Bernie Landis Obituary

God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the Family's..My condolences to the Family's.

Just googled Bernie. Saddened so so much. I miss you. Love you,Phyllis. Georgiana

Dear Phyllis, Our friendship began in high school, continued when you went to school in Chicago, when you married Bernie and your years in Toledo. The good times we had at B'nai Israel-Bernie was "our star performer" and great director.
Loren and Ruthie I watched you grow and
become the adults you are today.
My sincere condolences to all of you.
Annette Fine (we lost Ted this past June)

I can't imagine the world without Bernie. He was a light in the theatre world - in the world period. I saw in him goodness, talent, love and fun combined in a way that enlightened me and made me feel that this planet we inhabit was a really great place, that with love we could really make our lives just spectacular. I am so sorry he's gone.

He will be missed. Love to the family and friends. We auditioned for the same roles and it was a delight to see what costume Bernie would show up with.

Landis Family

Condolences on the loss of your husband and father. Fond memories of the Lynro Productions at the State Theatre, Sunday School classes and of good times spent with Loren growing up.

Susan Lampert Richards

Bernie was a lovely and loving man! A true mensch in the fullest sense of the word. May his memory be for blessing.

Dear Mrs. Landis, Loren, Ruthie, and family,

My deepest sympathy to you all on the death of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

I grew up in Monroe, Michigan and was a Sunday school confirmation class student of Bernie's at B'nai Israel in Toledo. My brother Jonathan attended Sunday school with Loren and my brother Rabbi J.B. Sacks was in the same class as Ruthie.

Bernie was by far my most engaging and memorable teacher in Sunday school with phrases such as"today we are going to engage in meaningful dialogue." He was clearly a "renaissance man" of many talents. Bernie told me that he had been an excellent golfer with a 7 handicap, but he wisely gave it to start playing tennis. So, he and I would often play tennis after Sunday school and to my surprise, Bernie was a fine tennis player.

I moved to Chicago in 1980 and became reacquainted with Mr. Landis again by chance when I saw his wonderful performances in plays such as "The God of Isaac" and "Beau Jest". My parents once saw him perform in Chicago and went back stage to greet Bernie. Bernie, with his keen memory, asked them " where's the tennis player? Why isn't he here?"I again crossed paths with your family because of my friendship with the Letchinger family.

Bernie was a very wonderful,kind, warm, charismatic, sensitive person who greeted or said goodbye to you with a kiss. The world may be a small place but my world was made much more special for having known Mr. Bernie Landis. May his life be a blessing to you and all who knew and were touched by Bernie.

Frank Sacks
Lincolnwood, IL

My sympathy to you on the loss of your dad/husband. I rememer Bernie as my Sunday school teacher, as a performer at UT's Doermann Theater and in Fiddler on the Roof at B'nai Israel, and as a store owner in the Colony and Starlite Plaza. I enjoyed seeing him as well on tv commercials. He seemed to enjoy all of thse pursuits. May your fond memories help you get through the months ahead.

Sorry for your loss, I knew Ruth in high school, met her dad a couple times, very nice man.

Lili

Ruthie,

You and your family have my deepest sympathy. Losing a beloved parent is heartbreaking.

You may not remember me, but I fondly remember your friendship from high school. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Missy Knight

I remember Bernie from my childhood. he inspired me to continue on to the stage as a dancer. May he rest in peace.
Sharon Russell-Aloni

AlthoughI doubt that Ruth would remember me. She( little girl), Bernie (an adult) and I ( a young teen) all worked together for a theatre group in Toledo, Ohio called Lynro Productions. I have vivid memories of them in a production of Gyspy and have been a fan ever since. Bernie will be missed.

Fran (Gerken) Martone

Dear Phyllis and family - I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Bernie. Although it's been years since I've seen you, I have often recalled the happy days of Shoe Biz, the Westgate Dinner Theatre and the Toledo Rep. I will always remember his creativity, humor and kindness...& NO ONE was a better Willy Loman. With love,

Phyllis, Ruthie and Loren you have my deepest condolences. Bernie was hysterical and warm at the same time, a true inspiration to all actors. He taught me how to sell shoes; he introduced me to deep fried mushrooms and red paint, lots and lots of red paint. He also showed me how you keep your lunch in your girdle. (You had to be there!)

Ruthie, my condolences. So glad you and your dad had those years together in Chicago. All my best - Dick

Phyllis, Ruthie and Lauren - so sorry to hear of Bernie's passing. Please accept our condolences. We have fond memories of sharing Starlite Plaza with you. Bernie was our 'wizzard' at The Yellow Brick Road. He was a very special person in all aspects of life.

I only did one show with Bernie--and it was in 1987 and a cast of 26!--but for the last 25 years, I never ran into Bernie without him instantly giving a warm smile, a kiss and an enthusiastic "Boychik!"
Alleveh Shalom.

The memories are flowing of Bernie before Chicago. Toledo, shoes, friends of my parents. A man who had a dream and followed it and it came true.

I recall seeing Bernie play the role of Pseudolus (the Zero Mostel role) in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM at the Toledo Repertory Theatre in roughly 1973. I've seen Pseudolus' everywhere (Nathan Lane, Mickey Rooney, David Alan Grier, Bob Amaral, Paul Vogt, Lee Wilkof, Whoopi Goldberg & many more). I've still never seen one as good as Bernie's was. When I think of the role, I think of Bernie and Zero Mostel and that's all. Saw him in several roles at Lynro including Max in SOUND OF MUSIC, Applegate in DAMN YANKEES (still the best I've ever seen, funnier than Ray Walston), and Doolittle in MY FAIR LADY. If I recall correctly, he also did Big Daddy in CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF and the Porter in MACBETH for the Toledo Repertory Theatre with equal ease and finesse. He adored acting and was singularly devoted to it. He was also singularly funny in day-to-day life. All situations and circumstances had humorous potential and any knickknack could be turned into an improvisation that made his companions laugh all the way to the restroom. He always thought like an actor. He had a quality so rare in these days -- he had class. The kindness that he and Phyllis showed will always be fondly remembered and appreciated.

