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David K. Kaplan M.D.
1953 - 2016
David K. Kaplan M.D.
1953 - 2016
Obituary
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BORN
1953
DIED
2016
David Kaplan Obituary
David attended Hiram College in Hiram, OH, where he received his Bachelors of Science. After graduation, he was accepted into St. George's Medical School in London, and was trained as a Cardiothoracic Surgeon and worked at the Royal Brompton Hospital. David was also a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. After his training, David took a year off from medicine to pursue his lifelong love of computers, taking several courses in the subject. It was through both his medical and computer training that led David to devise Medical 3D Imagery Systems. Most recently, David was working at St. Joseph's Hospital as an Emergency Room Physician, though he had worked on-call for many hospitals in the state, including St. Mary's in Lewiston.
David was one of a kind, and a man of many talents. He was self-taught in the art of carpentry, roofing and plumbing; using this knowledge to renovate his island house on Great Diamond Island in Casco Bay. Around the Island, David was known as "Doctor Dave", fixing all manners of bumps, bruises and cuts for both children and the occasional pet, tricks he had picked up from tending to his own three rescue dogs; and diagnosing ailments from afar, if necessary. He directed plays on the Island, and was a talented pianist, as well. David loved to entertain the children with juggling and magic tricks; and was an avid reader of many genres, but was most fond of Science Fiction. He was a wonderful teacher, having donated his time to his alma mater, Hiram College, in order to teach students about the medical systems in other countries, after visits to both Africa and Iraq.
In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his brother, Nathan Kaplan. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Susan (Baker) Kaplan; two sisters, Carole of Germany and Elisa of Texas; sister-in-law, Elizabeth of New York; nephews, Jonathan and Alexander; nieces, Caroline and Sarah; his aunts, Myrna and Wilma; as well as many special cousins and friends.
A memorial service honoring David's life will be held, 7:30 pm, Monday, March 14 at the Chapel of St. Joseph's Hospital, 360 Broadway, Bangor. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Gerald ([email protected]) Fairholme
October 17, 2019
I was a patient of Mr Kaplan in London UK in 1992. Bromoton Hospital. Mr Kaplan saved my life when I had lung cancer with a tumour the size of a strawberry on my right lung. He operated and removed my right lung completely. Fortunately the cancer had not spread through my lymph glands and I am now 80 years of age, fit and well. I will always be eternally grateful to Mr Kaplan for saving my life, and for the courage and confidence he gave me at the time. We both owned the same gold pen at the time! He is for ever in my thoughts. [email protected]
Caroline d'Auria
November 26, 2018
Hello Susan,
David was my husband's Surgeon at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. He was so highly regarded there and we knew if anyone could do anything to help Paul, it would be Mr Kaplan. He helped give him an extra 12 years of life, performing ground breaking surgery. Paul and David remained friends and went out together for dinner I believe. They swapped book recommendations and had a similar taste in literature. When you moved back to the US they kept in occasional email contact.
I am so sorry for your loss. Keep pedalling as Paul would have said.
kindest regards
Caroline
Jacqueline Chapman
July 27, 2017
Dearest Susan,
I was shocked and so sorry to hear of David's passing. It has been a long time since I last saw you, but I do remember so well your kindness and understanding at a time when I was having such a difficult time of loss. You and the island did give me the time and space to move forward. I have never forgotten that. David was a huge character in many good ways and you balanced that with your sensitivity and understanding. A perfect couple. I remember walking along the shores on the island with Bea and loving the contact of a four legged friend. Many of us in the UK remember you both well and I am sure that I can say on behalf of the many people who knew you while you were here that it is such sad news.
I hope that time is helping you to heal from your loss and that the wonderful memories you have of your life with David will help with that healing.
Warmest best wishes
Jacqui Chapman (Wallace)
June 20, 2017
Susan, I am so sorry to have only just now learned of David's passing. My heart goes out to you! You and David were so kind to look up an old Hiram College friend when you two stopped by my home in Miami. I do not need to tell you how absolutely special David was. I hope you have been able to find some peace. God bless you.
Chip Hobbs, Hiram Class of 1975
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Bruce Maisch
May 12, 2017
Barbara and Richard Whyte
April 13, 2016
Richard and I first met David in Liverpool nearly 30 years ago when both he and Richard were senior registrars in Thoracic Surgery at Broadgreen Hospital. For the year that we were there, David was a part of our family, spending dinners and holidays together as well as evenings talking into the wee hours. We stayed in touch when we returned to the U.S. and had the pleasure of meeting his wonderful wife Susan and including her as one of our friends. Although our paths went separate ways, we kept in touch throughout the years and spent a weekend at the island house after we returned to the Boston area from California. David made an impression wherever he went. As well as a talented surgeon and intelligent person, he was witty, quite entertaining, and gracious. We will miss him. Much love to Susan and all of his friends of which there are many.
Erica White
March 16, 2016
Working with Dr Kaplan was always a joy! I will miss his heart and his humor!
March 14, 2016
It with heartfelt sadness, that I read about your passing.
We were back yard neighbors while growing up on the Island.
My sisters and i remember your family, Ivan and Carol also.
Rest in Peace.
Vicki Haight Markham
Pamela Jones
March 13, 2016
You will be missed and not forgotten! Rest in peace Dr. Kaplan
G. Aine Proven (nee Keller)
March 13, 2016
Our deepest condolences to David's family. David I grew up together, graduated HS together and become reacquainted in Maine many years later. I was also an "islander" from Great Diamond...David was quite a remarkable man and will be fondly remembered and sorely missed. God Bless.
March 13, 2016
Vaya con dios David.
Chester Hartwell MHS '71
Vicki Kolenik
March 12, 2016
It was my pleasure to work with Dr. K at St. Joe's. He had a gruff exterior but a good heart! He will be missed!
Cindy Trask
March 12, 2016
It's been years since I had the pleasure to work with you in the Emergency room. You will be missed.
Jennifer Jefferson
March 11, 2016
You will be sadly missed Dr. Kaplan. Thank you for being you.
Victoria Hillman
March 11, 2016
It has been many years since I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Kaplan and working with him in Presque Isle...so sorry to learn of his death. I have many fond memories and so loved to hear of his adventures in the UK and on Big Diamond...he spoke so highly of each. It was my pleasure to have known him.
Melissa Lewis
March 11, 2016
I learned a lot from him. He was always full of laughs and wisdom. He will be deeply missed by all.
Deborah Harnish
March 11, 2016
He will be sorely missed I had the pleasure of working with him at St Joe's a great man
Holly Wells
March 11, 2016
I enjoyed working with Dr. Kaplan at St. Joe's in the ED. He will be greatly missed.
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