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IRVING RABIN Obituary
Irving Rabin
The Jewish Community has lost one of its most innovative leaders. Irving Rabin was born in San Francisco May 11, 1930 and passed away at his Tiburon home August 15, 2012. He was the founder and CEO of Rabin Worldwide, an international industrial auction company. With his partners, he owned Butterfield & Butterfield, which was acquired by eBay in 1999. Irving was co-founder and first president of Young Adult Division (YAD) of Jewish Federation, which has been responsible for thousands of Jewish marriages, and founder and first president of Jewish Vocational Services. He helped to acquire the land for Menorah Park, and was its first president. He was president of the Magnes Museum of Judaica during its most crucial period, working hard to preserve its place among the great museums of the Bay Area. He served on countless boards and put his amazing energy into many other Jewish charities.
Irving is survived by his wife Varda, daughter Shira Rabin Weissman and her husband Daniel Weissman, son Ariel and his wife Sarah Buchwalter Rabin, daughter Orlee Rabin and her husband David Shlachter, and son Daniel Rabin. He is survived by his sister Millie Reese and was predeceased by his brothers David, Sol, and Henry Rabin. Irving is also the proud grandfather of Levi and Yael Weissman. He is mourned by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends.
Funeral services will be held at Congregation Beth Shalom (301 - 14th Avenue, San Francisco) TODAY at 10 a.m. Friday, August 17. Contributions can be made to Congregation Beth Shalom in San Francisco, Congregation Kol Shofar in Tiburon, or the Judah L. Magnes Museum in Berkeley.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for IRVING RABIN
Debra Pell
September 12, 2012
Varda, heard the news here in Israel. Saw your beautiful kids at the NIF dinner and they told me Irving was not well. I know you are always someone who counts her blessings and he was probably one of your greatest blessings ever. He always had a kind and supportive word to say. May all your memories be a blessing. I know you are surrounded by your kids and many loving friends. Know that I am thinking of you all from Israel and sending love. Always, Debra Pell
Vincent Wee
August 24, 2012
I first heard this from Bertrand my son. I am very sad to hear this. Irving and I have had very memorable times together which started as a business related relationship to friendship with him and his close family.
Alice Fredericks
August 23, 2012
My condolences to the Rabin family. Mr Rabin was a visionary, so true, but in my heart, he was a man who took loving care of a wonderful family - Alice Fredericks
susan libitzky
August 18, 2012
My deepest gratitude to Irving for all his visionary and life-affirming actions .....in some way,I can thank Irving for founding YAD..... I met my husband when he was leading a leadership Mission to Israel....thanks for preventing me from being an old maid....Susan Solomon Libitzky
Lewis rabin
August 17, 2012
Varda please call Lou Rabin 650 5711100ewis
Leslie Alden
August 17, 2012
My thoughts are with Irv's wife and children and all of his friends. I did not know him at all well, but the timnes we spoke, I found him to be an enlightened, charming, intelligent and thoughtful man. Charles McGlashan thought very highly of him. I know he will be missed by all who knew him and I will ask Supervisor Kate Sears to adjourn the Board of Supervisors in his memory at their next meeting on Tuesday, August 21st.
Holly and Jon oldfather
August 17, 2012
It was an honor and pleasure to meet you and your wonderful family. You have left the world a better place.
Jon and Holly Oldfather
Harvey Caplan
August 17, 2012
My heart is out to you, Varda. We will talk soon. XO
August 17, 2012
I am truly stunned. Irving was one of the most impressive Jewish leaders I was priveleged to work with, starting with out days together at YAD. He was truly a giant among gianats and the community as well as the Jewish world have lost one of its most irreplacable. Lou Weintraub
Marc Rubin
August 17, 2012
Irv - will miss you tremendously - we just never spent enough time together - times at University of Michigan was great
Ariel Angeles
August 16, 2012
Mr. Rabin, Thank you for everything...
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