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Gary Poter Obituary

Poter, Gary tragically, age 48, loving husband of Karen (nee Shrifter), cherished and proud father of Jessica, Cameron and Jeremy, dear son of Sam and the late Sofia Poter, and step mother Jane Poter, adored brother of Ann (Fred) Leviton, beloved son-in-law of Harold and Marion Shrifter, fond brother-in-law of Susan (Neil) Fialkow and Rob (Cathy) Shrifter. His uncanny sense of humor and generosity will be missed by many nephews, niece, friends and family. Service Thursday, 11 a.m. at Temple Beth-El, 3610 W. Dundee Rd., Northbrook, IL. Interment Shalom. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to Glenbrook North High School, 2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook, IL, 60062, Atten: Principal's Office. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals, 847-229-8822, www.cjfinfo.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times from May 17 to May 18, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Poter

Not sure what to say?





Debbie Sloan

May 1, 2021

I just learned of Gary´s tragic passing. I felt a terrible feeling in my gut. I went to grade school with Gary and agree with description of the type of person he was. My belated condolences to his family.

Debbie Sloan

Julio y Graciela Vaisman

June 7, 2006

queridisimo amigo Sam nosotros no encontramos ni palabras ni explicacion para esta gran tristeza te queremos tanto y estamos a tu lado con todo el corazon.

sam poter

June 2, 2006

querido Hijo,fuiste y sos sangre de mi sangre, JAMAS podre olvidarte, seras el angel mas lindo y el mas bueno en el paraiso. Te llevare siempre en mi corazon. Tu Papa

Rob, Cathy , and Grace Shrifter

May 31, 2006

Gary will be truly missed by our entire family. Words can not express the loss in our hearts that we feel, when we think of him. We will always remember his smile and his sense of humor. We mourn his loss

and remember his spirit.

Linda Harris

May 28, 2006

Karen & The Family:

I was in California on a busy trip, when I heard about Garys death. I was very hurt when I found out exactly how it happend.

Gary & I met in 2005, and ever sense we have been good friends. We spoke frequiently about life and his Real Estate business. He was an amazing guy, had a sense of humor always knew how to comfort someone with his laughter.

My husband past away two 1/2 years ago, and I have children myself. I know how you feel and I hope you get some relief from this horrible death.

Danny Bobrow

May 28, 2006

I was the only Junior pledging the Tau Epsilon Phi House, having transferred to Champaign from Western Illinois Univ. Gary was the Pledge Father (I think that's what they call it). He was a very likeable guy. This was remarkable at an age where most people had some issue or another they were working through, which often affected one's communication with others.



Gary was the "real article."



I wish I'd kept in contact with him. Among many things I never knew about him was that he was born in Argentina. Having visited that country many times, I know we'd have had lots to talk and laugh about.



I am very saddened to hear of his untimely passing, and the pain that must now be endured by his family, loved ones, and friends (myself included).



He had clearly done much with his life following college, as I knew he would, and hope the family will draw strength from those memories and his accomplishments and love.

May 26, 2006

We have deeply lamented the moments the entire Poter Family has had to endure; we hope that now, more than ever before, you remain closely together to continue.



Just a few days ago we had the occasion to talk with Gary and he just expressed how proud of each one of you he was, he irradiated joy.



For Danny, the Poter Family has been, and it will always be, very important. We are keeping all of you in our prayers.



Receive our sincere hug and always count with us.



Jose, Adriana, Danny and Pedro Gomez

Robin Fine-Soderstrom

May 26, 2006

To the Poter family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Embrace each other to help you thru this as only family can. I remember working with Gary many years ago and always having a great time. He was a terrific boss and friend. May your love for him keep you close to his spirit.

La familia Herrera

May 26, 2006

Familia Poter,

Los acompanamos en su pena. Jessica, Cam and Jeremy, your words at your father's funeral made the sun shine again. Your dad certainly was an amazing person to have inspired such a tribute. We wish we had known him better. Please accept our most heartfelt condolences.

Susan Benjamin

May 25, 2006

I just had met Gary once, on the 2800 Milwaukee Avenue project--I am working on the building's renovation. I was so impressed with Gary's honest, pleasant, professional demeanor. It was a privilege to have met him, and I will think of him often as I help make the project a success.

