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1925
2013
Halpern, Abraham Leon
Abraham Leon Halpern, M.D.
Born 2/2/1925 in Warsaw, Poland.
Died 4/20/2013 as a result of an earlier fall. His family emigrated to Canada in 1927. As a teenager, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters during WWII. After the Korean War, he was honorably discharged at the rank of Lieutenant Surgeon Commander. A medical school graduate of the University of Toronto, he practiced psychiatry for over 50 years and was a leader in the subspecialty of forensic psychiatry. Awards from the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, and from many other organizations of medicine reflect a life dedicated to human rights. He marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma, fought against China's torture of the Falun Gong and illegal organ transplantation, the misuse of the insanity defense, and forced psychiatric hospitalization without judicial review. He was a national and international leader against the involvement of physicians in capital punishment and also physician participation in coerced interrogations of prisoners. All were subject of his prolific publications. He is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn, and his loved children (and spouses) Howard, Lon (Barbara), Marnen (Herdis), Chaia (Adam), Mark (Tomoko), Emily, and John. He was an adoring grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of 5. Services will be at Zion Memorial Chapel, 785 E. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY on 4/23/2013 at 11AM, Interment to follow at King David Cemetery in Putnam Valley.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Still think of you, Abe, and appreciate your life and counsel.
Bill & Elise Reid
Friend
April 18, 2023
Still remembering your shining example in AAPL of ethics and dedication.
William H. Reid, MD
Family
April 15, 2022
It's been many years since Abe passed. He was a good friend and colleague, a man of great ethic and dedication to what he believed, great kindness and respect for others. He was a giant for many fine causes, often standing up for them when they were unpopular with less mature, less experienced colleagues. It was a privilege to know him.
Wiliam H. Reid, MD
September 26, 2021
Abe was a friend and colleague. He was always generous with his time and energy to his friends and to the causes in which he believed. I will miss him and remember him.
Michael Blumenfield
Los Angeles
May 11, 2013
I never had the pleasure of meeting Abraham; only John. I could, however, see the influence in John's sense of advocacy and dedication ignoring the barriers of convention in order to simply help those in need. My condolences to the Halpern family.
Larry Schor
May 8, 2013
Abe was old enough to be my father and even as I am an older man I regarded him as such. He valued my passion for human rights but helped me give shape to my ravings and practicality to my actions. He was always encouraging and filled with smart advice. Ever since we met in the American Association of Social Psychiatrists he became a dear friend and I am very much grieving his loss.
Charley Huffine
May 5, 2013
Marilyn, Alan and I will always remember Abe as the intelligent, kind and warm person he was. We are fortunate to have been able to call him our dear friend and neighbor. XO Marilyn and Alan Katherine sends her love, from Thailand.
April 25, 2013
I did't know Mr Halpern but in reading all that he did in his lifetime. I'd like to give thanks to Mr Halpern because it seems like he lived his life in trying to fix many of life injustice.
April 24, 2013
Marilyn, I am so sorry to hear of Abe's passing. Please keep in touch as it's been so long since we've seen you. My mom will be 92 next month! I send love and my thoughts to you and your family.
carol pliner
April 22, 2013
- Abe was one of the most decent of men. With all of his many accomplishments, he was a truly humble man - a role model to so many. When I spoke with him by phone, just 3 to 4 weeks ago, and his knowing how ill he was - You could still feel the humor in his voice! I believe he was truly at peace.
Alan Hertz
April 22, 2013
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