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Martin Brotman Obituary
June 26,1939-December 20, 2020
A resident of Tiburon and San Francisco for 53 years, Martin passed away suddenly, yet peacefully, at age 81.
Dr. Martin Brotman is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Farron. Father of Ilana (Neal) Tandowsky, the late Stuart (Elizabeth) Brotman, Brenley (Kevin) Morris, and grandfather of Blake, Olivia & Meredith Tandowsky; Abigail Brotman; Ashley & Joshua Morris. Brother of the late Shirley Blye and brother-in-law of Mel Stern. Uncle, cousin, friend and mentor to many.
Born in Winnipeg, Canada, to Helen and Israel Brotman, Martin met the love of his life, Farron Stern, at the age of 14. They married on August 14, 1960 and welcomed daughter Ilana in 1963, son Stuart in 1966, and daughter Brenley in 1968. They fell in love with the Bay Area when visiting San Francisco for the first time during their honeymoon. In 1967, they moved to San Francisco where Martin established his gastroenterology and internal medicine practice. Soon after, they made their family home in Tiburon until they moved to San Francisco in 1995. In 2015, they returned to Tiburon and split their time between Tiburon and a winter residence in Delray Beach, Florida.
Martin received BSc (Medicine) and MD (Honors) degrees from the University of Manitoba, Canada, where he graduated No. 1 in his class, MS (Medicine and Physiology) degree from the University of Minnesota, and DSc (Honorary) degree from the University of Manitoba. He received his Post Graduate Training in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
In 1986, Dr. Brotman led the development of the Pan Med Medical Office Building at 2100 Webster Street attracting top physicians in San Francisco due to its close access to Pacific Presbyterian Hospital (later known as California Pacific Medical Center). While still maintaining a full medical practice, he was involved in or chaired every important committee task force of the hospital, including Chief of Gastroenterology and Chairman of the Department of Medicine.
Martin was respected nationwide for his leadership in patient care, medical education, health care administration, philanthropy and community leadership. In 1995, Martin was appointed President & CEO of CPMC to turn around CPMC's serious financial difficulties and improve employee morale. Within a few years Martin' strong management and leadership skills revitalized the institution, and CPMC became the bellwether of the Sutter chain. In 2009, Martin became the first CEO of Sutter's West Bay Region (then comprising 8 hospitals and 2 multispecialty medical groups) and in 2012, Sutter Health's first Senior Vice President for Education, Research & Philanthropy until his semi-retirement in 2015. Martin was the driving force behind the creation of Sutter's new 1,ooo,ooo sq. ft. Van Ness Campus hospital and adjacent Medical building, both of which opened in 2019. In 2002, Martin was elected President of the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA) and in 2008, awarded the distinguished Julius Friedenwald Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an AGA member. In 2011, he was awarded the Humanitarian Award by the San Francisco NAACP.
A long-time member of Congregation Rodef Sholom in San Rafael, Martin served as Past President. At the time of his death, Martin was Co-Chair of the synagogue's $26 Million Capital Campaign to rebuild and modernize its facility.
Family came first for Martin. He was a man of ethics, morality, honesty and integrity. He was dedicated to any project or task regardless of how large or small; whether it was opening up a new hospital or finding the right bike for one of his grandkids. His greatest joy and achievements was the time he spent with his family and 6 grandkids. He planned and executed every detail of their family trips every summer and holiday break; 14 plane tickets, "table for 14" reservations, Spain, Italy, London, Hawaii, Mexico, San Diego, etc. He dreamt of having a boat his entire childhood and fulfilled his dream by naming his first boat BOMAJA (the first letter of each grandchild's name).
May Martin Brotman's bright light remain in our hearts and may his memory be a blessing.
