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Alexander Hamilton High School Cornell University University of California Los Angeles University of Southern California

Esther Sinclair Obituary

SINCLAIR, Esther Friedman On May 11, 2008, Esther Friedman Sinclair succumbed to breast cancer. She was 58 years old. Esther courageously battled this disease for 21 years, giving her the opportunity to raise her two children and see them mature into adulthood. Esther was born on November 15, 1949 to Sonia and Solomon Friedman in Brooklyn, New York. When she was a young child, her family moved to Los Angeles, where she graduated from Hamilton High School and later UCLA. She earned her Ph.D. from USC, after which she joined the faculty of the UCLA School of Medicine and later became a tenured professor. Esther married Keith Sinclair in 1978. Two days before their sixth wedding anniversary, they welcomed their first child, Kevin, into the world. Two years later, their daughter, Kelly, was born. Esther had the most amazing passion for life. If she was off traveling the world or just sharing a laugh with her girlfriends, Essie always sparkled with her contagious smile. Esther led a full and complete life in the time that she was with us. She gracefully balanced her roles as wife, mother, professor, devoted daughter, and a truly generous and fabulous friend. Services will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at Hillside Memorial Park, 6001 Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90045. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Esther and Keith Sinclair Scholarship Fund at Cornell University. Checks should be made payable to Cornell University, and sent to Penelope Chick, Cornell University - Office of Alumni Affairs and Development, 130 E. Seneca Street, Suite 400, Ithaca, New York 14850.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from May 13 to May 14, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Esther Sinclair

Sponsored by Chip Brown-grateful friend,one time patient.

17 Entries

Chip Brown

January 11, 2011

I have been out of touch with my UCLA folks for several years. And I was just sending Esther news of my new career success on the Food Network for her to watch...when my email was just returned. I googled to see where I might find her. Devastated to read the news. Her diagnosis of a learning disability(difference) that was missed during my entire academic career until I was in my 30s was a life changing event for me. It was information that shed light on many struggles I had for years & thwarted the claims of academic laziness that I had heard many times in my life in spite of making it all the way to med school. Her expertise, sensitivity, & passion will always be cherished by me. Forever grateful, William "Chip" Brown

A friend of Esther

November 15, 2008

Esther, I want to acknowledge your Nov. 15 birthdate and will do so every year for the rest of my life. I am truly sorry that I did not contact you before you passed away, to tell you many things, especially what a special person you were to me and everyone else you came into contact with. I will forever deeply regret that I didn’t.

Steve Breuer

August 25, 2008

A pretty young woman interviewed with me to be a counselor at Camp Hess Kramer. She identified herself as Esther Friedman,coming from a traditional home but eager to work in our Reform Jewish camp. I liked her immediately and hired her on the spot. My nickname for her was "Esther Jewish". She was a delight. She worked with Nadine Bendit, who, years later became my wife and feels the same sense of loss as I. We took great pride in her as a UCLA song girl and later as a UCLA scholar and teacher, though we had little occasion to come into personal contact. So Esther's image remains bright blonde shining and happy - in our memories and our hearts.

A friend of Esther

August 4, 2008

I am a friend of Esther Sinclair, having known her since her college days. Esther’s untimely passing is no doubt a shock to everyone, but particularly to her family. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.

I think it would be a shame if the memory of such an exceptionally kind, generous, and brilliant woman, as Esther was, will simply fade away over time. Unfortunately, that normally tends to be the case with respect to most people after they die. Because I have always regarded Esther as being such a special person, I would like to do my best to prevent having the memory of her fade away, and so have decided to try to keep it as fresh as possible. This Guest Book is the best way I know of doing that.

It is my hope that the Guest Book will continue to be filled with entries of all kinds. The Guest Book will be open for people to write and read new entries forever, and without any limitation on the length of the entries. Because the Guest Book allows people to contact others, via email, if the email recipient permits such contact, it will give people who knew Esther a chance to connect with each other for all sorts of reasons, and not just with regard to Esther.

Please tell people you know who knew Esther about the Guest Book, how to access it, and to write an entry in the Guest Book if they are so inclined. I believe that Esther is watching us from above and will smile when she reads all that is written about her in the new, Internet, version of the Book of Esther.

All types of Guest book entries are welcome. Some people may simply want to express their sorrow at her passing. Others may want to write to express their thanks to Esther for something that she had done for them or a family member, or to simply indicate that they felt privileged to know her or be around her. Perhaps others would like to write some interesting or amusing stories they remember about her or to wish her a happy birthday on the anniversary of her birth, November 15.

So perhaps I should start out with a short story about Esther, relating to her undergraduate days at UCLA. Many people who did not meet Esther when she was a young woman, which would include her children, may not be aware of how attractive she was to men, and how much they pursued her before she got married. As is true for many of us, Esther’s early outgoing personality became much more subdued in her later years, probably because of what she was going through, medically.

