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Lawrence KAHANA Obituary
What do you say when such a man dies? That he lived well, that he left the world a much better place than he found it- that so many people will miss him: his smile, his wit, his compassion, his bedside manner, his intellect, his "can do" attitude? There are no words that seem to describe our loss...the world's loss. There are no words that are adequate.
Our dad, born December 8, 1927 died after a short illness on May 8, 2017. It was his 90th year of a life well lived. He was married to Shirley Elizabeth Segall, our mom, until her death in 1996; and he was a devoted companion to his best friend, a 12 pound poodle, his bundle of loyalty and joy named Popcorn, who passed in 2012. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Rose; brother, Meyer. Dr. Kahana is survived by his two children, Alan and Lynn; and his second wife of 14 years, Helen MacFarlane, whose daughter, Emily became his daughter too. He is also survived by Emily's husband, Brad and their children Julia, 5, and Hunter, 2.
Lawrence Kahana, MD, who much preferred to be called Larry, dedicated himself heart and soul to his craft. He was trained as an internist and endocrinologist, as was Shirley, in the 1940s and 50s. He moved his family back to Tampa in 1958 and practiced medicine at Tampa General Hospital for over 60 years. Countless patients owe their lives to our dad. In the 1960s, he taught himself to use the first dialysis machine in Tampa and his career as a nephrologist was born.
In 1982, he and his partners, Dana Shires and Alex de Quesada, started Lifelink which is dedicated to the recovery of life-saving and life-enhancing organs and tissue for transplantation therapy. With the help of South African surgeon, John Ackerman, transplant nephrology was born in Tampa.
Again, so many patients owe their second chances to our dad. We have many, many stories to share about our dad and the beginnings of renal failure management in Tampa... but one stands out for us... there was a woman with eight children who had end stage renal disease who could not afford health care. We were 9 and 7. Our dad snuck into the hospital and started her on hemodialysis. In those days, you could not withdraw therapy once it was started, but you could refuse to start. Dad was a fearless defender of the sick and the voiceless. That woman and her children lived on, well cared for. And dad kept his job and did so much more.
The world lost a healer, a doctor, a humanitarian, a larger than life spirit this week. Popcorn got her best friend back and we are sure that she was waiting at the rainbow bridge.
Larry was an avid SCUBA diver starting in the early 1960's and spent weeks with his best friend Ted Blau under the many oceans of the world. We will have an appropriate and spirited party planned to honor his extraordinary life in a place that represents his love for Florida and its abundant sea life. We hope that those of you who knew him well - his friends, his partners, his patients, his students and your families - will join our family to celebrate his life on Saturday, May 13, from 11:30-2 pm at the Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa. Please join us.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Hillsborough County Humane Society, another love of our dad. We also need to send a very special thank you to the staff at Tampa General Hospital, particularly in the MICU on D2, his very special friend and nurse Shelley who helped us get him home and our hero, his student and his doctor, Dr. Sonny Sanders. Visit his online guestbook at www.blountcurrymacdill.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence KAHANA
RUTH WEAVER
December 22, 2021
DR. KAHANA WAS THE BEST. REALLY HELPED ME.
Evan DeVoe
May 31, 2017
Truly one of the greatest persons I've known. I will miss him.
Leslie Szasz RN
May 30, 2017
I am one of those nurses who learned so much from Dr. Kahana that I didn't even realize I was learning at the time. His ingrained patient advocacy gave strength to many, many people. His deep understanding of how the body works amazed & educated anyone who worked with him. His sense of humor confounded me until I figured it out then just seeing him walk through the door made me laugh. With deep respect and gratitude, Thank you for everything Dr. Kahana.
Robin Atkins
May 23, 2017
This was a heart-felt tribute to an incredible man. Thank you for sharing your father's legacy so beautifully. He had such an important impact on our community. As a social worker at Tampa General Hospital, I feel it every day. Thank you, Dr. Kahana.