Private burial due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Donations can be made in Dr. Brotman's memory to:
Congregation Rodef Sholom-Capital Campaign,170 N. San Pedro Rd, San Rafael, CA 94903 ;or
URJ Camp Newman- Stuart Brotman Fund, 711 Grand Avenue Ste 280 San Rafael, CA 94901/or https://campnewman.org/donate/.; or
CPMC: Dr. Martin Brotman Medical Education Fund at CPMC Foundation, 2015 Steiner S St., San Francisco, CA 94115;(415) 600-4400 or https://www.sutterhealth.org/cpmc/giving.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martin Brotman
Dr. William Bresnick
June 18, 2024
An old-fashion Doc turned mega biz man, but with old-fashion ways, like a good & genuine once upon a time Physician, my role models. My fav memory with him was offering him a ride in my car one late Halloween night as his lovely & always cheery & smiley granddaughter Olivia finished a night of Treat-Or-Treating with my daughter Rachel. He said, "sure, Thank you" & we chatted a tad during the 2-3 min drive to his daughter´s home nearby. He was charming & stoic. Sadly, our CPMC Hospital was slowly destroyed as he faded out & away & Sutter took control & eventually closed our quaint Dr´s Dining Room use for Doctor socializing & colleague ship & then Community Med Staff Privileges in 2019. The old way destroyed, the old Docs gone.
Here´s to Dr. Brotman & all the good he did.
Your Daughter
December 20, 2023
Dad, I miss you every minute of every day. Your are in the hearts and minds of so many. I love you dad.
-Moodle
Gloria Austin, Salt Lake City, UT
December 5, 2022
It is 2022 and I am just learning of Dr. Brotman's passing. I wanted to reach out and say a quick hello and wish him well but, unfortunately, found his obituary instead. I was the CEO for Brown & Toland for 11 years. Dr. Brotman and I had several interactions and we had contract and strategy disagreements but I always respected his business acumen. He was a true gentleman and I will remember with fondness having dinner with him upon my retirement from B & T. He was warm, witty and deeply caring. His impact will be felt for a very, very long time. May his family and friends feel comforted remembering his smile and the quintessential twinkle in his eyes.
Elliott & Miriam Safer
December 19, 2021
Although there was great physical distance between our locale in NY and Martins´s, A"H, in California, we constantly felt his presence. He was somehow always with us and still is, in so many ways. We always refer to the wonderful times we spent with Martin and will always cherish having been honored to have developed a closer relationship over the years.
May his special soul keep soaring-- with every good deed his legacy and all who were fortunate to know him, perform in his blessed memory.
With much love,
Elliott & Miriam Safer and Families
Arne Benowitz
March 27, 2021
I was privileged and honored to have gotten to know Martin and his family since the early 1990s. He was a man born with unique gifts and abilities. Unlike many of us, he used these with amazing self-discipline and self-control for the benefit of others. The record of his life and legacy shows this.
He had a brilliant mind that took him far beyond others in the field of medicine and his chosen specialty, Gastroenterology. Along with his soaring intellect came a warm, caring heart, especially for his patients, family, friends and colleagues.
My work sometimes required me to visit CPMC. On more than one occasion, our paths crossed for a few seconds as we briefly passed each other between our meetings. I would call out, “Dr. Brotman, I presume?” A big smile would appear on his face as we exchanged greetings.
Martin packed more living into his eighty-one years than most of us could do in three lifetimes. He left all of us too soon, leaving a legacy of love and caring for all of us that knew him. His loss is immeasurable for his family, friends, colleagues and community. Like his own father, Martin was one of a kind. May God rest his soul and comfort his family.
Eric Denys
February 18, 2021
The news came as a shock. I have known Martin since 1974 and admired his career over the years. He was a driving force in so many ways and a guiding light, always upbeat and enthusiastic. He was bright, dedicated to his patients and ethical. He was a model physician. He was super organized (although his desk did not seem to reflect it). It was such pleasure to collaborate with him. He leaves a legacy that will be difficult to match.
The sudden loss must be hard to bear. My sincere condolences go out to his family.
