Ord Matek Obituary

Ord Matek had a profound impact on me during an impressionable age of mine. He was the teacher, facilitator, mentor for Temple Beth Emet's high school program. He always modeled the finest of values.

Dr. Matek was my professor at Jane Addams in the MSW program from 1983 to 1985. Wise, challenging, and inspiring with a sense of humor, he was one of the best teachers I have ever had. He challenged his social work students to think deeply, critically and to examine ourselves as well.We all admired him so much. I am a practicing psychotherapist today and so grateful I had him as my professor.I use those lessons learned in his classes every day. I still cherish the the comments he made to me on my first paper my first semester of graduate school.

Just completed a long-overdue thank you note to Ord but discovered I'd written it too late for him to see. Still, please know how much he helped me and my family with his wisdom, common sense, kindness, patience, and practicality. Our lives were immeasurably improved by knowing and working with Ord. With love and respect, Nina and Elliott Goldstein

The the family of Ord Matek, I lived in the Eisenberg group home from 1968-1972 and he thought me lessons I never would of learned in life. He saved me. G-D bless his soul.

Some of my favorite memories are of the times i spent with Ord and his family. We visited often when i was young. Player piano and sprinkles were a must on every trip. And then i got to see him and Betsy when I was older and found out he was even more wonderful than I remembered. You are missed Ord.

Dear Betsy and All the Matek Family -- Our hearts are with "all of you" and your loss, truly! --- The Arbiture Family

Dear Michael Matek & family,

I was saddened to learn of Ord Matek's passing. In my brief encounters with Mr. Matek,he was always terribly kind to me, complimentary, and the consummate gentleman. It was a rare pleasure knowing Mr. Matek and I am grateful for the opportunity. His passing reaffirms that only the good die young.

Respectfully yours,
Gloria Gonzalez
Asset Mgmt Grp
Northbrook IL

I was Ord's banker. He would come to the branch, and would be dressed cooler than any other customer - lots of black, with a very cool beret. He'd always have some great Jewish jokes ready for me. I would fire back with a few of my own. Seeing him was the highlight of my day.

Dear Matek family,

I was so sorry to hear of Ord's passing, especially since I just saw him 6 weeks ago at my mother's memorial. I will always remember him fondly with his sense of humor and love for his family. When I told my parents 2 and a half years ago that I had an opportunity to pursue my career overseas, Ord was there and his comment was "you have to go!" No way my folks were going to argue with him about it.

My thoughts are with all of you here on the other side of the world.

Ord Matek was my teacher at the Post-Confirmation Class at Beth Emet in Evanston in 1962--4. He had a profound effect on me at a crucial time in my life. He modeled what it means to be a good Jew.
Rabbi Aaron Rosenberg

Dear Matek Family
I would like to correct a mistake I made in my original posting - Ord and I worked together at Eisenberg in the mid to late 50's not the '60's.

Dear Matek Family,

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Ord was a great man and a wonderful role model. I'm sure there is a player piano playing somewhere right now.

Mitch Greenwald

Dear Mike, Louise, Ben and Zack,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved Father and Grandfather. May his memory, sage advice and compassion for others stay with you all the days of your lives. That's all he ever wanted.
We are here to comfort you through this solemn time. May Ord walk among the righteous.

Shalom,

Jerry and Lori Salzberg

To the family of Ord Matek, We are truly sorry to hear of your loss. We will always remember our "eating out" gatherings with him and Betsy and how he enlivened our dinners with his humor. Sincerely, Don and Betty Newbart, Green Valley. AZ

To Ord,Betsy,Joel,Michael,Beth, Debbie, Efriam, Dina:
My heart and soul go out to all of you. Ord was not only my friend,but a great mentor for all of my life. I along with George were in the Unit at an early age. Without his help and guidence, most of the boys in the Unit (Eisenberg) would not have made it in life. This is a "great loss" for you and for us who he touched. He will be greatly missed by all. I know I will see him again. My love to all of you in this time of reflection.

Mark C. Blumenthal

Dear Matek Family
Ord and I worked together when he was in charge of the JCB residential school on California and I was the head teacher, back in the late 60's. We had our differences but I admired Ord and his abilities. I know he will be missed. My sincerest condolences.
Alice

Lisa and Steven Fink express their condolences to Mike's family on the death of Mike's Dad.

One of the best teachers I'd ever had. I still remember the class he taught in psychopathology. I will always be grateful. Dr. Harvey Wolf

To My Dearest & Oldest Friend who saved my life as a teenager and remained a lifelong friend of 49 years: I've yet to meet a wiser man, a kinder man, a man with such a unique & powerful message and the ability to communicate it to anyone who would listen. Through my grief and tears I thank you for all that you selflessly gave to so many for so many decades. We understand that time and space exist differently where you are but that you can see us and hear our thoughts. May you be at peace with the infinite wisdom that you deserve. We will continue to benefit by our connection to you. G-d Bless You, Ord.