In her younger years, Esther was not a beauty, in the classic sense, but still was very, very good looking, had a terrific figure, and possessed an incredibly outgoing, vivacious, and fun personality that could not be beat. Plus, as everyone knows, she was extremely smart. When men met her, especially those who liked very bright, good looking, and outgoing women, who liked to have a good time, she literally knocked their socks off, and it showed in how many attractive men pursued her.

I do recall a few stories about her male friends Esther told me about when she was in college, which she never, ever, bragged about. One of the most memorable accounts she told me was about all of the days she had three or more dates on the same day. She never explained why she liked to arranged her social calendar in that way, but it probably was because she simply liked to have a good time. In that respect, she could have easily been the inspiration for the famous Cindy Lauper song that later came out called “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” I often wondered how men handled the end of their dates with Esther, on her multiple-date days, after probably inquiring and finding out she often had other social plans arranged for later in the day. We never discussed that topic, but I have no doubt that all inquirers would have been given that warm smile most of us have seen from Esther, which could probably make men easily accept anything she told them.

A second story Esther once told me about her social life, which I think very few people know about, is that Hugh Hefner, who was probably in his late thirties to early forties at the time, once tried to pick her up. Unfortunately, I don’t have any good details as to what she said about that event, except that I am almost positive that Esther told me that she turned him down flat. It must have been a shock to him, as he probably had his pick of women, especially during that period of his life.

I hope to read other accounts of interesting or eventful stories concerning Esther, which I am certain that other people, who are also friends of Esther, would enjoy reading as well.

A friend of Esther

July 9, 2008

I will be writing a longer entry in the near future on this subject. But I want to communicate now my hope that people, whose lives have been enriched by coming into contact with Esther, can write a short (or long) entry to share with others a memorable experience or pleasurable time they had with her, or write a tribute to her for something she did on their behalf or on behalf of a family member.

Nobody can know for sure, but Esther could be watching from above and can smile that memorable smile at her happy remembrances of the event you describe. Please take that possibility into account when you write that entry to make it extra special.

Also, please let others know about this free website, which I have been told will be online forever. I hope, over time, there will a long list of entries for people (including, perhaps, Esther) to read.

Chris Burkholder

May 21, 2008

Dear Keith, Kevin and Kelly,

Thoughts and prayers have been with you. May God continue to watch over you and Bless your family.

Cathy Raycraft

May 15, 2008

Dear Keith, Kevin, and kelly,
I will always treasure the fun times I had with Esther in the UCLA songgirls days. She always made us laugh. We've lost a loyal Bruin who will be in our hearts forever.
Cathy Crandall Raycraft

Terry Conboy

May 15, 2008

My condolences to family and friends. My sister was a dear friend of Esthers' and I know that Esther was loved by all. May she rest in peace.

Larry Farmer

May 14, 2008

Keith,
Esther was always very kind and caring to me and my family. She touched so many people. Our prayers and hearts will remain with you now and in the days ahead. May the Lord bless and comfort you and your family. The Farmer family

Patti Gribow

May 14, 2008

Dearest Keith,
We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Esther was a 'ray of sunshine' to all she touched. Undoubtedly, she is now spreading joy on the other side.
With heavy hearts,
Patti and Dale Gribow

Pamela Warren (Rumack)

May 14, 2008

To the Sinclair Family,
I went to high school with Esther-we knew each other but were not close. The last time I saw her was at a UCLA basketball game years ago. As always, she welcomed me with warmth and grace as if I were a close friend. Her absence with be profound I am sure. I send my heartfelt sympathy to all of you. How blessed you were to have her in your life.

Kitty Cooper

May 13, 2008

Keith-
My mom told me of Esther's passing (my parents know friends of yours). Although I haven't seen you in many many years, and haven't seen Esther since high school/college years, I have such fond memories of her. She had a smile that lit up a room and a sweetness that I will never forget. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Kitty Cooper

Russ Hopkins

May 13, 2008

Keith, I read the obituary on your wife's passing, and I wanted to offer my prayers to you and your family, I know that God will comfort you at this most difficult time.

Russ Hopkins,
From Sen. McClintock's old staff.

Jody Bangert

May 13, 2008

Dear Keith, Kevin and Kelly,
We feel like we have lost a member of our family. Esther will always be in our hearts.
Much love,
Jody and Larry Bangert

Sharon Stillman

May 13, 2008

Keith: Even though we have not spoken in quite some time, I want to express my deepest sympathy on Esther's passing. I will always have memories of our years spent together at UCLA and at Camp and will treasure them. All my love. Sharon Brenner Stillman

Nate & Bradley Walker

May 13, 2008

Esther was a truly wonderful person that will be missed by all.

Rabbi Chaim Bryski

May 13, 2008

Dear Keith,

My deepest condolences on your tremendous loss. I'm confident she will live on in the good deeds you have both initiated and continue in her name. May she be a good intercessor on high on behalf of yourself, Kevin and Kelly.

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