Steve Shortell
February 11, 2021
I did not know Martin Brotman well. But you did not have to know him well to be significantly influenced by him. I came to know him when he approached me to co-chair the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Commitee to get agreement among various stakeholders involved in the planning for Sutter Health's hospital plans for their south of Market and Van Ness/Cathderal Hill locations. I was Dean of our School of Public Health at UC-Berkeley at the time and repeatedly told Martin that I simply did not have the time. But I quickly learned that you do not turn Martin down. He was the most "graciously persistent" person I have known. We became friends during the experience. He continued to reach out to me in recent years although we only occasionally had a chance to get together. I am grealty saddened to learn of his passing but I know that his wife and family are blessed by many memories of his wonderful life.
Steve Shortell
Friend
Farideh. B Mehran
January 29, 2021
I met Dr Brotman 30 years ago as a GI specialist. He always was there to help you. We became close friends. He was an Icon in my life. Dr Martin Brito was a man
of great dignity, honesty and total professionalism. Today Jan. 29-2021 I heard of his passing from my UCSF doctor. I was greatly saddened of his passing. My great sympathy goes to his wife Farron and his family.
Friend Farideh Mehran
Nancy Lewellen
January 25, 2021
Dr. Brotman was my G.I. specialist for over 25 years. During many medical crises and multiple surgeries he always managed to have an upbeat attitude about me and my progress. He allowed me to keep in touch even after his retirement and was a significant force in my life. I was greatly saddened to recently hear of his passing. My great sympathy goes out to his wife and family.
HJ Simon
January 22, 2021
An incredible physician. He was my doctor for many years. Always smiling, so accessible and so knowledgeable. He nursed me through 2 hospitalizations... I felt he was always there for me. My heart and prayers go out to his family. Too soon!
Ina Rotceig
January 21, 2021
Prayers and fond memories are what I have to remember your dearly departed. My most heartfelt condolences.
Jeffrey M. Aron, M.D.
January 10, 2021
Martin was an inspiration and a guiding force for my professional career.
His humanity, and vision, his clinical acumen were second to none. So much of our contributions to the welfare of our patients were the result of his leadership and counsel. We will miss him. Gastroenterology will miss him.
Jeffrey M. Aron, M.D.
January 10, 2021
I had just heard about Martin's passing from a colleague this pa
st weekend. I have been away in Eureka, continuing to practice gastroenterology at St.Joseph's Medical Center, where I knew that Martin had a presence there, and helped to establish a CPMC satellite there.
I first had the honor of presenting a difficult case to him when I was a medical resident at Mt.Zion. I said to myself "here is the best gastroenterologist I have ever met" after that day.
I got to to know him over the years, as I moved my practice to CPMC on
Clay street after UCSF took over Mt. Zion, where I had been chairman of gastroenterology for 19 years. He was instrumental, along with Dr Emmett Keefe, in appointing me the Director of the Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disorders At. CPMC for 14 years. Helped raise money from Safeway to support our work, which produced a key clinical trial for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome that I presented at the plenary session of the ACG annual meeting in 2012.
In every instance of our mutual contacts, Martin was always the most honest and ethical voice with the clearest insight into every clinical, academic and administrative task that I would face in these roles.
He was kind to attend the banquet held in my honor to thank him for his inspiration to my career when I was presented with the Distinguished Physician Award at the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation in 2008.
I'm just one person among so many others who has had the honor and privilege to have their lives touched by Martin.
My wife Harriette and I send you and your family our heartfelt condolences and love.
Dirk J van Leeuwen MD
January 7, 2021
Some people you meet in life are not easily forgotten. That certainly applies to dr Brotman who in the most generous way welcomed me at the California Pacific Medical Center in 1991 when I studied liver transplantation in the USA . We met on occasions again.