Adrian Kolb

May 25, 2006

Dear Karen,

I am so sorry to hear of you and your family's loss. I have been thinking of you non stop and send my heartfelt sympathy to you all.

I can see that Gary was an amazing man.

I will always have great memories of being kids together. Please know that you are in my thoughts.

Love,

Adrian (Davis) Kolb

Tracy Levitt-Huber

May 25, 2006

Dear Karen and Family,

I am so deeply saddened to hear about your loss. Gary hired me to work at Sherwin Real Estate after moving to Chicago from NY 20 years ago. Gary taught me so much and I admired his wisdom in business. He had a great sense of humor and was very caring. Karen, although it has been many years, I have many memories of both of you and how you welcomed me at that time.

My sincerest condolences go out to you and your family.

David Fleischer

May 24, 2006

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Gary taught me more about the Real Estate business than can be imagined, but even more than that, he taught me, by example, a lot about being a true mensch.

Susan Kikoen

May 24, 2006

Dear Karen and Family, I worked with Gary years ago, when we were both with Sherwin Real Estate. I remember him as a colorful, energetic person, gifted with charm, talent and a free spirit. I hope that deep and happy memories of him will comfort you all as you grieve. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this tragic time.

Dave Bavido

May 23, 2006

Dear Karen & Family,

I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Gary. We were childhood friends growing up in Rogers Park. Played basketball together at the High Ridge YMCA and poker in the basement of the home on Ridge Ave.

Though our lives took us in different directions as adults, I will always

have the fondest memories of my childhood growing up with Gary.

Peace be with you

Judy Clar

May 22, 2006

My deepest and sincere sympathy to the family and multitude of friends of Gary. Tragically, his life has been taken much too soon. I hope that time will ease the pain and that only fond and happy memories will prevail. My heart goes out to you all.

Lou (Javier) Kacyn

May 22, 2006

Dear Poter Family, I am sorry that I was unable to attend the funeral. I remember Gary from many years ago, when all of our Argentinian families would gather for picnics and New Years Eve Parties. He was the person I most looked forward to playing with as a boy at those events. He remains one of my earliest pleasant memories of this country. My deepest sympathy for this horrible and tragic loss.

Jeff & Holli Epstein

May 22, 2006

Dear Karen and the entire Poter family. Our sincere sympathies go out to you and your family for your tragic loss of Gary. We are sorry but we were out of town last week and couldn't be with you and your family.

Stacey Filerman

May 22, 2006

To Jessica and the Poter Family:



I am truly sorry for your tragic loss. I know that your positive attitude and maturity will carry you through this difficult time. You are a talented warm and wonderful woman, someone whom I admire. My deepest condolescences.

Cheryl Kaminski

May 21, 2006

Dear Karen, Jessica, Cameron and Jeremy,

Certainly there are no words that can comfort you during this time and no words that we can think of to express how saddened we feel. We will always remember Gary.

We know what a devoted father he was and how he took pride in all the accomplishments of Jessica, Cameron and Jeremy. He would be especially proud of how all three of you were able to share your memories at the service on Thursday. Karen, you and Gary have raised three amazing children. Karen, may you find strength to continue in the difficult days ahead. We know that Gary is watching over all of you now…and always will be.

Much love from your cousins,

John, Cheryl, Keith & Anissa

Anne Hazan

May 21, 2006

To the Poter family,



You have been in our thoughts and in our hearts during this time of devastating loss. We have known Gary for 15 years, and shared countless hours sitting in audiences with him, watching Jessica shine on stage. He was always so proud of his family, and such a nice, warm and friendly guy. May it eventually bring you comfort and peace to know how many lives were touched and enriched by knowing him.



Love,

Joe, Anne, Laurie, Danny and Bobby Hazan

Nora Gurevich

May 20, 2006

Dear Karen, Jessica, Jeremy, Cameron, Annie and our beloved Tio Sam and Tia Juana,

We are so sorry to hear the tragic news about Gary. Gary was a man of integrity who deeply loved his family. Although Gary is physically gone, his spirit and love lives on in the lives of those he loved. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Love,

Al,Nora, David and Marissa Gurevich

Jamie Clar

May 20, 2006

Karen & family,



My deepest condolences to all of you.