My condolence to The Landis Family. He was such a joy, and thank you for selling me first pair of Joan and David heels.

Bernie was not only a terrific actor, he was a terrific human: genuinely warm and caring, with a zest for life and a gratefullness for all of his many blessings, that was uplifting to be around. He tauight us much, and will live in our memories.

We will never forget Bernie literally welcoming us with open arms the first day we moved in next door. We will miss his lively spirit and hot summer days spent chatting on the front porch. Our hearts go out to you.

My most vivid childhood memories are of watching my Uncle Bernie, along with Phyllis and Ruthie, running lines and singing songs from Fiddler on the Roof in the living room of my childhood home. With appologies to all others that have played the role, no one emoted Tevya like Bernie Landis did. His love for the stage was only matched by his love for family and friends. He was a man of passion and conviction - both in the many roles that he portrayed and the life that he lived - and I loved and admired him dearly. He will be with me for as long as I live, in my blood and in my spirit. God Bless you, Uncle Bernie.

My heart is with the wonderful Landis family; Bernie was an amazingly loving and kindhearted man. He was one of the true gentlemen of the Chicago theatre community, and his laughter and talent will be sorely missed.

I had a most wonderful time working alongside Bernie, while doing 'The Old Man's Friend', at Victory Gardens. A true gentleman, and a real scholar, he was an absolute joy to be around, both onstage and off, and he and his darling wife, Phyllis, showed great kindness to us both, during our final year in Chicago. Although he'll be missed by many, he'll long live on in memory, and we hope that he, and his family, may be at peace.

Jacqueline got it right with "A Chicago treasure". He will long be remembered with great warmth and love. His family will most certainly carry on his amazing legacy. Truly.

Bernie was a sweet, loving and lovable man, always ready with a smile, a hug and a kiss. He will be sorely missed and always remembered. And lest we forget, that man could rock a beret!

Bernie was always so encouraging, always took joy in another actor's accomplishments. My condolences to Ruth and her family. He will be greatly missed, and what a great legacy he leaves in this community.

A Chicago treasure. My condolences to the Landis family.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Bernie's family. It was my privilege to work with him, and I was honored to call him my friend. A truly kind and loving soul.
Dennis Cockrum (Los Angeles, CA.)

Always greeted you with a hug and a kiss. Always asked about your family. One of the most generous and beloved actors in Chicago. My condolences to Bernie's family, especially Ruthie. God speed, Bernie.

It was a joy for me to get to know and work with Bernie on SOL SCHUMANN. He was not only a fine actor, even better, he was a guy who radiated the warmth of fellowship like a fire in a hearth.

Howard & I extend our condolences to the Landis Family. I remember car pooling to Sunday School with Ruth & Loren when they lived over on Lyman Avenue. And I also remember Mr. Landis co-teaching our Confirmation Class and the shoe store ("Shoe Biz") on West Central Avenue in Toledo. My brother who lives in the Chicago area called me today and told me that he passed away. He led a full life and I hope the happy memories stay with all of you. Sandy (Gould) and Howard Saviet

This is a huge loss to our community. Deepest condolences to his loved ones who will continue to feel his presence throughout their lives.

He was Mr. Love.... and always there with a kiss and hug and supportive smile for all that knew and worked with him. I always had fun playing with him onstage and his more than generous spirit will be greatly missed. Indeed he was "Santa Claus" for the Chicago community

MY MOST HEARTFELT SYMPATHY TO PHYLLIS AND FAMILY.BERNIE WAS A SPECIAL PERSON.IT WAS FUN ACTING WITH HIM AS WELL AS BUYING SHOES FROM HIM.I LOVED HIM IN THE NEXIUM ADS.I TOLD ALL MY CARD PLAYING FRIENDS IN FLA.ALL ABOUT HIM.WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM IN OUR HEARTS.

Bernie and I did a play together as guest artists at Columbia College and had a great time. He had a great technique for clearing your head when it was too full of detritus. He demonstrated it on one of the students who I am sure still fears it. It was a pleasure working with you, buddy. Sail on!

Bernie was one of the wamest, most generous actors I've ever had the pleasure of knowing....
John Green

Although I didnt know Bernie very well, I did get a chance to book him on a radio show a few years back. His easy manner, shy smile and wealth of knowledge on theater made me realize quickly that he was special. No wonder every one liked him. My condolences to his family. My husband Wayne joins me in this tribute.

Bernie without being nosy was inquisitive and sensitive to another's thoughts, goals, anxieties and passions. This included first-timers of his acquaintance. What words express this quick interest in another? Love and sweetness. And those things are what he leaves to us.

What a wonderful warm person. You felt his presence the minute he walked in the room. A terrific talent. We, in the entertainment world, will
miss him. My sincere condolences to his wife and family.
BOB BARON actor

I remember Bernie fondly as the Devil in Damn Yankees in the 1966 Lynro production. I was his Lola and was always happy to bask in his talent, humor and kindness. He taught me patience by missing an entrance while I paced on stage for three minutes in full view of a packed house. That memory still makes me both cringe and smile.

Our condolences to the Landis family, I can still close my eyes and go back 45 years and hear Bernie discussing Sydney Harris in our Sunday school class. He truly was an unforgettable character we meet in life. May G-d give the family strength during this time of sorrow. Brent and Ricki Rubin and family