Dr. Edward Furstman

Furstman, Dr. Edward
Throughout his 90 years, he was known by many names: Ed, Doctor, Dad, Grandpa and Papa. But to family, friends and patients, Dr. Edward Furstman, the dentist extraordinaire who passed away August 6, 2004, was a true gentleman. He was a man of genuine dignity and diligence whose life was defined by integrity, loyalty, hard work, intellect, humor and love. Born April 19, 1915, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Furstman attended UCLA from 1932 to 1935. He met his future wife, Belvy, on the steps of Royce Hall. Though he transferred to USC, where he received his D.D.S. from the School of Dentistry, he remained true blue to his beloved Bruin, whom he married in 1940. He spent four years in the United States Army, where he served in the Philippines and rose from 1st Lieutenant to Major. He and Belvy raised their family in West Los Angeles, where he maintained his office until retiring in 1983. He was passionate about his profession. He was Associate Professor at the USC School of Dentistry (1950-1960), taught at Loma Linda University, and in 1991 was appointed an Alumni Advisor to the Dean of USC's School of Dentistry. Dr. Furstman served as President of the Western Dental Society ('57-'58); the LA County Dental Society ('61-'62); the California State Board of Dental Examiners ('64); and the Southern California Dental Association ('68). Other prestigious posts included: Chief Dental Consultant, Pacific Mutual Life Insurance (1970); Representative of the American Dental Association to the American Medical Association, Council on Medical Education (1973-1976); Chairman, Council on Dental Education, American Dental Association (1976-1978); Trustee, American Fund for Dental Health (1979-1984); member, Council on International Relationship, American Dental Association (1983-1988); National Chairman, Dentists Campaign, American Fund for Dental Health (1987); member, Dental Associates, USC Dental School; Consultant, Commission of Dental Practice and Education, Federation Dentaire Internationale (1987-1989); National Treasurer, USA Section, Federation Dentaire Internationale (1988-1992). He also wrote many papers on dentistry. His many honors included the Leadership Award, LA County Dental Association; Award of America, Southern California State Dental Association; Omicron Kappa Upsilon, USC (1962); and Alumnus of the Year, USC School of Dentistry (1992). In 1980, the California State Assembly honored his contributions to California dentistry with a special resolution. His professional affiliations included the Academy of General Dentistry, American College of Dentists; American Prosthodontic Society; Association of Military Surgeons; the Beverly Hills Academy of Dentistry; International Association for Dental Research, Southern California Dental Association; Western Academy of Medicine and Dentistry; and the Century Club, USC School of Dentistry. Dr. Furstman achieved much in his lifetime but always felt his greatest accomplishment was his family. Nothing was more important to him. He could boast, and did, of a long lasting, loving marriage of 64 years to Belvy. To his daughter Stacey Winkler (Henry) and his son Scott (Susan) he was gentle, generous, kind, affectionate and caring. For them, he was an optimist, a hard worker and a good spirit. He was old school. He worried about doing the right thing...and he always did. His six grandchildren Jed Weitzman; Zoe and Max Winkler; Brian, Tyler, and Amy Furstman remember their Grandpa with great love and affection. He was very proud of them and his zest for life will live in their hearts forever. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, August 10th at 10:00AM at Hillside Memorial Park, 6001 Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cedars Sinai Hospice Program, PO Box 48750 TSB 190, Los Angeles, CA 90048.