Bernard Lifson Obituary

very sorry to learn of Bernie's death. Have many memories of Bernie in Madison and with Chuck Borsuk. We spent NewYear's Eve together in San Francisco Dec.1952 before going to the Far East and he was always good company. A great guy and a wonderful sense of humor. Ruth joins me in sending our condolensces.We also had a good time at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.

Larry, I am really sorry to read about your dad. I was sitting on my easy chair ready to go to sleep Thursday night, the 28th, and my wife Donna came down with the article from the Sun Times. I never knew about your father. I didn't know he was a psychiatrist.....and a very well liked and influential one at that. The article was a great tribute to him and gave me a real sense of the type of man he was. You should be very proud of him. My condolences to you and the family. Take care Larry!

When I taught at New Trier during 1964-1986, Bernie Lifson was a giant among all humanists. With a delightful smile, he could listen to any advisee problem and then suggest a solution which made common sense. He helped more students and advisees more than they ever knew. He was a superb listener and a sincere human being. I first met him when his daughter Suzanne was in my sophomore English class. Both were joys to be around. I remember especially one day when he was walking by my hospital room after my surgery, came in for a chat, left and came back and gave me a glass blue bird. It still sits on the window sill of our dining room. I was shocked and sincerely saddened to learn of his death. My deepest sympathies to the Lifson family. We have all lost a major friend.

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On behalf of the New Tier Township High School retirees association, I extend deepest sympathy to the Lifson family. For years and years, Dr. Lifson's guidance and vision provided support and direction to scores of teachers and hundreds of students at New Trier in times of personal crisis and conflict. No mater how difficult the situation, Dr. Lifson was ever the humanist whose approach was characterized by kindness and appropriate action. His role and influence at the school will be abiding.

On behalf of the New Tier retirees assoiation, I extend deepest sympathy to Dr. Lifson's family. For years and years, his guidance and vision provided support and direction to scores of teachers and hundreds of students at New Trier in times of personal crisis and conflict. No mater how difficult the situation, Dr. Lifson was ever the humaist whose approach was characterized by kindness and apppropriate action. His role and influence at the school will be abiding.

I have been away from New Trier for several years now and have thought of Bernie Lifson many times. He was truly a special person in my life and the lives of so many others. His support and guidance for so many years is so greatly appreciated. I could never express the gratitude I feel when I think about our many conversations, both personal and professional.

Thank you, Dr. Lifson, for being who you were and for being a part of my life that I will never forget. You will be missed but you will never be far from my heart. My deepest sympathies to his family and many friends and colleagues. My thoughts are with you.

Over the 20 years we have known Bernie, he always had time for us, whether it be school-related or personal. He was always there with a kind word and helpful advice.
Bernie was much more than a colleague-he was a true friend and mentor.
He will be missed but never forgotten. Bernie was a beautiful person.

On behalf of the faculty and staff at The John Marshall Law School, we offer our sympathy to the Lifson family on the loss of their father.

I first met Dr. Lifson 39 years ago when I was troubled. He helped to make me the happy person I am today. He was the absolutely nicest, kindest person I have ever known. Whenever times got rough for me, I always called upon him and he was always there. No words could describe how sad I feel that he is no longer with us, but he will live in my mind and heart forever. I send my deepest sympathy to his wife and children and grandchildren. We have all lost a true prince of a man.

My deepest sympathy to Clarice and her family. Although we have been out of touch, I always admired and respected Bernie; especially his kindness and understanding.

Bernie Lifson was a fantastic blend of logic and kindness. I will be forever grateful for his guiding hand through a painful growth period many years ago. (Ellen Hayward)

Then, years later through very special friends, Bernie and Clarice became very special friends.

We wish the Lifson family the comfort of loving memories and thank them for sharing this wonderful and tender man with so many.

Ellen and Todd Hayward

I am truly saddened by the loss of Dr. Lifson. He was an inspiration to me in my years at New Trier H.S.. His mentoring truly guided me. Every week he would come with a box of doughnuts and his words of wisdom which frequently provided much insight and peace of mind. He was known as "the guy with the eyebrows" but you would just look at him and you could see how much he cared for everyone around him. Bernie was a man with a heart of gold and he will be missed. I send my deepest condolensces to his family.
Julie Lesser Schiffman

Dr. Lifson was and is the wellspring from which so much love and nurturing and caring has flowed. He will be sorely missed, and our thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with all of you always.

We sadly send our heartfelt condolences to Clarice as we review all the good experiences we shared over the years.

The Milanos send their regards. Dr. Lifson, a kind and learned man, always sought to do the best for his fellow man, and that kindness was reflected in and exhibited by his wonderful family.

I first met Dr. Lifson in 1987. Simply said, I do not believe I would be the person I am today if I had not met him. I have had the opportunity to work with him, learn from him and be mentored by him in his capacity as psychiatric consultant over my 19 years at New Trier High School. However, more than that, I had the opportunity to call him a friend.

Bernie never missed a chance to ask how I was doing, about my family, about my career. It was almost impossible to get him to talk about himself. On the few occasions I was able to get him to do so, it was always to speak proudly about his children and their accomplishments or his wife and how important she was to him. I am certain that many others shared this experience of Dr. Lifson as well.

The work we did together, work with troubled students and with the faculty who served them, was demanding and emotionally draining. True to his nature and calling, Dr. Lifson always checked how the caregivers were taking care of themselves and often deflected such questions when directed at him. He was a marvelous resource for all of the teachers who took the opportunity to consult with him and he was an incredible mentor and teacher for anyone who wished to allow him to be so. I know he served in that capacity in my life, as well as being a true friend and supporter on the many occasions I needed someone to provide that for me.

Bernie Lifson touched thousands of people in his life and career, directly and indirectly. He will be missed and remembered. Certainly, I will not forget him.

Dear Lifson Family,
Bernie was an inspiration for me in my work with troubled kids at New Trier. He was an extraordinary teacher, mentor and friend. My deepest sympathies to your family. We have lost a treasure.

Robert and Karen Levin

Dear Lifson Family,
Bernie was an inspiration for me in my work with troubled kids at New Trier. He was an extraordinary teacher, mentor and friend. My deepest sympathies to your family. We have lost a treasure.

Robert and Karen Levin

On behalf the the campers and staff at Camp Waupaca, we extend our sympathy at this time. May his memory be a blessing.