Dr. Marvin Saul Kaplan

Marvin Saul Kaplan died peacefully in his sleep on June 10, 2020 at the age of 83. A proud father and grandfather, he was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois with a portion of his upbringing in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He resided with his family for a short time in Madison, Wisconsin and Huntington Beach, California. Since 1979, he lived with his family in Newport Beach, California.

Marvin completed an accelerated Bachelor/Medical program from the University of Illinois: undergraduate studies at the Navy Pier campus; and, M.D. at the College of Medicine in Chicago. He suspended his surgical training at the University of Wisconsin to serve in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps as a Surgeon and continued to serve as a Reserve Flight Surgeon while completing his residency. He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and held a California State Medical License since 1965.

Early in his medical career, Marvin held dual appointments at the University of California Irvine's School of Medicine as an academic researcher and at the Veteran's Affairs Long Beach Hospital as a founding member of the surgical staff. He then practiced medicine at various hospitals, including Doctors Hospital of Lakewood, Long Beach Community Hospital, and Long Beach Memorial Hospital. Later, Marvin volunteered at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he served as a Chair of the Research and Education Institute (REI).

A hallmark of Marvin's career was his relentless dedication to improving health care outcomes for the patients that he served and the communities that he served in. He was a cherished mentor and educator for countless students now practicing surgery across the country. Additionally, Marvin served as an alternate delegate for the American Medical Association as part of the California Delegation and served as the Chair of the Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA) Delegation, culminating in him receiving LACMA's 2016 Lifetime Service Award. He maintained his affiliation and support to his passing.

Marvin's commitment to Judaism was a constant throughout his life, as an active member of synagogues including Congregation B'nai Israel, Bat Yahm, and Temple Sharon. Over the past few years, Marvin immersed himself in the study of Judaism, and many were fortunate to receive his weekly emails on the Sabbath eve, which shared his insights on the ancient texts and provided words of encouragement and guidance -- signing off as Meier Zalmund Ben Esther v Aaron Hakohen.

Marvin was an avid reader, could often be found in the garden, and enjoyed discussing current events. Marvin is survived by his sons Ross and his wife Leslie, Seth, Michael and his wife Betsy, and Everett and his wife Tosha. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren Reed, Cole, Hannah, Ally, Talus, and Beckett.

Marvin's family would like to express their heartfelt thanks for all of the condolences and well wishes. However, the family is not accepting flowers or packages. Donations would be welcomed to the Rabbi's Discretionary Fund at Congregation B'nai Israel. Please use this link: https://www.cbi18.org/donate/