Tremendous contributions, a life long. Touched to hear the news of his passing. Fondly remember him
Jeff and Melineh Katz
January 4, 2021
I first met Martin (through Kevin and Brenely). I was struck by his immediate generosity of warmth and friendliness. He was solid, genuine, and down to earth. He was also a hell of lot of fun. When my daughter (age 6 at the time ) developed an unusual skin rash and the medical team at UC were stumped and unable to come up with a definitive diagnosis and treatment, I called Martin. He asked me to gather all the medical records and bring them to him. After reviewing them, it didn't take him long to come up with a good hunch and point us in the right direction. Martin was and will always be an extraordinary leader, an individual that has touched so many people and made their lives better. My wife and I are grateful for Martin's input in our lives, along with the friendship we have developed with Kevin and Brenely
Peter B Weber, MD
January 2, 2021
To Marty's Family and Friends,
I (and my team) thank Marty for all his support during these last 25 years. Together we developed may great things in Neurosciences at CPMC.
Marty was a doctor leader, in that order. He understood how important it was to have doctors leading. He was always supportive, very pragmatic, usually right, and really good at getting things done. I wish you were still here, but I will cherish our time together as you sail on that great boat of your dreams to your next destination.
Your Friend, Pete
dawson tang
January 1, 2021
I first met Martin Brotman in 1982 when he visited our office at Bank of America, AP Giannini office with his colleague, George Lee. As an eager young real estate officer, my manager Mike Paioni and I managed to push through the construction loan to build out Pacific Medical Center. Over the two year build out period I personally got to know the doctor not only as an astute business leader, but also as a kind hearted family man with the community's best interest in his heart.
We kept in touch all these decades ,and even became fund raising partners for a project in 2019 involving the Rady Children Center. Presently work in Taiwan in PE finance and was looking forward to Martin's promised visit until the pandemic hit. I will miss you Martin, and may you rest in peace.
Joanne A. Peebles Wilson MD
December 31, 2020
Dr. Brotman was an impressive force in gastroenterology. He will be remembered for his contributions to medicine and mankind.
Joanne A. Peebles Wilson MD
December 31, 2020
Dr. Brotman was an impressive force in gastroenterology. He will be remembered for his contributions to medicine and mankind.
Jeff and Carolyn Rose
December 31, 2020
Martin and Farron Brotman were dear friends. I worked with Martin beginning in 1991 and we continued for many years to work together building a physician/hospital organization. Farron and I also worked together on various projects and became fast friends. They are people we will never forget. Jeff and I attended many of their house parties in S.F. and many fun dinners at the latest restaurants with Martin and Farron. Our memories of them are truly unforgetable. We are so sorry and heartbroken and our hearts go out to Farron and the entire family. We were just thinking of planning a trip to San Francisco when our country is safe again and looked forward to seeing Martin and Farron after some years of losing touch. Martin Brotman was a one of a kind executive and his friendship will be truly missed. His caring for patients and his ability to manage the hospital were much appreciated by all who were lucky enough to work with him.
Betty and Aubrey Lowenstein
December 30, 2020
Martin Brotman was a prince among men. No one who ever met him could ever forget him...his warmth, his compassion, his brilliance. He touched so many people. He is deeply mourned by so many. There are no words to fully convey the heartbreak so many feel because he is no longer with us. Goodnight sweet prince: May angels sing thee to thy rest.
Betty and Aubrey Lowenstein
December 30, 2020
Martin Brotman was a prince among men. He touched everyone who ever met him. He will be dearly missed but forever remembered.
Cecilia Conte
December 28, 2020
I was shocked and saddened by the news of Martin’s passing. I worked with him at CPMC for 8 years. He was a mentor and an inspiration, and I held him in high regard. When my spouse was diagnosed with esophageal/stomach cancer, he was a source of comfort and medical recommendations. I am forever grateful for his generosity and expertise. He will be greatly missed by me and all who knew him well.
Hope Frank
December 28, 2020
We are heartbroken to hear of Dr. Brotman’s passing. He was my guiding light. He was my doctor and voice of reason for 30 + years. His broad intellect, kind compassion, and light-hearted humor was like no other.
Koko and Sonia
December 28, 2020
With Luna in Marbella. We will always remember you.