Larry Goodman

May 20, 2006

To the Poters Please accept my deepest sympathies of the tragic loss of Gary.He was such a nice guy.I enjoyed talking to him when he would come into eat at "U Dawg U"

rob langendorf

May 20, 2006

We will miss Gary.He was an excellent basketball player, he had a great outside shot. He was a true gentleman on and off the court.

Jodi Strong

May 20, 2006

Dear Karen, Cameron, Jeremy and Jessica,



We are so very sorry for your tragic loss. Our hearts go out to you and your entire family.



Jodi, Alan, Jillian and Mallory Strong

(Sister, brother-in-law and nieces of Wendy and Neal)

Lisabeth Weiner

May 19, 2006

To the Poter Family, We knew Gary as an adorable young boy in Rogers Park and were friends with him and Anna and their counsin Lilliana. Over the years we were very proud of his successes. And now we are so saddened by this terrible tragedy and send you our deepest sympathies. Elliot, Lisabeth and Larry Weiner

Ed Sherman

May 19, 2006

To the Poters:



Please accept our deepest sympathies at the loss of Gary. We felt compelled to write after attending the service Thursday. Ilene and I were deeply touched by watching Jessie, Cameron and Jeremy. It was truly inspiring to hear their words and share in their memories. It was remarkable to see their composure under the difficult circumstances. Thanks to his kids, I'm sure everyone walked out of the service with a much better sense of who Gary was, what he stood for, and why he was so admired and loved. He would have been very proud, as we're sure you are, Karen.



Ilene and Ed Sherman

Michael Simon

May 19, 2006

Jeremy,

I'm sorry about your dad. He was really a nice man. I was at the funeral yesterday and thought you, Cam and Jessica did a great job reprenting your father. I'm always here for you if you need a friend. You can always call me.

Mabel Capistran

May 19, 2006

Mrs. Poter and Family,



There are no words to express how sorry I am of your tragic loss. I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting you and your family. But through my mother Margarita Serrato (Maria Navar's best friend) I have heard wonderful things. You and your family are in my prayers. You are a very strong woman. May the wonderful memories of Mr. Gary Poter be with you in your heart forever.

Randy Epstein

May 19, 2006

Dear Karen and familyu,



I am SO sorry for your loss. What a terrible tragedy! Please let me know is there is ANYTHING I can do for you all.



Love,



Randy Epstein

Marcia and Richard Chessick

May 18, 2006

Dear Karen, Jessica, Cameron, and Jeremy. We send our deepest sympathies for your tragic loss. Although we didn't know Gary very well we heard wonderful things from our dear old friends your mom and dad about him. Sincerely, Marcy and Rick Chessick

guille kaminszczik

May 18, 2006

querido Sam: te acompañamos a la distancia en este duro y desgarrador momento de tu vida. te queremos!!!Guille, Claudia y Ezequiel

Helen Rosenberg

May 18, 2006

Dear Poter Family,

My mother and I were at the funeral today and we are so sad that this happened to your family. We are relatives of Gary's dad's wife, Jane, yet feel a closness to you and the children. I was touched by your eulogies today and am saddened for your loss. Helen Rosenberg and Hannah Gertz

Karen (Brown) Serafini

May 18, 2006

Dear Karen,



I have thought about you often over the years. Please accept my sympathies over your loss.

Blake Raven

May 18, 2006

Coach Poter was my baseball coach last year. I learned a lot from him. He was really nice and always made it fun. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed.

Barbara & Stanley Neimark

May 18, 2006

Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Having known the Shrifter family for many years, this tragedy hits close to home. We are very saddened

Jack Orlov

May 18, 2006

Karen, so sorry to hear about this tragic loss.

Carrie Bayliss

May 18, 2006

Dear Karen, Jessica, Cameron and Jeremy,

I worked with Gary as his executive assistant. Although I've never had the honor of meeting all of you, I wanted you to know that my heart goes out to every one of you now and in the weeks to come. Gary was the kindest and funniest boss I have ever had and we will all miss his sense of humor, his smile and his horrible singing. He loved you all so much and I have never seen a man so proud of his family. God Bless you all.