Val Shapiro Eagen
May 19, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about your father, and am thinking about you in your time of grief. I did not know your Dad personally, but I know that he meant a lot to my father, his cousin, Larry Shapiro. I have never met any other relatives of my father, but I can remember meeting your family when I was very young on a vacation to Florida. I remember swimming in your pool and especially how nice Alan and Lynn were to their younger, distant cousins from Iowa. I think I still have the shark teeth you gave me! It sounds like Larry was a wonderful father and friend to all, and I wish I would have been able to know him as well. Again, my sincere condolences.
Howardene (Denie) Garrett
May 18, 2017
Lynn, I was so sorry to read of your dad's passing. I remember fondly my first trip to Sanibel, which was with you and your family. To this day I always think of your folks when I drive by their old house on Riviera Drive (my mother still lives around the block). As the beautiful obituary makes clear, a life well-lived is the best testament, and your father's (and mother's) lives certainly fit that description. My sincere sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Ralph Rydell
May 17, 2017
I was very saddened to read that Larry had passed. He was one of Tampa's great physicians. We worked together a lot and it was such a pleasure to associate with a man of such keen intellect who always kept up-to-date,and was seemingly always happy and energetic. He had great compassion and concern for his patients. He was an excellent tennis player and I enjoyed playing tennis with him also. He is missed.
Deborah Weaver
May 16, 2017
We are so very sorry for your loss. It sounds like your dad was an amazing man and doctor. My parents, Jack & Helen Dayan, spoke very highly of both of your parents. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, James A. Weaver & Deborah Dayan Weaver
May 14, 2017
I was a transplant patient @ TGH in 1982. Dr. Kahana was one of my doctors and I remember him, I will never forget him I was lucky to have him take care of me.
Patricia J. Brownlee- Hamilton
Scott Perez
May 14, 2017
Alan, please accept my condolences over your loss.
Janet Shoaf
May 13, 2017
What a beautiful tribute to your dad! I have been privileged over the past 44 years to hear about you kids growing up and succeeding with the guidance of your capable parents. I became a patient of your dad's in 1974 while I was a student at USF. A professor noticed my goiter, I showed my parents and fortunately my Aunt Carol Biddle was his nurse and got me in! I've been with him ever since until his retirement a few months ago...I, too, was shocked to hear from Barbara and wished badly that I could have had one less session with Barbara, Helen and Dr. K. I know the loss, I feel doesn't compare to the loss all of you feel after all the years of working together. He always filled me in on what was going on with his kids and he always took time to ask about mine. We shared a love of travel and caught up at each annual visit about where we had been. He had a wonderful laugh, a strong warm handshake, and he did let me pick his brain for his views on health care, politics and his amazing contributions to medicine. I will sorely miss Helen...she too always shared her family stories...we often compared notes. She always took care of me in skipping the details and bringing me right to the back. Barbara has been involved since Aunt Carol worked there and has been another reminder that I had the absolute master in endocrinology.
Obviously, I felt the family feel when I was there and had the utmost confidence in his precise expertise in thyroids and synthroid. He saved the lives of thousands of patients and I am joining them in being grateful for Dr. Kahana and all of you for sharing him with the world. I love you, Helen! Janet Shoaf
Shelley Tracy
May 12, 2017
It was an honor and privilege to care for Larry in his last days. I only knew him 2 weeks and even in sickness he was as charming, intelligent and hilarious as ever. I only wish I knew him longer and when he was well. I enjoyed hearing stories about his accomplishments and shenanigans from his family, and seeing that grin and twinkle in his eyes. I will forever be impressed by what he has done for the field of medicine, as his work has no doubt touched the lives of countless patients of the past, present and future. I am very thankful for the time I had with Larry and his amazing family, and truly enjoyed taking care of them. I'm happy to have been there for him in his last days, and I like to think getting him home one last time was done in true Larry fashion ;).
Hugh Overton
May 12, 2017
Hugh Overton, Dr. Kahanna have been my doctor for over 60yrs. The family have my deepest condolences, I'm one of his patient, that when I meet him I had no money at the time ,he say to me that one day you be able to pay me, and I did... I think I was one of the last patient left when he close his office. "going to miss him"..............
