Robert Samuel Unger

Robert Unger Obituary

UNGER - Robert Samuel, 90, of Victoria, British Columbia, beloved husband of Beverly Kerness Unger for 63 years and devoted father of Jane Unger, Martha Rothstein, Tom Unger and Sally Unger, on October 12, 2007, of cardiac arrest in Portland, Or. Like a cat with nine lives, his life had many incarnations. Born in South Bend, Ind., he grew up in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn. He graduated from the U. of Pa. School of Dentistry and then served as a Lt. Cmdr. for the U.S. Navy in Newfoundland during World War II. He developed a passion for fly fishing there, which he passed onto his children and in-laws, traveling with them to remote corners of the world to pursue this sport. His work as a master dentist led him to a thriving practice in Manhattan, which later moved to Hempstead, Westbury, and then Salt Spring Island, B.C., where he lived for 28 years before moving to Victoria. Referred to by many of his patients as the "Michelangelo of dentistry," he specialized in reconstructive dentistry and did his own crown and bridge work. His artistry as a dentist extended to a mastery of jewelry making. His many other passionate interests included Scrabble, the N.Y. Times crossword puzzle, tennis, the theatre and social reform. He will especially be remembered for his love of story-telling, his sense of humor and above all, his love for his wife, his four children and his seven grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Robert S. Unger Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Gulf Islands Educational Trust, Salt Spring Island, B.C.; Amnesty International; or the NAACP.

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

Published by Newsday on Oct. 21, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Unger

5 Entries

Thomas Hargreaves

December 7, 2007

Dr Unger took care of my teenage teeth starting in 1954/55..Stayed w/him thru his years in the Hempstead Bus Terminal..after I got married he took care of my wife's teeth after an atuo acceident in 1962..All of the dentists that have worked on our teeth ever since would remark about the wonderfukl work done in the past..It looks like Dr Unger had a wonderful & fullfilling life..
Thank you Dr Unger

Jane Gebhardt-Ober

October 28, 2007

I became a patient when Julia Christiansen was Dr. Unger's assistant circa 1947 until his retirement. He re-made my mouth! Took care of my family and was always encouraging, saying "courage Camille" or that's funny, I can't feel it." when I moaned. I still remember his quoting son, Tom: "it's a backwards kind of a day today." Many memories combined with warm admiration. Sincere condolences to all in the Unger family.

Roberta Wrigg-Adams

October 25, 2007

Dr. Unger was my dentist during the teen years. He had been highly recommended and, my mom, who was concerned that I receive the correct dental care from a competent professional, decided Dr. Unger was the best to give my dental health its preparation for adulthood. She was right; much of Dr. Unger's work lasted well into my late forties.

I remember Dr. Unger had an area where birds were visible through a glass enclosed area situated near his work area. Between procedures as he was prepping for the next action (and I was given a time out from extensive work he needed to perform), Dr. Unger would admire the birds and peacefully follow their actions. His gentle manner and caring nature was evident in many of his interactions, and his obvious fondness for feathered friends was shared with patients.

At the time I was Dr. Unger's patient, his office assistant was Mrs. Roche. She was a frail, rather serious and business-like
employee. However, it was obvious that she and Dr. Roche were perfectly paired in their clinical dedication to perfectionism. Mrs. Roche exhibited great loyalty and conscientiousness to Dr. Unger and his patients.

This reminder of Dr. Unger's influence upon my youthful days from the perspective of his medical care and overall humanity, brings back many pleasant memories of the times spent in his company.
I wish Dr. Unger's family much comfort in their adjustment to life without a great patriarch. Hopefully, the positive influences embodied in stories of Dr. Unger's relationships with patients and friends, will uplift his family during their grief.

Darla Tuttle

October 23, 2007

My relationship with Dr. Unger was through his wonderful family. Martha & Alan Rothstein are an extention of Dr. Unger's great love & pride in his family. Many times, Dr Unger would call the office to speak to Dr. Rothstein & I would have the pleasure of a brief revelation of his humour & zest for life. I know how deeply you grieve his loss & pray that your wonderful memories will be your continued solace.
With deepest sympathy
Darla Tuttle
(10 year office manager for Dr. Rothstien)

Grateful Long Islander

October 21, 2007

To the Unger Family,
Although I did not know your father I noticed that he was a WWII vet. I then checked the WWII registry associated with the beautiful memorial wall at Washington DC and noticed that he was not listed in the registry. Please log onto wwiimemorial.com and click onto the link to find out how to register him. It honors all those that served, not only those who gave their lives. THis would be a fitting tribute to honor his service to oour country.
God Bless.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results