Abbott Kagan

Obituary

Abbott Kagan, D.D.S., 83, of Fort Myers, died Saturday, Oct. 23, 1999 in the arms of his loving family. Doc was born on Oct. 13, 1916 in Jamaica, NY to Rose and Manual Kagan. He received both the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Entomology from Oklahoma A & M, where he played football to the "Aggies".

Doc first came to Fort Myers in 1939 as an Entomologist for the US Department of Agriculture to do research on the pink bollworm. It was at this time that he met his wife to be, Lillian Tooke. He started Flying Cadet training in 1940 and was at Craig Field, Selma, AL until 1944 as the Assistant Commandant of Cadets and Flight Instructor. As a Lieutenant Colonel at the Pentagon, he was responsible for all flight operations within the continental US. He played a key role in writing flight rules for the government agency that became the FAA.

He started dental school at Loyola University in Feb. 1946 where he also completed a 6 month oral surgery internship. He opened his dental practice in Fort Myers on Oct. 15, 1949 and maintained his practice until Sept. 17, 1993, when he was forced to retire due to health reasons. In his 46 years of practice, he lovingly cared for anyone and everyone, day or night. He was the first dentist to provide dental services to farm worker families in this area. From 1969 - 1975, each and every Monday night in his office, he treated everyone who came. When it came to the children, Doc's gentle caring spirit would shine it's brightest. Recognizing all the obstacles they faced, his goal was to give them a smile. This clinic has now found a permanent home at the Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida where an exam room is dedicated in his honor.

In addition to his professional efforts, Doc was actively involved in many organizations, including the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Kiwanis. He devoted thousands of volunteer hours to the things in which he believed. He, himself a Lone Scout, worked hard with many young men in the community, first as a Cub Master then as a Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America. For his many contributions, he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award and the Distinguished Citizen Award in 1995. In 1958, Doc organized AAU swimming in Fort Myers and worked for many years with the State AAU as swimming chairman for men and later as District Chairman for the entire state. In the early 60's, Dr. Kagan spearheaded the effort to bring the Science Fair to Lee County and soon became a Judge and Director in the field of entomology and botanical sciences.

Amateur Radio was more than a hobby for Doc. He truly loved it and shared his passion with many young people, patiently teaching them Morse code, but he used his skills for more serious work. For more than 30 years, Doc participated in the Florida QFN, a weekly communication of routine and emergency messages via Morse code. As a participant in the Florida Civil Defense network, he rose to the status of control person in the Florida Radio network, a position he held during the Cuban Missile crisis of the 1960's.

Through his dentistry and his community activities, he was always guided by his genuine love for and interest in others. Family was his very core. Time and unconditional love were never in short supply. Assistance, strength and support were always at hand. For his family, patients and those fortunate enough to have known him, he made an indelible mark on our lives and we are all the better for it.

He is survived by sons, Abbott Kagan, II, M.D. (Bo), John Kagan, M.D.; daughters-in-law, Sheila Kagan, Elizabeth Kagan; grandchildren: Lisa Kagan, Andrew Kagan, Christopher Kagan, Stephen Kagan, Rachel Kagan, Ward Kagan; sister, Vivian Kagan; sister-in-law, Frances Kagan; nieces, Kay Hallet (Earl), Pat Tobias (Paul). He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Tooke Kagan; brother, Martin Kagan and nephew, Tommy Kagan.

Pallbearers will be Andrew Kagan, Christopher Kagan, Stephen Kagan, Ward Kagan, Andre McIntosh and Jerry Schuetz.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, Oct. 31, 1999 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 2466 First Street, Fort Myers followed by burial at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Home on Saturday, Oct. 30, 1999 from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m.

In his memory, Memorial contributions may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, 1801 Boy Scout Drive, Fort Myers, 33907 or the Dental Clinic of the Family Health Centers of Southwest Florida, 2232 Grand Avenue, Fort Myers, 33901.