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Bernard Kaye Obituary

KAYE Dr. Bernard L. Kaye, 80, passed away March 14, 2008. Dr. Kaye was born September 12, 1927 in New Haven, Connecticut to Reuben and Anna Kuklinsky. He proudly served his country as an officer in the US Coast Guard. Dr. Kaye was an accomplished plastic surgeon in the Jacksonville area. He was a long-time member and past President of: the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the International Society of Plastic Surgeons. He served as the Chief of Plastic Surgery for Baptist Medical Center, and was a lifetime member of the Duval County Medical Society. He served on the Blue Ribbon Committee for the Suction Lipectomy Procedure. He wrote the medical text, "The Aging Face," and authored numerous medical journal articles on plastic surgery. He also patented the Kaye Scissors, which are still in use today. Dr. Kaye was a founding member and the first Baille of Les Chaine des Rotisseurs, Jacksonville Chapter. He was an active board member of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, and performed as an occasional guest musician. He played many instruments and once had an alto saxophone solo specifically written for him by Duke Ellington. He was also one of the founding supporters of WJCT. Dr. Kaye was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce Kaye. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Shan Kaye; brother, Dr. Harold Kaye; son, Robert Kaye; daughter, Deborah Kaye; stepchildren, Juliet Boughton, Cecilia Whittlesea, Felicity Cornish, and Richard Hand. Funeral services will be Monday, March 17, 2008, 2PM at HARDAGE- GIDDENS Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. There will be a Shiva at Congregation Ahavath Chesed, 8727 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32217 at 3:30PM and 7PM following the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, 300 West Water Street, Suite 200, Jacksonville, Florida 32202. Arrangements made by HARDAGE-GIDDENS Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207 Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

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Published by Florida Times-Union from Mar. 16 to Mar. 17, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Kaye

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Paula Dunham

February 16, 2023

Dr Kaye helped repair scars I received in a terrible car accident when I was in high school in the late 70s. He put me at ease as we listened to jazz music during the procedure. We were both fans of this music. When I look at my scars over 40 years later I´m so grateful for his artistry and how he rebuilt me and my confidence in my face. RIP

LaWanda (Rampino) Hill

March 28, 2008

Mrs. Kaye and family:

In 1965, Dr. Kaye did plastic surgery on my face to rebuild the right side following a car accident where I tried to ruin the dashboard. I did a good job of it and so did he!! When he asked me if I was pleased with the result I told him "no". He looked at me a bit strangely and I said "Dr. Kaye, you made me look exactly like I did before. I was hoping for something better". We both laughed.

When Dr. Kaye retired a few years back, I sent him a card thanking him once again for not only putting my face back together but putting my life back together as well. I don't know where I'd be today had it not been for his genius and I really don't want to think about it.

Irony is, when I needed a plastic surgeon, the top guy (Dr. Snow) was on an African safari and Dr. Kaye was the next in line. I got lucky. I don't know who Dr. Snow is (or was) and have never met the man. God sent me Dr. Kaye and I can't imagine anybody doing a more perfect job.

Only problem I had with Dr. Kaye? He told me he was going to take some packing out of my face and I just figured he was going to open the incision above my gums and dig it out (we were in the office). Well, he gave me this little spit pan and told me to hold it under my nose (which made me wonder how the heck he was going to get to my mouth). He grabed his needle nose plyers, put 'em up my nose and started unraveling the gauze. I could feel it unwinding in my face and still remember that today....43 years later. He said there was 12 feet in there and every 3 or 4 feet had a plastic clamp on it and he was only going to take part of it out. When he started (and I saw the color drain from my mother's face), I told him if he wanted it he better get it now cause I wasn't comin' back for more of this. Thankfully, he pulled all 12 feet thru and I never lost conciousness. Amazing, huh?

So, in my book, Dr. Kaye could move mountains and I'm one blessed (much older) woman now because God sent him my way.

We'll see him again soon. And he'll recognize me, I'm sure. After all, I'm his masterpiece.

Kathy Kay Stawara

March 20, 2008

Dear Deborah and Robert ,
(To me, you will always be Debbie and Bobby.) I was sad to hear about your dad. I have so many fond memories of your family when you lived in Montclair. Please know you are in my thoughts in prayers.

