Burton Kaplan Obituary

WE MISSED BURT ON OUR ANNUAL SKI TRP AND REMINISED ABOUT WHAT what a great guy he was and how much he is missed

May all your wonderful memories last forever! Merri

kay and i will remember forever

Great man!

Dear Anne,

I have such clear memories of meeting you and Burt during your Utah trips long ago. On an early ski trip perhaps 30 years ago, when I was still quite young, a big group of us were all having dinner in a lodge up in Snowbird or someplace nearby. Suddenly there was a lull in the conversation and my mom turned to Burt and said so that all the table could hear: "Well, you know young Ben here occasionally still wets the bed. Now, you know about mattresses, what kind of products would you recommend to ensure the best possible waterproofing?" I was mortified of course, but with effortless grace Burt steered the topic away from my personal shames and onto more general mattress related topics. Though I haven't seen you since I was young, I so clearly remember you both this way: graceful, friendly, vibrant, and intriguing. I wish you and Burt both peace.

Dear Anne;
I loved Burt's elan. He didn't spend a lot of time composing ironic ripost in his head like all the rest of us undergraduates did. What you saw was what you got. He was practical and direct, yet at the same time intellectual and exquisitely tuned in to artistic currents. Doing MOMA with Burt was a treat.
We were roommates one year. Kaplan doctrine had it that you showered first, then shaved. The shower softened your beard. Every morning I shower first, just like Burt said. As I will the rest of my life.
Burt was a great technician in the line. I could always run for at least 3.5 yards behind Burt and he was fond of pointing out that, "3.5 plus 3.5 plus 3.5 equals 10.5. And that's enough for another 1st down. So let's just keep doing it till their tongues are hanging out."
Oh yeah, and he turned me on to Prokofiev's Petrouchka Suite and the squeezebox tune at the Shrovetide Fair.
I'm so glad to have known you both.


Stan Scholl

Anne
Mary & I appreciated our friendship with you and Burt--He was a great guy and a gentleman--he will be remembered and missed.
David & Mary Peachin

For the Highland Park High School Class of 1958, the loss of Burt - or Buerta as many of us called him - based on the way we heard his grandmother say "Burton" - marks the end of an era in our lives. He was the tie that bound many of us together and now, tho the love is still there, we understand that we are floating about abit aimlessly in a post-Burt world. A certain kind of good times are over.

Burt was the President of the Boys Club at Highland Park High School. This was a no frills, super un-sexy, guys only group. I don't know that we did much of anything together, but the point is that Burt was tapped to get us organized. We didn't have a clue but seemed to sense that if anything did need to be done, Burt, if anyone, would know about it. We just unconsciously recognized his good sense, substance... solidity.... caring and respect for others.... If "boys" was a sport, he was in fact our unspoken, unnamed and completely unassuming captain.

I told him this when I heard he had Parkinson's back in the early 90s. "You're our champion, Burt. You're leading the way into what faces us all." We had just turned fifty. He didn't say anything. It was a job he would have just as soon not had.

Thank you, Buerta. We've heard the bells ringing for you and understand our time is coming too. You showed us how to go, amigo, with a ton of faith. Gracias, gracias, muchas gracias. Muchas gracias.

Dear Anne, While back in Highland Park today, I just learned that Burt died. What a guy. Burt never gave up. I hope that the wonderful memories of him and all that he accomplished will make this time of sadness easier to for you and your family.
Much love,
Allan Koretz

Dear Kaplans -

I was so sad to hear of Burt's passing. What a great guy. I miss you all. God bless you all.

Dear Anne,
On behalf of all of us here in Taos at Phoenix Mechanical, please accept our deepest sympathy and kindest thoughts. He really was quite a guy, wasn't he?

Dear Anne,

I just learned that Burt has passed away. As you know Burt was a very special and inspirational man. Maureen always spoke highly of him. The degree of courage, determination and strength he had with his battle with Parkinson was unremarkable. My deepest sympathy and I hope the treasured memories which Burt has left behind will be comfort to you and to the whole family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

Warm Wishes,
Buddy Cummings Mayer

Dear Kaplan Family,
What a shock;I worked with Burt years
ago at Sealy Inc.he was a pleasure to
work with and a true Bedding man.The
industry lost a giant.

Dear Anne, Mike, Laura, and Family,

In every way we wish you comfort . Please know our caring is heartfelt, our sympathy sincere.