Michele Evans
May 12, 2017
Our deepest condolences. Dr. Kahana took care of 3 of our family members. Our mother has been a patient of his for over 52 years. Such a wonderful and kind man. He will be greatly missed. Praying for all his family and friends.
With sincere sympathy,
Martha Cook
Cathy Hudson
Michele Evans
Joan Leck, RN
May 12, 2017
Please accept my prayers and thoughts at this time. I too was one of the first Hemodialysis nurses at TGH in the early 1970's. I remember Dr. Kahana very well. What a tribute from his children to state "Dad was a fearless defender of the sick and the voiceless." I wish there were more statements like this in today's world and the caring of physicians like Dr. Kahana.
Jeff Bengter
May 12, 2017
So sorry for your dear loss. Dr. Kahana will truly be missed. He was my doctor for many, many years, until just a couple of months ago. He was a dedicated physician to our family and we are grateful for that. Wonderful man! Our thoughts and prayers to his family.
John Evan
May 12, 2017
As a kidney transplant recipient, I am so grateful for the technology he brought to our area with the creation of Life Link. My sincere condolences to his family.
Michael Griffith
May 12, 2017
Doc,
You were missed when you retired suddenly, and I am truly sorry we did not get to speak before you left. Then and now. I thought you would live forever. I was heartbroken to hear the news. You took great care of me and my diabetes for 15 years. I used to marvel at your polite, gentle and caring concern for my health. Any other doctor would have given me the riot act for not checking my blood sugar more. You just told me to do better and see you in 3 months, which I always pushed to 6. Still, you were always the same, gentle knowledgeable and caring person. You could always answer my questions when I wanted to try something new. Saying, you don't want to do that. You knew me better than me sometimes. I will now and forever remember you as the best Endocrinologist I will ever have. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. To you Helen all my hugs and prayers you be strong through this tough time. I miss you dearly. Emily, I still remember the day your Mom introduced me to you, you didn't have little ones, your mom and I watched you grow into a wonderful woman, mother and wife. Help your Mom. Barbara, will miss you too, a loyal friend to us all. Prayers for a tough time.
Michael Griffith
Kent Corral
May 12, 2017
A real gentleman, patient teacher of the craft of internal medicine. Passing that craft along to 2-3 generations of Internists. Kent R. Corral MD
Cecilia Moffatt
May 12, 2017
Dear Dr Kahana, you will be truly missed. As a patient of yours I looked forward to my appointments. You made me feel special not just a patient. Thank you for taking care of me for 9 years. There will be no one else like you. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Debbie Wooten Ismer
May 12, 2017
Being very young + naive when I came to TGH 42 years ago, I will never forget your kindness + loving spirit towards me in the days on "RTU". You taught me much, along with Dr. deQuesada, about PKD + kidney transplants. You willingly shared your knowledge + compassion to me. Soon I realized you did that to everyone! And you never stopped. Thank you for everything. Thank you for paving the way for so many. I'm happy to tell you my 6 year old kidney from my friend + fellow nurse are doing just great. Thank you doesn't seem sufficient enough.
God bless Lynn + Alan + all your family. ❤
George Trujillo
May 12, 2017
Alan,
I was truly sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
George Trujillo
May 11, 2017
Becky Morse Law and I, Shirley Lynn Ciccarello were Dr. Kahana's nurses in the early 60s in his practice at One Davis Blvd that he shared with his wife Shirley, Dr William Hopkins and Dr. Joel Fyvolent. We were 1st year graduates of Gorden Keller School of Nursing. What a time we had and those of you who knew him know what I am saying. We remember him for his humor, his smile, his devotion and his intelligence. Through out the following years we were so proud to say, "I worked for Dr. Kahana" Our prayers are for his family and good friends, for we know he will be missed.
