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Samuel Kaplan Obituary
Born June 13, 1928 in New York City to Harry and Esther Kaplan. Graduated Stuyvesant High School 1946, and City College of New York 1950, with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree. He was inducted into Pi Tau Sigma, the National Honorary Mechanical Engineering Fraternity. Married Shirlie Brodsky in 1950. He briefly worked for the US Corps of Engineers, and from there went to work at Boeing in Seattle, WA. He entered Harvard School of Dental Medicine in 1955 and graduated Cum Laude in 1959. He settled in Seattle and began his career as a dentist. He was a member of the American Dental Association, Seattle-King County Dental Association, Northwest Institute of Periodontics and Periodontology and the Eastside Dental Practice Seminar.
He is survived by his four daughters: Eve Winkler-Kaplan, Jessica Vanderzanden, Perrin Kaplan and Claudia Kiel. Also, five grandchildren: Lianna Bode, Ariel Winkler, Quinn Kiel, Kelly Kiel and Samara Kaplan-Zenk. Also, survived by friend and companion, C. Sybil Brown. He was very proud of his children and was devoted to his practice of Dentistry. Per his request, there will be no memorial service.
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Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Kaplan
Sponsored by The Family.
Perrin Kaplan
January 27, 2023
I miss you papa
K Collins-Thompson
December 10, 2020
My condolences to his family. The way he followed his dream in life to become a dentist was an inspiration to me - I soon quit my job and moved across the country to go back to school as well. His love for his work was clear. I loved his dry wit as well. The last time I saw him he was just about to retire and he was describing all the things he was looking forward to - especially spending time with his family. I'm glad he did get that well-deserved time.
Janie Augustson
February 3, 2020
Dr. Kaplan hired me as an assistant when I was a brand new graduate of LWVT Dental Assisting Program. He also trusted me with front desk duties. That was in the mid 1980's. I worked for him until a health issue made it impossible to continue working. He was more a dear friend than a boss! He taught me many wonderful things about life! The thing that I remember most fondly was that he told me that he was a Feminist. I thought what a blessing it must be for his 4 daughters! I planned a birthday lunch for him once that I know he greatly enjoyed! I am so glad he had a long and wonderful life!
Dad with long time companion Sybil Brown
Jessica Vanderzanden
February 2, 2020
Paula Suter
February 2, 2020
I remember Dr. Kaplan as a consummate professional, a commanding presence with a big heart. He hired me as a dental assistant trainee at 15 years old, with absolutely no experience. One day, he said to me, as I was handing him a burnisher, Paula, be deliberate! I later realized I had been assisting him with the equivalent of a weak hand shake. He wanted me to be firm and confident. This changed me. I took it forward in life, and I thank him for that.
Beth Schlansky
February 2, 2020
Dr. Kaplan was our family dentist for many years in Kirkland & then in Bellevue. He was awesome; especially with my Mom & me who were both terrified of shots! I remember running into him at the Baskin-Robbins in the U District & thinking how funny it was to run into my dentist in an ice cream shop! Even though he retired many years ago, I'll always remember him with love. Sending you all my best.
With the Heisman trophy
Perrin Kaplan
February 2, 2020
We miss our dad. We will always miss him. We were able to have so many rich and loving conversations before he left us. We are grateful he was able to go so peacefully after such an accomplished life here. We know how he loved us.
Clifford Eckman
February 2, 2020
We enjoyed Sam and his dry wit and words of wisdom for 50 years in our Eastside Dental Practice Seminar. He will definitely be missed.
Jillian Wasielewski
February 2, 2020
Just love the photos you chose of your dear dad and very sorry to learn of the passing of my favorite dentist. I will never forget the warm smile, twinkling eyes and kindness of Dr. Kaplan.
Sending hugs and prayers for peace to all the family -
Jillian (Tully) Wasielewski
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