Jim Wunderman
December 28, 2020
Martin was just a decent man, very kind, a great leader, friend, and role model. I enjoyed learning from as a member of CPMCs Board of Directors during a time the hospital faced challenges and was working to achieve its great potential by creating needed new facilities. He saw the best in people and valued his relationships. He will be fondly remembered and missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
Brenley Brotman
December 27, 2020
Dad, I love you with all of my heart and soul. You are everything to me and my heart will be full of your love forever. I will search the skies for hummingbirds. You agreed that would be the sign of your love. You will remain in the hearts of Ashley, Joshua and Kevin forever. We will continue to ask ourselves daily, “what would zayde do?” I am so blessed to know your answers. I love you dad. Your daughter, Bren
Debora Hadeen
December 27, 2020
So saddened to read of Martin’s sudden transition. We met in 1972, a contemporary of my former husband, also of Winnipeg. He was my physician and friend, as well as fellow congregant of Rodef Shalom. My heart goes out to Farron and family as they weather this change. I know they will be surrounded by friends and family who will hold them in love. May Martin’s memory be a blessing.
Lee Bycel
December 27, 2020
Judy and I are so grateful to have known Martin. What a life, what a legacy. It was Martin that welcomed me as president of Rodef Shalom to Marin in 1979 when I started my rabbinic career. From the moment I met him, I knew I was in the presence of an exceptional human being. Martin lived by the best of Jewish values and made the most of every moment of his life. Excellence, integrity, kindness, generosity, respect, and love were the values that anchored his life. Thank you Martin for all that you gave and how you enriched so many lives through your professional skills and personal commitment to other people. You will always inspire me and so many others to be the best I can, to serve others, and to celebrate the gift of life. Thank you, dear friend.
Sarah Krevans
December 27, 2020
Martin Brotman lived a large and glorious life. He was passionate about Medicine, about his friends, and most of all about his family. He had big dreams and made so many of them come true; everyone he touched was impressed by his brilliance and his dedication. And if you or a loved one was his patient—you knew you were cared for by the very best. May the collective gratitude of all of us help to ease the pain for his family at this great loss. And may Martin dwell in the House of Lord forever.
Rabbi Yonah and Sarah Leah Rosner
December 27, 2020
We deeply mourn the sudden passing of our Beloved Dr. Martin Brotman, a man of great substance and stature who was a shining bright star within our beloved family. Dr. Martin embodied the best virtues that man could possibly exhibit. He was generous, kind, gentle, respectful, friendly, empathetic, loyal, loving, highly principled, community oriented, productive and quite an accomplished member of the medical world. Martin's illuminating soul and embracing spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone who was blessed to share a relationship with him. May Martin's soul be a proactive advocate to the Almighty to bless and watch over us always. May his soul always be bound up with the living. Amen.
Rabbi Yonah and Sarah Leah Rosner
Montréal
Lilian Sadsad
December 27, 2020
I have known Dr. Brotman professionally since I am nurse at CPMC. He was always gracious to both his colleagues and patients. He was such a wonderful doctor. He will be missed!
My deepest condolences to his bereaved family!
Safer Family
December 26, 2020
To know Martin , A”H, was to love and respect him as a spectacular human being. He shared everything G-d bestowed upon him, bringing joy to all through his wisdom, care, love and humor. We are deeply mourning along with our cousins. Cousin Martin meant so much to each and every one of us and we will miss his endearing presence at our simchot and simply spending quality time with him. We were looking forward to the present situation getting under control and we would again get together to have a grand ol’ time. May he Rest In Peace as we cherish the numerous precious memories we have of him. Martin is leaving a beautiful legacy for his Shul and community and through his wonderful family he continues to grace the world.
We absolutely adored him.
Yehi zichro Baruch— may his memory be a blessing
Elliott & Miriam Safer & Families
Michelle Lovell
December 26, 2020
Dr Brotman was a true leader and friend to the nurses at CPMC.