Adrienne O'Brien

May 18, 2006

The Portage Park community is shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic loss of our dear friend. Gary will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family

Caressa Willis

May 18, 2006

Sam

I am deeply saddened by your tragic loss, my prayers are with you and your family.

Mary Marcus-West

May 18, 2006

Dear Karen, Jessica, Cameron and Jeremy,



My deepest sympathy to all of you in your time of grief. May all of the wonderful memories that you shared as a family help you to find strength and peace. May God bless you!

janis levin

May 18, 2006

Dear Karen, Jessica, Cameron & Jeremy



Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family on such a horrific tragedy. Gary will be missed by many. May you all find strength in the days ahead.



Bobby and Janis Levin

Ken Burler

May 18, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Andrew and Paige Eaton

May 18, 2006

Karen - There are no useful words to address the loss of Gary, so let me instead comment on his memorial service. It has been several years since I have seen you, Gary, and the kids, and in that time you and Gary have raised three strong, brave, pure-hearted children. I know Gary would be so proud of them for displaying the qualities he held most dear: love, humor, and integrity. My best to you, Jess, Cam, and Jeremy; you will survive and thrive on the love that Gary embodied.

Susan, Carly and Lauren Stockdale

May 18, 2006

Dear Karen, Jessica and family,

We are so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man, who will be sorely missed. We hope you're doing as best you can, in this situation. We're thinking of you.

Paul McWilliams

May 18, 2006

May god bless you and your family at this time of sorrower! Your husband was a good and fair man at the little time that I knew him. GOD BLESS YOU

Pablo Morales

May 18, 2006

Poter Family:



I am deeply saddened by your loss. Gary was wonderful caring man. He will be missed by all who knew him. I will forever cherish his memories...

Familia Vaccarezza

May 18, 2006

Estamos con ustedes en tan dificil momento. Los acompañamos con nuestros oraciones.

Chicago Masonry Construction, Inc.

May 18, 2006

Our deepest condolences to Mr. Poter's family and friends.

Claudia Aisenberg-Wisbrod

May 18, 2006

Sam, Ann and family...I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Lo siento.

Richard Sciortino

May 18, 2006

Gary was a a bright, level-headed gentleman with a warm sense of humor. He had a generous smile that was always a welcome sight. I know he adored his wife and family. I pray that his presence always remains glowing in your thoughts and hearts.

Bruce Krizmanic

May 18, 2006

I was sorry to hear of your loss, my condolences to the family in this time of loss and sorrow.

Jeff, Karen and Josh Gordon

May 18, 2006

Dear Karen, Jeremy, Jessica and Cam,

We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Gary was a true gentleman and he will be missed by everyone he came in contact with. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your extended family.

Nicole Richards

May 18, 2006

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Sandy Stricker

May 18, 2006

Dear Karen, Jessica, Cameron and Jeremy,

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Gary was a wonderful person and he will be missed greatly.

Sandy, Corey and Amy

Margie Smigel of MetroPro

May 18, 2006

We worked with Gary on his newest developments on the South Side. Our deepest condolences to his family and to his colleagues.

Mark Hauer

May 17, 2006

Mr. Poter was an inspirational man who was loved by many. Having worked with him for many years I know that his tragic passing will have a great effect on countless people. He will be immensely missed. From the depths of my heart I send my condolence to his family and friends, but especially to his children, who he constantly spoke of and was so incredibly proud of.



Sincerely,

Mark Hauer & Family

Heide Weiner

May 17, 2006

Dear Karen and Family:

Ian and I are saddened by your tragic loss. Always remember that our love ones only leave our eyes never our hearts.

Anita and Barry Klerman

May 17, 2006

We share with the Poter family the great sorrow of such a tragic loss and offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences.

barbara and mickey goldsmith-kniff

May 17, 2006

our deepest sympathy to marion and harold shrifter and family on the death of their beloved son-in-law.

Sean , Susan, Michelle & Richard Borre

May 17, 2006

Dear Karen and family,

We extend our deepest sympathies to you. We only hope that you can be comforted by your memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Isaac and Rose Levy

May 17, 2006

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Robert Polonsky

May 17, 2006

My deepest sympathy. He will be missed by many.