Becky and Lynn
Barbara Lancor
May 11, 2017
Dear Larry,
Thanks for being such a magical role model when I was a young pup first introduced to your family! You definitely taught me about the finer points of life (e.g. tanqueray martinis, Nuis St. George and cuban cigars), but you also taught me about the finer points of living (e.g. balancing spoons on our noses in the middle of a crowded restaurant and taking the time to care about other people no matter their widely differing backgrounds.) You've left an indelible mark on the way I approach my life so many years later, as I'm sure so many others can say the same. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and now Rest In Peace!
J. Greg Arterburn
May 11, 2017
I remember Dr. Kahana from my years in training at Tampa General Hospital/USF in the early 1970's. He had a wealth of knowledge in Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Endocrinology which he loved to enthusiastically share with us at our daily "chart rounds" followed by bedside rounds with our patients. Farewell Dr. K!
Linda Carroll
May 11, 2017
Larry got me started in dialysis. I didn't want to it, but he and Felix convinced to give a try at TGH. Then they talked me into starting the the first out patient dialysis unit in Tampa. I didn't want to do that either.He taught me so much,gave me so many opportunities.He was always willing to help with our ANNA meeting.He loved to teach, never treated me as just a nurse. We had so much fun.I will miss him he was a great guy.
James Arterburn
May 11, 2017
I did several rotations under Dr. Kahana during my Internship and Residency at Tampa General in the early 1970's. He was a gifted physician with a wealth of knowledge in Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Endocrinology that he liked to share with new physicians. I always enjoyed our noontime "chart rounds" followed by bedside visits with our patients. He made our long hours and hard work enjoyable. Farewell Dr. K! J. Greg Arterburn, MD. USF 1971-1876
Brenda Junco
May 11, 2017
I will always remember Dr. Kahana. I met him 45 years ago when I was hired to work as a hemodialysis nurse at Tampa General Hospital. He was a kind sole who had a wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all. God bless.
Alice Holmes
May 11, 2017
I will always remember Dr. Kahana . I was a dialysis nurse for 30 years at Morton Plant Hospital. Throughout those years I became certified in Nephrology. I attended many conferences which were supported by Dr. Kahana through the Nephrology Nurses Association- Longboat Key was a favorite! . I learned a lot from him- and am forever grateful for his involvement in our organization . He did not only present his material and leave . He also participated in many of the activities . I remember his smile and his sense of humor. God bless you all as you meet to honor his memory.
Joyce Keller
May 11, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the family. He was my doctor for many years and really enjoyed seeing him. What a loss to all who knew him.
Joyce Keller
Richard Blau
May 11, 2017
For half a century, Larry Kahana was our Father's best friend, our Mother's trusted confident, and our family's go-to authority for all things medical. He was a true Renaissance Man -- an inexhaustible professional, a passionate connoisseur, and a skillful raconteur who successfully blended charm and wit to share his joie de vivre with those around him.
After our Father passed away, the ensuing years were emotionally difficult for my Mother. She became reclusive by her own insistence. Yet, she would never turn down a visit from her good friend Larry Kahana. More to the point, Larry continued to check in on our Mother, dropping by on Monday's like clockwork, to have a glass of Scotch, share the news of the day, and lift my Mother's spirits. This was not a social call on Larry's part; it was a mitzva!
A great man has passed on, and he will be missed, but not forgotten.
-The Blau Family.
Kandi Byrd
May 10, 2017
Thank you for your dedication to our patient's and thank you for your kindness to everyone you ever met. You ARE a legacy that will NEVER be forgotten. Because of you I spent 33 wonderful years in Transplant that I don't regret for one minute. RIP my dear friend.
Ken Cribbs
May 10, 2017
Larry Kahana touched the lives of so many patients and their families in more than a half-century of medical practice. He was a pioneer in bringing modern medicine to Tampa -- a master clinician, a bold entrepreneur in business, and a mentor to generations of young physicians. With his passing we have lost one of the "great ones." My condolences to Lynn, Alan, and Helen.
REBECCA STOY
May 10, 2017
We will miss your kind spirit and gentle ways. You will be missed more than you know.
Love the front desk at 409 TGMG
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