest), 25 E. Washington St., Suite 1515, Chicago, IL 60602, 312-641-5570, Attn: Hoy McConnell. 3. JCUA (Jewish Council on Urban Affairs), 618 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, 312-663-0960, Attn: Jane Ramsey.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Jan. 7 to Jan. 9, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Alan Saks

Not sure what to say?





Mary Johnson

January 20, 2005

To Jane and all members of your family, my condolences on your loss. You are in my prayers.

Karen Verwolf

January 13, 2005

We share a sense of loss but also warm smiles at the memories of Al. So many Beverly Shore memories of your family, the long long stairs down to the beach (when we had a beach), your boat at our house but always Al's infectious delight in the Dunes. Our days in Beverly Shores have ended but love for the Dunes continues for our entire family. Al's booming greetings will always be a part of our memories. Our thoughts are with all of you.

Sincerely, Anita Forberg, Andy Forberg, Karen Forberg Verwolf, Adam Verwolf

Julie Kaufman

January 10, 2005

Dear Jane and Family,

I was so sad to read about the death of your father (and husband) in the paper. Jane, I never had the pleasure of meeting your father, but I certainly had the pleasure of working with you at UIC. And it's clear that caring for others, especially those most in need of help, is a true value of your family, and your parents.



Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Give yourself a lot of time. Believe me, I know this is hard.

Sandra Swill

January 10, 2005

I was a vendor to Saxon and over many years had the opportunity to meet with Alan. I was sad to read in the New York Times of his passing. I will always remember his smile, his popcorn, and his humor.

My condolences to the family. May his memory be a blessing to all.

Cleo Wilson

January 10, 2005

Dear Esther, Jane and Family,



I was saddened to learn of your loss. As you know, Alan was larger than life. He was a wonderful, fun human being and I am blessed to have shared time on earth with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Howard and Marcia Aduss

January 9, 2005

Dear Esther and Family,



I am fortunate to have been one of Alan’s friends. Perhaps I’m being selfish and boastful, but I don’t think he tolerated fools. Having said that, I was always impressed during a group discussion when he would just sit quietly for a time and then declare, “The real reason is.....”. He taught us. There must have been times when he walked through the woods or rode his bike and just thought about the world because his insights were remarkably clear and concise. But, I can’t be sure, because the few times I walked with him, he talked pretty much all the time.



Marcia and I were delighted to read that there will be a party to celebrate Alan’s life. Wonderfully appropriate. His love of life was infectious and if I had to pick a disease to pass on to my friends, that would be the one I would choose.



Our relationship does not go back a long time. We can’t remember doing this or that over a period of years, but our memories are so strong and so positive that we will always feel that something is missing in our lives.



Thank you for being our friend.



All our love......Howard and Marcia

Art Gabel

January 9, 2005

My condolences to the Sak's Family.I had the opportunity to work for Alan (1981 to 1989)A great leader with a warm smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you for your great loss.

Iffet Ozgonul

January 9, 2005

My condolences to the Saks Family. I first met Alan, Esther, Jane and Naomi at the Istanbul Airport. I always feel very nervous when I welcome our guests but Alan and Esther made me feel so relaxed. He shall be missed by his Turkish friends.

Shari Ager/Michaels

January 8, 2005

Dear Mrs. Saks

I rented you and Alan your apartment at 3200 Lake Shore Dr.

I was so sad to hear of Alans passing. He was always such a gentleman and I have always remembered you both with such fondness.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Kimberly Giese

January 7, 2005

My condolences to Ruth and the entire Saks family. I had the pleasure of knowing Alan while I worked at Saxon. A truly kind and interesting man. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers to the Saks family.

Linda Levin

January 7, 2005

I did not have the opportunity to meet Mr. Saks, but have had the opportunity of getting to know his daughter, Beth. From this, I have learned of stong family ties and dedication to the Jewish community. I know Beth's dad will be greatly missed, but will also be remembered with much devotion and appreciation.

Sandie

January 7, 2005

My condolences to the Sak's family. I was a employee at the Fullerton store as soon as I turned of age to work in 1972. I was there to bring in wallpaper to the stores. Eventually working in all stores doing window displays with people from England. Also working in the advertising dept. in the main office. Alan Sak's took care of his employee's, he was a kind, generous man and very down to earth. He always had time to talk one on one. He always had a smile. I grew with the company and learned good work ethics. Thank you to Mr. Sak's, he will not be forgotten.

Ray Morrison

January 7, 2005

A great leader...1980-1986

Terry Radtke-Lacandia

January 7, 2005

When informed of Alan's passing, my first thought was that he was so young. I worked for Alan many years ago as a young woman and exchanged with him on a regular basis. He influenced me greatly as a boss forming that dual "love hate" relationship much like a child to their parent, but I truly respected the man and always wanted his approval. I know there are many others who share his strong influence upon their lives. His love for the city was evident as he maintained his neighborhood business' corporate office on Chicago's northwest side. It was his energy that drove me to understand the various personalities of the different neighborhoods, all of which he maintained a first hand knowledge of their culture, lifestyles and influences. My condolences to his family, I know you will hold a void in his passing but celebrate his gifts in your lives.

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