Mickey and Ann Blake

Anne,
Betsy and I were saddened to hear of Burt's passing. Over the past years we marveled at his courage and stamina and your devotion to him. We fondly remember the better days and hope that his strength will be your strength in the coming days and in the future.
Fondly,
Roger and Betsy Mandel

Anne,
We are in Tucson and only recently heard about Burt's passing. While we had not seen him often in recent years, we have been so impressed with the work he did in the I Have a Dream program. As you know, Carol worked with him in that program for several months and I had an opportunity to do some work with him at Serta. He was as kind as he was charitable. He has been an amazing fighter these past 20 years! I know you and your family will miss him, as will we.
Carol & John Koretz

[email protected]

Dearest Anne,
I just heard of the loss of Burt. So many memories of his generosity and fun times.Most of all what a hero he was in the last years fighting as he did...and all that you did for him.While we have not been in touch in quite awhile I send my love and thoughts to you dear one and Beth, Mike and Charlie and the rest of your loving family. Such a life well lived and fought. I am glad that I knew him.

Hugs, Jane (Davis) Holzkamp

Dear Anne, The risks involved in loving deeply and living fully are the ineveitable deep losses. I am so sorry for your loss.
Bryna Edelman Livingston (class of '58)

Dear Anne and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Burt was a kind, compassionate and and courageous man. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Fondly,
Martha and Jim Gray

Dear Ann, Charlie, Beth and Mike- I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I did not know the extensiveness of Bert's generosity and care for those less fortunate until today. I do know that he was a kind and generous man and deeply loved by all his friends here in Taos. He will be missed. Mary Hockett

Dear Anne,
What a special man you married! What a void is left by his death. We will remember Burt always for his warmth, kindness, generosity and friendship. The two of you were a magnificent couple. Our love and deepest sympathy are with you and your beautiful family. Judy and Kenny

Dear Anne,
I am so sad to hear about Burt's passing. You and your family have my deepest sympathy and I will keep you all in my prayers.

North Lawndale College Prep., Board Member

Dear Anne,
I was so sorry to read of Burt's death. He was a true hero and dear friend to so many people, an amazing man who will never be forgotten. Both David and I want to convey our condolences to you and your family. We hope that the wonderful memories of a lifetime shared will bring you great comfort.
Love,
Carol Seelig Liner

Dear Anne and Morrie,
We arrived home tonight to the sad news of Burt's death. We are so sorry for your loss and wish to convey our condolences to you and all of your family. We know the memories of this wonderful man will bring you peace.
Love,
Beth and David

Dear Anne,
For a man that lead such a rich life it was sad to see the difficult fight that you both had with Parkinson's these past years. Burt's resolve to continue on was a clear indication of what a strong man he was. To us he served as an inspiration of always wanting and working for all that is good while at the same time struggling not let his health command his thoughts.

Martha and I will always remember Burt as a thoughtful, loving man. We will miss him always.

Our love to you,

Martha and Stefe Rosenblatt

Dear Anne & Mike, We are so sorry to hear about Burt's passing. He always struck us as a "Man for all Seasons" - a successful business man who cared about those less fortunate than he; a scholar and supporter of the arts; an athlete; and a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Burt will always be in our memories as a good and decent man who was truly interested in our lives. It was never all about Burt! May he now forever rest in the bosom of the Lord. You and your whole family will be in our prayers.
Susan & Joe Wheeler Weaverville, NC

Dear Anne,

Joan and I send our condolences to you and your family.

It's been a long time since our days together in Section B at the Business School but I remember Burt as a kind and good individual in the midst the hectic activity that characterized our time there. He was a good friend and I mourn his passing.

Dear Anne, We are so sorry to hear about Burt's passing. With deepest sympathy to you and yours. Peter and Gloria Loukas

Dear Anne & family,

I am very saddened by the news of Burt's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.

To The Entire Kaplan Family;

We were blessed to have been involved in Burt Kaplan's life and to have been touched by such an extraordinary individual.
Our family shares in your mourning and send our deepest sympathy and condolences.

Scott Michelsen & Family

Dear Ann we were sadden to hear about burt and send are love and prayers to you and family.

Manuel Alniz and family

We share your sorrow and are sending you our sympathy

Dear Anne, I just heard about the passing of your precious life partner. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dr. Toledo also sends his deepest condolences. I am glad I did have the oppurtunity and pleasure to meet you and Burt. Life can be so unpredictable. I know you must be suffering immensely! Again, my prayers and thoughts are with you that time will ease your pain. With deepest sympathy~~ Betty Mateling (RIC).

Burt was one of the most genuine people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He changed the lives of all of us Dreamers in different ways. Rest In Peace Burt. Anne, we love you guys!!

Dear Anne,
I never new about all the great things that Burt accomplished in his life. That it because he was such a humble, sweet, and honorable man. I always knew he was an amazing person. Even during some of his most difficult times on the golf course, he was always so thoughtful and caring for others. He will always hold a place in my heart.
Love,
Crystal Larson (Lake Shore CC Caddy)

Dear Anne & family,

I was a business associate of Burt's for many years and admired the way he related to people. We drifted apart,but about 10 years ago when my wife, Jane, developed Parkinson's we turned to Burt for advise and guidance. He was always willing to share and helped in many ways.
Rest in Peace, friend, and your good work will continue to help others.

