Kenneth Dobkin

Ken died of an apparent massive heart attack on a rafting trip on the Nantahala River in North Carolina. He is survived by his life partner John Clarke, and his two brothers Glenn and Dennis Dobkin.

Up until his last moment, Ken held a zest for life and a natural curiosity about the world that he shared with all those around him. Ken used to say that every day that he was breathing was a good day.

Ken was born in Miami, Florida, to Sheldon and Rosalind Dobkin. His family resided in Coral Gables, Florida, where Sheldon had a successful optometry practice. Ken attended West Lab Elementary School and Coral Gables High School. He forged many friendships in high school that he maintained throughout his life.

Ken enrolled at the University of Florida in 1974, and graduated in 1978 with a degree in landscape architecture. He excelled in the study of mathematics, botany and philosophy. In his last semester of college, Ken took a class in the philosophy of law, which sparked a passion for the legal profession.

In 1979, Ken enrolled as a full time student at Nova Southeastern University Law School in Davie, Florida, and graduated in 1981. Ken passed the Florida bar in 1982, and began his career in South Florida in civil and commercial litigation. He worked for several firms in his early years, then opened his own practice in 1992 in Fort Lauderdale. His eclectic 35 year law career included complex commercial disputes, personal injury cases, and real estate transactions.

Ken had a long term relationship with Richard Wallace from 1985 to 2003. In 2011, Ken entered into a life long relationship with John Clarke.

Ken battled opioid addiction as a young man. He joined Narcotics Anonymous in 2006 and became permanently sober in July 2008. Since then, Ken was continuously active in the recovery community, mentoring dozens of people on their journeys to sobriety.

Ken’s curiosity motivated him to travel the globe extensively. He joined his parents and brothers on a safari to East Africa in 2002. In his later years he and John visited 4 continents.

Upon retiring in 2021, Ken purchased a vacation house in Asheville, North Carolina. During the last 4 years of his life, he spent his summers in North Carolina. He enjoyed exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains on foot and motorcycle, as well as painting the fall colors and making pottery. When he was in Florida, Ken would bike 3 miles along Hollywood Beach daily, attend NA meetings, and spend time with his many friends and loved ones.

Here are the details of Ken’s celebration of life service:

Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025

Time: 11:00 a.m. (service ~90 minutes)

Location: Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapel

5900 SW 77 Ave, Miami, FL 33143

In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may consider making a donation in Ken’s honor to his favorite organization, the American Civil Liberties Union: https://aclu.org/donate.

Ken’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched with his mentorship, humor, and love.