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ABRAHAM HALPERN Obituary

HALPERN--Abraham Leon, M.D. Born February 2, 1925 in Warsaw, Poland. Died April 20, 2013 after an earlier fall. His family emigrated to Canada in 1927. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy serving in WWII and Korea and discharged as Surgeon Lieutenant Commander. After University of Toronto medical school, he practiced psychiatry for over 50 years helping pioneer the subspecialty of forensic psychiatry. Awards from many medical organizations reflect a life dedicated to human rights. He marched with Dr. King in Selma, fought against China's torture of the Falun Gong, illegal organ transplantation, the misuse of the insanity defense, involuntary hospitalization without judicial review, and physician involvement in capital punishment and participation in coerced interrogations of prisoners. All were subject of his prolific publications. He is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn, and his loved children (and spouses) Howard, Lon (Barbara), Marnen (Herdis), Chaia (Adam), Mark (Tomoko), Emily, and John. He was an adoring grandfather of eleven and great-grandfather of five. Services will be at Zion Memorial Chapel, 785 E. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 11am with interment to follow at King David Cemetery, Putnam Valley, NY.

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Published by New York Times on Apr. 22, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
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Bill & Elise Reid

April 18, 2023

Still think of you, Abe, and appreciate your life and counsel.

William H. Reid, MD

April 15, 2022

Still remembering your shining example in AAPL of ethics and dedication.

Wiliam H. Reid, MD

September 26, 2021

It's been many years since Abe passed. He was a good friend and colleague, a man of great ethic and dedication to what he believed, great kindness and respect for others. He was a giant for many fine causes, often standing up for them when they were unpopular with less mature, less experienced colleagues. It was a privilege to know him.

May 11, 2013

Abe was a friend and colleague. He was always generous with his time and energy to his friends and to the causes in which he believed. I will miss him and remember him.
Michael Blumenfield
Los Angeles

Larry Schor

May 8, 2013

I never had the pleasure of meeting Abraham; only John. I could, however, see the influence in John's sense of advocacy and dedication ignoring the barriers of convention in order to simply help those in need. My condolences to the Halpern family.

Charley Huffine

May 5, 2013

Abe was old enough to be my father and even as I am an older man I regarded him as such. He valued my passion for human rights but helped me give shape to my ravings and practicality to my actions. He was always encouraging and filled with smart advice. Ever since we met in the American Association of Social Psychiatrists he became a dear friend and I am very much grieving his loss.

April 25, 2013

Marilyn, Alan and I will always remember Abe as the intelligent, kind and warm person he was. We are fortunate to have been able to call him our dear friend and neighbor. XO Marilyn and Alan Katherine sends her love, from Thailand.

April 24, 2013

I did't know Mr Halpern but in reading all that he did in his lifetime. I'd like to give thanks to Mr Halpern because it seems like he lived his life in trying to fix many of life injustice.

carol pliner

April 22, 2013

Marilyn, I am so sorry to hear of Abe's passing. Please keep in touch as it's been so long since we've seen you. My mom will be 92 next month! I send love and my thoughts to you and your family.

Alan Hertz

April 22, 2013

- Abe was one of the most decent of men. With all of his many accomplishments, he was a truly humble man - a role model to so many. When I spoke with him by phone, just 3 to 4 weeks ago, and his knowing how ill he was - You could still feel the humor in his voice! I believe he was truly at peace.

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