Jose Gadlli

May 17, 2006

Dear Poter Family, So sorry to hear this shocking and terrible news of such a great guy, I am thinking of you and share in your grief. Love you all,

david &bea gotlib

May 17, 2006

Samuel;no hay palabras que pueda

describir lo que sentimos pero,

queremos que sepas que compartimos

aunque sea un poquito el gran dolor

que toda la familia y amigos estan

pasando.

nunca lo vamos a olvidar

david y beatrice

Dennis R. Kane

May 17, 2006

So sorry to hear of your loss. He endeavored to do right and he took pride in all he did. Gary will be truly missed.

Lawrence J. Starkman

May 17, 2006

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Robin Tivers

May 17, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Gary & I went to grammar school, high school and The University of Illinois together, so I had known him since kindergarten. He will be remembered as a very kind, generous man.

Tommy Rifkin

May 17, 2006

Karen and all the family. I am wishing you well at this time and if there is anything you ever need, you know you can call on me.

With all my love,

Tommy Rifkin

Kelly Brown

May 17, 2006

May you find comfort in God during your time of berevement. Though, I didn't know him well, my interaction with him was always a pleasant experience. I'm sorry for your loss.

Richard Robbins

May 17, 2006

Please accept my sincere condolences over the shocking and untimely loss of Gary. Over the years I have fond memories of our conversations over business meetings, especially the love he had for his family. Gary was a talented developer & entrepreneur who found unique projects like his conversion of a church into town homes and converting a furniture factory into beautiful condominiums. He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed.

Sincerely,

Richard

alan medansky

May 17, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Merrill Medansky

May 17, 2006

Hearing David's wonderful stories about Gary makes me understand how deeply he will be missed and how much he influenced others. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

Karen Zimbler

May 17, 2006

Our deepest condolences to the entire Poter family.

Sincerely, Karen & Darrell Zimbler

(friends of Neal & Wendy Leviton)

The Reisman Family

May 17, 2006

There are no words to express our feelings of sympathy, and although we cannot begin to understand what you must be feeling, please know that our hearts and thoughts go out to you and your entire family.



You are wonderful people.

May 17, 2006

I work at a company in the same building as Poter Construction and the tragedy that happened yesterday came as such a shock to everyone. I want to express my deep condolences to Mr. Poter's family & friends.

rita pyroulis

May 17, 2006

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

Shayle Epstein

May 17, 2006

I will miss your bright smile, incredible integrity, and honesty, but most of all your friendship.You will be remembered and missed forever.

Debra Cox

May 17, 2006

Paul, Ben, Sam and I were very saddened by the news of Gary's death. We extend our deepest sympathy to the entire family, and to all of the other people who knew and loved Gary.

Barbara & Ramiro Ramirez

May 17, 2006

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Barbara & Ramiro Ramirez

May 17, 2006

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

jim bream

May 17, 2006

Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family at this time of shock and tragedy.



Jim and Laura Bream

Schneider Family

May 17, 2006

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Mike and Martha Weisman

May 17, 2006

Dear Karen,

We are saddened and outraged to hear about Gary.Having grown up together, and than having the pleasure of being friends and neighbors at Dearlove Cove,we have many fond memories of Gary. Please accept our deepest sympathy.

Nancy Snow Title Services, Inc.

May 17, 2006

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Gomez Family

May 17, 2006

Dear Poter Family,

We are deeply saddened by your tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,

Bob, Denise, and Esteli Gomez

Patti Simon

May 17, 2006

Karen, Cameron, Jeremy and Jessica,



We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to you and your extended family.



He was an amazing man and will be truly missed.



Patti, Jeff, Michael, David and Danny Simon

Jason Yale

May 17, 2006

Mr. Poter was a kind man with an unbelievable outlook on life. His children were lucky to have such a wonderful role-model. He will be missed.

Charles Dribin

May 17, 2006

The loss of Gary will be greatly felt. Working with and knowing the Poter family though his children, Jessica and Cam, he was truly a fine and loving father to have parented such wonderful children.



He will be missed by all who knew him and knew of him.



Peace and prayers to the entire Poter family.

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