I worked under him as a nurse in Ambulatory Care where I was treated with respect and kindness. He was a true gentleman...
He will truly be missed.
Michelle Lovell
December 26, 2020
Dr Brotman was a true leader and friend to the nurses at CPMC.
I worked under him as a nurse in Ambulatory Care where I was treated with respect and kindness. He was a true gentleman...
Michelle Lovell
December 26, 2020
Dr Brotman was a true leader and friend to the nurses at CPMC.
I worked under him as a nurse in Ambulatory Care where I was treated with respect and kindness. He was a true gentleman...
Larry Brilliant
December 26, 2020
Marty Brotman was my mentor when I was an intern at then Presbyterian. He was one of the finest physicians I ever met. He and his friend on the staff Keith Cohn saved me from being kicked out of my internship when I overstayed on Alcatraz Island for 6 weeks to help deliver a baby born during the occupation. They persuaded the other attending docs to accept what I had done in the spirit of a physicians’ calling. Marty said my wife Girija and I changed his life when we introduced him to his first Avocados. But he really changed my life many times for the better, introducing me to good science, attentive patient care and an understanding that just because we might disagree did not mean we had to be disagreeable. He cared for so many spiritual leaders from the Seva Foundation over the years: Ram Dass, Karmapa, Lama Govinda, Wavy Gravy, Dr Venkateswamy, and others. He was a dear friend and was loved and will be missed by dozens of other once young interns and residents who were proud to call him mentor and friend. May his memory be a blessing. Love and condolences to Farron and the rest of their family. —-Larry Brilliant.
jerry parker
December 26, 2020
Warm and caring. Best doctor ( and my GI doc), selfless, smartest, most giving, modest. Best husband, dad and grandfather. Best person to have as a friend. Ran out of bests. He broke the mold. Knew each other for over 70 years. Should have been closer-my bad.
It just feels wrong for him to be gone.
For Farron and the rest of the family-
take some solace that he was a great and good man.
Jerry Parker
Nathan Nayman
December 26, 2020
I came to know and work with Martin closely on a wide range of health care issues in the bay area and California when he was the chairman of the west bay hospital council- I was the VP for the region. He was on of the kindest men I have ever known. When our son was a toddler and briefly hospitalized at CPMC Martin came to the pediatric unit to visit. Staff were amazed to see the President of their hospital playing with our little boy and whisk him around in a mini tricycle- will never forget that image - RIP Martin your presence made the world a better place.
Robbie Blye
December 26, 2020
Uncle Marty was always busy — a man in constant motion — but never too busy to share his love of life with family and friends. Your life was a blessing to us all, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. You may be gone from my sight, but you are never gone from my heart. Thanks for never giving up on me and making yourself available whenever I needed you. Words cannot describe this difficult moment, but if this is the last time I say goodbye then I know I will do so with the knowledge that I consider myself blessed to have lived this life as your nephew. Rest In Peace Uncle Marty......
Eloisa Broadbent (Maldonado)
December 26, 2020
Conrad donner
December 26, 2020
Martin possessed qualities and values that made him unique
His brilliant mind served him in both medicine and business
His even temperament. Charming personality. Versatility of interests made him a pleasure to be in his company
His devotion to his family. Loyalty to friends generosity and philanthropy rounded out the perfect individual
Martins presence created great benefit and pleasure to so many
How we and so many will miss him
Sandra and Conrad donner
Roslyn Rosenberg
December 26, 2020
We are devastated to learn of Martin’s passing. We loved Martin and Farron like our family. He was larger than life. Loved by all who knew him. Florida will not be the same. We send our deepest condolences to Farron and family. ❤❤❤
Roslyn and Mickey Rosenberg
Athena Blackburn
December 26, 2020
Martin Brotman was the epitome of what a doctor should be like. He gave me all the time in the world while taking copious notes in long hand.
I loved calling him Dr. Marcus Welby after the fictionalized doctor who treated his patients with a lot of love and care. I will miss him terribly.
Joanne M Baly
December 26, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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