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Berton Harris Kaplan
1930 - 2017
Berton Harris Kaplan
1930 - 2017
Obituary
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Berton Kaplan Obituary
June 27, 1930 - May 5, 2017
Chapel Hill
Berton H. Kaplan, 86, died Friday May 5 at Carol Woods Retirement Community in Chapel Hill.
Bert was born in Strasburg, Virginia to Reuben and Jennie Roseman Kaplan, immigrants with little formal education who instilled a passion for learning. He played high school football, achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, and recalled being reprimanded for asking too many questions in school, which foreshadowed his career.
Bert graduated from Virginia Tech with a commission in the US Air Force, where he served as an administrative officer at Cape Canaveral. Following his military service he moved to Chapel Hill to attend graduate school at UNC, where he met Ellen Evelyn Brauer and they married on campus in 1959. He completed his doctorate in sociology in 1962. After a post-doctoral fellowship at Cornell University, Bert returned to UNC and never again left Chapel Hill for more than a few months at a time. He served on the faculty of the UNC School of Public Health from 1963 until his retirement as Professor of Epidemiology in 1999. His research at the intersection of social science, medicine and humanities resulted in numerous publications including authoring or editing three books, but his greatest professional passion was teaching, for which he received the School of Public Health's McGavran Award for Excellence. His scholarship and teaching across departments and disciplines was recognized with the Faculty Service Award for Outstanding Service to the University. His legacy includes the many students and colleagues whose lives and careers he touched. Two of his former students have gone on to serve as university presidents.
Above all his professional achievements, he was a devoted, loving and wise son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, who approached life with a profound sense of awe and gratitude. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Julius and Albert, and his in-laws Alfred and Hilde Brauer. Left to treasure his wisdom and his memory are his wife Ellen of Chapel Hill, his sons and their families: Daniel Kaplan, Marian Abernathy, Celie and Alex of Durham and Ron Kaplan, Barbara Hipp, Anna and Harris of Bainbridge Island, Washington.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday May 9 at 3:00 pm at Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham.
The family are deeply grateful to the kind and caring staff of the Carol Woods Health Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to Judea Reform Congregation, the Lerner Jewish Community Day School, or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 3, 2019
Bert was my mentor during two years of study onsite at UNC-Chapel Hill (aka "South Side of Heaven" Ha!), and 10 years of study at a distance from Louisville. He was my "buddy" too. We had weekly meetings where I would typically open the discussion with one question -- of 10 words or less -- before he launched into a discourse. Only at the end of his discourse did he relate the message to my opening words. What fun! What a great learning experience! What a wonderful person!
Robert Wm. Prasaad Steiner, MD MPH PhD, FAAFP, DABPM; UNC Class 1988 & 1998.
Michele Forman
June 13, 2017
Bert Kaplan had an extraordinary impact on my life as I am sure he touched so many others. In brief when I visited UNC as a senior in college trying to figure out where I wanted to go, it was Bert who led me to epidemiology, and sent me on a trajectory for life. He was a gentle-man, with a sense of direction for others, but never pushy. He was an avid tennis player and loved to talk about it with me. Most importantly he was always there when you needed him. I will not forget him. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Michele
Kathy Magruder
June 13, 2017
Bert was a selfless mentor and colleague in learning. I know how deeply he touched my life, so I can only imagine the hundreds of other students he influenced and inspired. From him I learned to be careful and thoughtful in research, but to be bold with the questions I asked. He will be missed, but his academic legacy will live on though those of us who were lucky enough to have had him as a teacher, mentor, advisor, and friend.
Bert at his retirement celebration
Victor Schoenbach
May 27, 2017
I owe my career to Bert, who was like a second father to me. I have a folder about him in my "virtual library" - https://sakai.unc.edu/access/content/user/vschoenb/Public%20Library/People/People/Bert%20Kaplan/
with the eulogy I read at his funeral service, awards he received, photos, and other mementos. He was a true Mensch, who will forever be remembered in the hearts of many.
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Ken Gray
May 10, 2017
Bert was a friend, wise counselor and a scholar to emulate. My fond memories include zany tennis matches with Bert, Morrie Lipton and others. Bert stimulated me to read literature in ways that I never imagined due to his wisdom and insights. My profound sympathy to Ellen, Daniel , Ron and all the family members
Sherman James
May 8, 2017
Bert was one of my dearest friends and a very important colleague and mentor during my years as a faculty member at UNC-Chapel Hill. He was the best read person I've ever known and he had a fabulous sense of humor. I so enjoyed his company. Bert was a devoted teacher who set an example for the rest of us to follow. Most of all, he loved Ellen and his two söns with all of his heart. I will miss him.
May 8, 2017
My sincerest condolences to the family. May the strength and peace that only God can give comfort you during this difficult time. Psalms 29:11
Jane Serling
May 8, 2017
Bert was the kindest, gentlest graduate advisor and teacher any student could wish for. His insights into humanity and health are a part of me forever. May his memory be a blessing.
May 7, 2017
May his memory be a blessing. Mark Rodin
Des Runyan
May 7, 2017
What a leader and a scholar! Bert was the finest example of a mentor and teacher I have encountered in more than 35 years of academic work. I miss him already.
May 7, 2017
Ellen and family-
I was deeply saddened to learn of Bert's death. He was the epitome of the "gentleman scholar," with an inquisitive mind, a personal warmth and humility, and an abiding passion to teach and to learn from others. While it has been many years since my regular conversations with Bert as a graduate student, I will treasure memories of him always. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to all of the family, but especially to Ellen.
Ray Greenberg
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