Harold Burnstein Obituary

Burnstein, Harold R. 88, of Highland Park, IL died December 4, 2007 at Prentice Hospital in Chicago. He was born on May 28, 1919 in Chicago. He attended Northwestern University and received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree in 1940. He attended University of Illinois and earned his CPA in 1941. From 1941-1945 he worked at Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corp. in San Diego as a tax accountant. He joined the American Institute of Accountants in 1944. He then attended DePaul University, College of Law and received his Doctorate of Law in 1950. From 1945-1979 he practiced accounting and law with John E. Hughes, and received certification in 1955 to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1979-2007, he was of council with Schwartz and Freeman in Chicago, and Strauss & Malk in Northbrook. Mr. Burnstein represented businesses and clients in all aspects of federal tax and business law, estate and financial planning and counseling on business and family matters. He was an expert in the strategy of investing and advised many in financial planning. He had the unique ability to make his clients his friends, and make his friends his clients. He was generous with his advice, even sharing his brilliant mind from the hospital bed with visitors, doctors, and nurses in the hospital. Everyone who knew him agreed that he taught them and inspired them in each conversation. He believed in the power of the individual to accomplish great things, in business and in life. Mr. Burnstein was active in numerous organizations, including the Highland Park Voters Association, past chairman; Highland Park District #108 School Board 1967-1973; Highland Park Public Library Board of Directors 1974-1980; North Suburban Library System 1976-1979; Toastmasters International; Jewish Children's Bureau; and Chicago Bar Association, past chairman committee on taxation. He founded and organized a book club in 1966 that continues to this day. Mr. Burnstein chose all of the books for the club until he became ill. Now, book club member, John Calloway continues the tradition that Mr. Burnstein began. Mr. Burnstein was a member of the Standard Club, Economic Club and Birchwood Country Club(founding member and past president.) He was listed in Who's Who in American Law, a member of the Federalist Society, and the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy. He is survived by his wife Harriet Kay Burnstein; two children Joan Burnstein Gand and Clifford Burnstein; two grandsons Sam and Otis Burnstein; son-in-law Gary Gand; and daughter-in-law Sabra Turnbull. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Division of Hematology/Oncology; Highland Park Hospital; or to the Chicago Botanic Garden. For info please call Kelley and Spalding Funeral Home at 847-831-4260 or kelleyspaldingfuneralhome.com