Arthur Kaplan Obituary

KAPLAN--Arthur S., M.D., 85, of Norfolk, VA passed away April 14, 2009. He was an outstanding and highly respected physician and community leader for many years in Norfolk and the Tidewater area. He was born March 4, 1924 in Raleigh, NC to Sara and Harry Kaplan. The family moved to High Point, NC where he spent his younger days. Dr. Kaplan was a graduate of the University of North Carolina and New York Medical College. He served as a naval doctor during the Korean Conflict. He began his medical career in Norfolk, VA where he married his wife, Phyllis Berman, 50 years ago. He served as Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine as well as president of the medical staff at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Kaplan was well regarded in philanthropic pursuits in the Jewish and general community of Norfolk. He was a unique individual who found time to maintain a large medical practice while doing great philanthropic work. He was awarded the Humanitarian Award in 1995 by the National Conference of Christians & Jews as well as the distinguished Service Award from the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. As a physician and philanthropist his life seemed to revolve around a "30 hour day". In past years he became an avid horticulturalist specializing in orchids. Dr. Kaplan lectured widely on orchids and served as president of the Tidewater Orchid Society as well as the Eastern Orchid Congress. His passion culminated in his founding a conservatory for orchids at Old Dominion University where he not only donated his vast orchid collection but led the fundraising efforts and construction for this lasting memorial. Dr. Kaplan is survived by his wife, Phyllis, daughter, Nancy Kaplan and husband George Peabody, son Harvey, brother, Leonard J. Kaplan and wife Tobee, and four grandchildren, Leah, Avi, Katie, and Anna. His son Roger is deceased.

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Published by New York Times on Apr. 26, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Kaplan

8 Entries

Tommy Ralls

April 21, 2009

My sincere condolences to the family of Arthur Kaplan in ther time of loss. May the grief of his loss be balanced by the joy and purpose of a life well lived. Dr. Kaplan's memory will be treasured not only by his family, but by all those he aided through his work and affected with his care.

Joanne Roos

April 17, 2009

Dear Family of Arthur S. Kaplan, I exrtend my deepest sympathy to you all. Arthur was a man of many accomplishments. He spoke the language of family, flowers, philanthropy, and the medical sciences to all who knew him and to the patients that he served so well. Your loss is also Tidewater's loss With love and respect, Very sincerely Joanne Kates Roos, Yorktown, Virginia

Michael ODonnell

April 17, 2009

Kaplan family My most sincere condolences to you. Arthur Kaplan was my physican for thirty years and was always caring anc considerate. He will be in my thoughts always

Ardis Morton

April 16, 2009

April 16, 2009

Mrs Kaplan and family,
My deepest sympathy and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. I came into the practice shortly after he retired but he came into the office often to see how everyone was doing. There was always a smile and behind that smile you knew there was a joke coming. Dr. Kaplan was a very special person and was loved by so many. He will truly be missed by the community, former patients and friends. One time a patient gave me an orchid and it just would not grow. He looked at the plant and said this is what you have to do. He took the time to write explicit directions and mailed them to me. The plant lived. This is a sad time for all of us who loved him.

Beth Lindsey

April 16, 2009

Mrs. Kaplan and family,
My sincere sympathy to each of you with the passing of Dr. Kaplan. I started working with Dr. Kaplan when I was 22 years old...my first real job and what a wonderful experience and opportunity, which set the course for the rest of my life. He was a wonderful physician, always concerned and dedicated to those he cared for. I always thought him to be a brilliant individual not only with his medical practice but with everything he undertook. He was a scholar and a gentleman and someone I have always been grateful and privileged to have known. One part of him that always made me smile was his wonderful sense of humor...no one I have ever known could tell a joke as well as he did! He will be missed by many. His contributions throughout his life definitely have made our world a better place. With deepest sympathy.

Sherry McMillan Simmons

April 16, 2009

To the Dearest Kaplan Family,
My deepest sympathy and love is sent to each of you. As a former employee, I was so privileged to have worked for such a wonderful man. He taught me so many things and gave me such wonderful opportunities including helping to finance my trip to Israel in 1973. His sense of concern and compassion was prevalent in everything I ever saw him do. His kindness towards his patients was a constant that never flagged. I will always cherish the experiences and lessons that I received while working for Dr. K.
Please know that I share your grief and yet, feel that he is now at peace.
In deepest sympathy,
Sherry McMillan Simmons

Robert Baydush

April 16, 2009

Phyllis,
My thoughts are about you during this difficult time.
Bob Baydush

Cherita (Williams) Puryear

April 16, 2009

I was saddened to hear of Dr Kaplan's death. He was my mothers physician for years and later became mine at her request. He provided EXCELLENT service and his staff was great.
Our prayers are w/ you today!

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