Morton Sidney Kantor

Dr. Morton "Mort" Sidney Kantor, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend to many and community participant, passed away at age 93 on February 26, 2024. Mort lived his life with integrity, kindness, humility and honestly. He was both respected and respectful. Mort relished the simple pleasures in life: a beautiful sunset, a powder ski day, a windy sail, and a "good drink" (his words) with family & friends.
Born in Muskegon on July 20, 1930 to Frances and Morris Kantor, Mort lived in the area most of his life. Beginning at a young age he worked for his father's wholesale produce delivery service, developing a love for driving while traversing western Michigan. A 1948 Muskegon High School graduate, he was a "Big Reds" football fan and was delighted when they won another state title in 2023.
Mort attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a varsity letter as football team manager in 1950-51. A proud "M" Club member, he was a lifelong season ticket holder, happily driving three hours each way to attend games.Watching UM's journey to a 2023 national championship brought him much joy! Upon graduation from UM, he enrolled in Loyola University's Dental School in Chicago,Illinois where he exceled and was named to the Blue Key National Honor Fraternity. While in Chicago he met the love of his life, Maxine "Macky" Eisman. They married on December 25, 1955 at the Drake Hotel and enjoyed 64 years together until Macky's passing in 2020.
They began their newlywed life at Fort Eustis in Williamsburg, Virginia where the freshly minted dentist served as Army Captain. Here, he perfected his dental and oral surgery skills, made lifelong friends and welcomed daughter, Debra. Mort's claim to fame was having the honor of driving General Douglas MacArthur during a base visit. A handwritten thank you note from the General was a cherished memento. After completing two years of service, Mort, Macky and Debra returned to Muskegon where Mort established a dental practice, built a home in the new Beachwood area and welcomed two more daughters, Michelle and Lisa.
After family, Mort's second love was spending time on the water. A power boat owner when he joined the Muskegon Yacht Club (MYC) in 1964, he would soon develop a passion for sailing under the tutelage of lifelong friends Wes Anderson, Roger Andersen and Sherm Poppen. Mort was a competitive skipper, winning many races and regattas along the way. Always gracious, he enjoyed the camaraderie as much as the competition. He also enjoyed sharing his sailing skills with new sailors. Prior to being named Commadore in 1971, Mort was instrumental in getting the MYC pool financed and built. All these years later, the pool continues to be a favorite summertime hub for children and families. In 2016 he was honored with The Legacy Award, which recognized 50 years of sportsmanship and Club contributions; and in 2022 MYC hosted a gathering to celebrate his many racing achievements.
Mort's community involvement extended far and wide and included: driving Miss Michigan contestants in his prized Ford Mustang in the 60's, President of the West Michigan Dental Society, Board President of the Hume Home, President, Treasurer and Secretary of Temple B'nai Israel, as well as leadership positions with the Poppen Scholarship Fund, Muskegon Public Schools Foundation, Harbor Hospice Foundation-- where he was the 2022 recipient of their annual Hero Award, and Muskegon Rotary Club-- where he was honored with Rotary International's Paul Harris Fellow Award.
The family is forever grateful to the loving, gentle and thorough care of his amazing team: Super hero Dana, Avis, Beth C., Mia, Aleanna, Jill, Norma, Beth A., Rhonda and Carol. Much appreciation to the staff at Harbor Hospice and Poppen House for their compassionate care and finally, to Dr Seaver for keeping him healthy. In addition, our heartfelt thanks to the MYC members and staff for their incredible, supportive friendship. And, to his friends and neighbors for including him in land and water outings.
Survivors include: Debra (David) Blandford, Michelle (John) Hanley, Lisa (Nick) Vitale, grandchildren Ben Blandford, Jeff (Ginny) Blandford, Rebecca (Andre) Moore, Tyler (Sara) Hanley, David (Julia) Hanley, Rachel Hanley, Mike (Crissie) Vitale, and Nicole (Chris) Begbie, great- grandchildren Shelby, Catalina, Lyle, Woods, Pasha, Cora, Isla and Keeley plus many grand and great-grand pups. Brothers Dick (Diane) Kantor of CA and Stan (Cris) Kantor of WA.
Contributions in Mort's memory can be made to: Harbor Hospice Foundation 1050 W. Western Ave #400 Muskegon, MI 49441, https://harborhospicemi.org/
MYC Junior Sailing Association 3198 Edgewater Street Muskegon, MI 49441
Temple B'nai Israel 391 W. Webster Ave Muskegon, Mi 49440
A celebration of Mort's life will take place in the spring.