Jane and Larry Levine

Wow! What a productive, inspiring, and full life he led! I'll never forget him, how warmly he always greeted me when our paths crossed, as if I were a member of the family. How we'll all miss him! But may you be comforted in knowing that he will live on in the efforts he made, through his good works and his exemplary life, to make the world a better place. May his loving family find solace in celebrating his life and recalling fond memories. May he finally rest in peace, released from his long, brave battle with a terribly debilitating illness!

Wow! What a productive, inspiring, and full life he led! I'll never forget him, how warmly he always greeted me when our paths crossed, as if I were a member of the family. How we'll all miss him! But may you be comforted in knowing that he will live on in the efforts he made, through his good works and his exemplary life, to make the world a better place. May his loving family find solace in celebrating his life and recalling fond memories. May he finally rest in peace, released from his long, brave battle with a terribly debilitating illness!

Dear Anne & family,
We were sorry to hear the news. We have fond memories of times shared in Taos & Cabo. What a special man...rest in peace, Burt.

Dear Anne and Family,

My name is Latunya Robinson- Richard E. Byrd Academy Dreamer. I am so sorry to hear about Burt's passing. Burt and You where a blessing to me, my family and also my fellow Dreamer's. Without the Kaplan family some of us would have never had the chance to go to college and have a better life without so many struggles and for that we thank you. Burt was a great,loving,and caring man. He was a second father to sum of us, and for many the only father,he will be missed by all. Let your heart's not be heavy but rejoice for he has made it too our father's house.. May God bless you and the entire Kaplan family,keeping you in my prayer's as alway's...

Burt was a inspiration to all

Love to Anne

Kay and Craig

Kay and Craig
Burt was a inspiration to all

Dear Anne,

We were shocked and saddened to hear about the death of your beloved husband, Burt. Our friendship was just beginning and we are so sorry that we did not get a chance to know him better. We have heard and read about all his accomplishments. It is something that will live on forever and will be a source of great pride for the entire family. We are presently in California but we hope we can see you upon our return. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Linda and Paul Gotskind

Dear Anne and Kaplan family, My name is James "Red" Howard. I was fortunate enough to be a part of the IHAD program that started at Byrd Academy in Cabrini Green some 20yrs ago. My heart weighs very heavy to hear of the loss of Burt. He was such a great man! I will forever be grateful for the love he had for us all, and the memories he helped create, and even finding the love of my life. Anne, you and your family are in our prayers. We love you all! Burt will never be forgotten. I will be attending. Love, James and the Howard family.

Anne, I feel so fortunate to call Burt my friend. No one better fits the description "one of a kind." We will miss him terribly.
Steve and Pauletta Sidari

My heart and thoughts are with Mike and every member of the Kaplan family in this time of heartache and grief. Please accept my deepest condolences and sympathies for the loss of a dear husband, father and grandfather.

Michael and I are sorry to hear about your loss. Burt was a nice man.

My name is Kim Brown-Dreamer-Bryd Academy. I am really sad about the news. Mr. Kaplan has been apart of my life for 25 years. He was like a father to me and many of the Dreamers. Please contact me at (773) 556-5553. I would love to attend the services. He will be missed! My prayers are with the entire family.

" And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those are called according to His purpose" Rom. 8:28...My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Sam Talosig (Mt. Prospect, Il)

Burt has been a very special friend for more than 50 years...I pray that you and the kids will come through this sad time with "flying colors"! Love, Barry Caris

Dear Anne-
There are no words for this sadness. Please know that I send you all my love. You have been a wonderful partner to a wonderful man.
Heather

My deepest sympathy to all who loved Burt. I know Burt is in the arms of angels. God Bless

Dear Kaplan Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Burt in the 1970's and 80's doing consulting for Sealy. Burt was truely a wonderful person. I have thought of him and the rest of the Kaplan clan, from time to time. I offer my condolences to the entire family, and know he will be missed by many of whom he touched. God bless Burt, may he rest in peace, and be blessed with many birdies in heaven. John A. Daly

We thank God for every remembrance of Burt, a precious man and sweet friend.
Love,

Thanks for all you did for so many people.

Dearest Anne and Family,

Our prayers are with you in this time of great loss. May your memories sustain you and bring you joy. I hope that one day I too may exibit the courage and fortitude demonstrated by Burt.

May God bless you. With love. Emilio and Carol Santi

Anne:

Our thoughts are with you & your family.

Donna & Mike Bell

Dear Anne,
Karen and I just learned about Burt's death this morning. We are deeply sorry and send our love to you and your family. While our paths crossed only occasionally, I always felt a very warm feeling of friendship and collegiality. It is sad to lose Burt, but his spirit and values remain strong.
Love,
Walter and Karen

Goodbye to my lifelong hero!