Bruce Schwartz

March 20, 2008

Dear Shan and Robert - - -This is a loss we all share - - -sorry we didn't have the opportunity to have more recently shared in the fun times as of old. Love to you all - - - Bruce

Madge Bruner Hazen

March 20, 2008

Dear Robert and Deborah, also Shan and her family,
I knew Bernie Kaye and his deep interest in the Jacksonville Symphony when I first came to Jacksonville in the 60s. He played flute with the Symphony and was a very alive, and most interesting person. He help get WJCT-FM Stereo 90 up and running. He attended many musical events in this city.
I always remember his Joyce and a concert on WJCT we gave in her memory.
So to Bernie's friends, patients, and lots of musical associates, we will hold you in our hearts in an exaulted
practice!
With love and deepest sympathy,

Juli Kendeigh

March 19, 2008

Dearest Robert,
I was deeply saddened to hear of your father's passing. He was an amazing man. May time heal your sorrow and friends ease your pain. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sayeh Farah

March 19, 2008

My sympathy goes to the family. I met Dr. Kaye and his first wife Joyce when I came to this country. They were wonderful to me and helped me get adjusted to life in America.
Peace and Blessings,
Sayeh Farah (Adjoudani)

Stephanie Tison Farah (Liz and Jim's daughter)

March 18, 2008

My condolences to Dr. Kaye's family at this difficult time. The city of Jacksonville has surely lost a great man with many talents. Peace be with his family and friends.

Anthony & Heather Fazio

March 18, 2008

All our Love....what a wonderful man.

Celeste Burger Dixie Hawkins

March 18, 2008

Dear Shan:

Dixie and I were shocked and saddened to learn of Dr. Kaye's death. Dixie so enjoyed booking your travel and hearing your funny stories!
I was blessed to be able to know Dr. Kaye professionally as well, and I will miss him deeply.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Kate Boslet

March 17, 2008

My greatest inspiration/influence for me in the field of Plastic Surgery. He taught me everything I know today that has afforded me the opportunity to work with many plastic Surgeons throughout my career. I will never forget him and be forever indebted to him. My deepest sympathies to Shan and his children.

Kristina Walker

March 17, 2008

I was one of Dr. Kaye's patients back in the seventies. I saw him quite often and as a small child, it never bothered me to have to go see him. I always wanted to. He was much more than a Dr. to me, he was like having another grandpa. I have thought so highly of him over the years and will continue to do so. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Charles DuPree

March 17, 2008

Dr.Bernard Kaye's Family.
I met Dr. Kaye in 1971 at the
Baptist Hospital E.R.,He did
plastic surgery on my face,
from an auto accident.37 years
later I still see the magic he worked
on me every time I look in the
mirror.I have read about in the
Musical talent he had.Dr Kaye
left a great legacy
Charles DuPree

Jorge Pena

March 17, 2008

Such a great man, he will be missed by many.
Sincere condolences.

Kitty Kelly

March 17, 2008

Robert and Deborah,
My deepest sympathies to you both. Your dad meant so much to me. He took a lame secretary and made her an OR tech 35 years ago. I am indebted to him for my nursing career and everything that I have done and been since that time. His influence and encouragement changed my life.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Kitty Kelly

William Madison,Jr.M.D.

March 17, 2008

Goodbye old friend.

Leigh Cort

March 17, 2008

Dear Robert and Shan, Jay and I were very saddened to read about Bernard's passing...but we have very fond memories of his warmth, talents, zest for life and love! We send you our thoughts of friendship and caring.

Jim Tison

March 16, 2008

Liz and I wish to offer our condolences and prayers during this time of sorrow, and as you know, we love you both. It was an honor to have known and be associated with Dr. Kaye for so many years, and Liz cherishes the time spent with him while in his employ. Our sympathy is with you. Please take care.
Jim and Liz Tison

Donna Thomas

March 16, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Shan. We shall dearly miss Bernard.

Love, Donna & Dean Thomas

Doreen O'Toole

March 16, 2008

Robert _
I was very saddened to learn of your father's death. Know that I am holding you close in thought and prayer as you move through this difficult time.

Aaron Rosenberg www.amitchildren.org

March 16, 2008

Dear Robert, Debbie and extended family,

I was quite saddened to read of Dr. Kaye's passing. I admired him a great deal, as did my parents and I recall many enjoyable hours in your elegant Point La Vista home.

His choices of vehicles, audio equipment and musical instruments, the matching Yamahas in particular, always caught my attention.

During my own post-op in 1968, I inquired about the suction drains. When I said, "Why can't you just suck out the fat?" I thought I could see a light bulb go off over his head!

My condolences to you all on the passing of a fine man. May you be comforted among the morners of Zion.

Susan Bucholtz Buck

March 16, 2008

As a long time friend of the family, this is a great loss to them and the community of Jacksonville. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, my dear friends.

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