"

Innovator In Physical Medicine

SHARON LUCKERMAN

Staff Writer

IV

ith 13 other doctors at the Mayo
Clinic in Rochester, Minn., Dr. Max
Karl Newman of Bloomfield Hills
established the field of physiatry
(physical medicine and rehabilitation).
His patients have included presidents -- from
U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to
UAW President Walter P. Reuther (whom he
helped rehabilitate after the labor leader was shot
in 1948).
Fifty years ago, Dr. Newman, a victim of polio,
founded the Detroit Institute of Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation, now in Southfield,
and has directed it ever since. He also established
the first Michigan clinic for children with muscu
lar dystrophy.
A healer, innovator and teacher, Dr. Newman,
94, died Oct. 22, 2003, after suffering a stroke.
His interest in physical medicine and his
dogged determination stemmed from a childhood
bout with polio that left him with a limp. "He
never considered himself handicapped and never
took advantage of it — or wanted to be taken
advantage of," said son Dr. Steven Newman of
Bloomfield Hills.
Though as a boy, the future doctor was unable
to chase after other kids who made fun of him,
he was toughened by the experience and was not
afraid to fight back. In the eighth grade, he had
to transfer schools when he refused to apologize
for a fight.

10/31

2003

110

Bloomfield Hills, took over the clinic in 1979. But
After earning a bachelor's_degree at Wayne
their father continued treating patients there, work-
University, he applied to the University of
ing five half-days a week during the past five years.
Michigan medical school, but his application was
"He never made people feel outside; he was
thwarted due to anti-Semitism, Dr. Newman told
always inclusive and warm," said Steven, adding
the Jewish News last year. He was admitted the
that, with all that his father
following year, and he and a group of
saw caring for people, a
Jewish students helped get the dean
thought from Anne Frank's
ousted.
diary applies to his father:
Dr. Newman went on to practice
"He didn't think of all the
medicine for 70 years. He consulted at
misery in the world, but of
the Jewish Home for Aged and taught
all the beauty that still
at Wayne State, U-M, and Michigan
remains."
State University. He was also a strong
Dr. Newman is survived
supporter of Israel who was honored
by
wife, Sophia; sons and
at an Israel Bonds dinner.
daughters-in-law, Martin
He continued to call his wife of 71
Newman and significant
years, Sophia, "his bride" and they
other, Janet Belenson; Dr.
had four wedding ceremonies to cele-
Steven and Kathleen
brate their relationship — the first in
Newman, Dr. Donald
1932, with a justice of the peace. Two
Newman
and Marilyn
years later, they had a Reform cere-
Kelly,
Geoffrey
Newman
mony to please her family and an
and Sheila Hartney of
Orthodox one to please his, For their
Kansas; daughter, Phyllis
50th anniversary, they renewed their
Dr. Max Newman
Coit of Texas; grandchil-
vows with Rabbi M. Robert Syme at
dren, Cheryl, Marcia,
Temple Israel, where the couple were
Mark, Nathan, Rachel,
founding members.
Emily, Benjamin, Daniel, Patrick and Jonah
"My father was a very devout individual, who
Newman; sister-in-law, Bessie Bass.
prayed every day with tefillin, even in medical
Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery.
school," said Steven. He was committed to his
Contributions may be made to the Muscular
religion, his wife, to his profession and to his
Dystrophy Association, 27694 Franklin Road,
family. Those were the posts upon which every-
Southfield, MI 48034. Arrangements by Ira
thing in his life was based."
Kaufman Chapel. EI
Sons Steven and Dr. Donald Newman of

EVELYN BARNETT, 82, of West

JOE BERMAN, 69, of New York,

Bloomfield, died Oct. 27, 2003. She
was the owner of Peggy's Bloomfield
Fashion Shop, was a model in the
1940s and worked for Channel 2 in
broadcasting. She was also a member
of Women's American ORT and
Hadassah.
Mrs. Barnett is survived by her
children, William and Lisa Barnett of
Bloomfield Hills, Alan Barnett of
Walled Lake, Robert and Sheila
Barnett of West Bloomfield; grand-
children, Mitchell and Jason Barnett,
Joelle and Larissa Barnett, Joshua
Gordon; brother and sister-in-law,
Marvin and Beverly Talan of
Bloomfield Hills. She was the beloved
wife of the late Marvin Barnett.
Interment at Clover Hill Park
Cemetery. Contributions may be
made to the Zachary M. Talan
Edelson Maccabi Sports Fund at
Temple Israel. Arrangements by Ira
Kaufman Chapel.

died Oct. 23, 2003.
He is survived by his sister, Sharon
Bergman of Florida; brothers, Yehuda
Berman of Israel and David Berman
of Nevada; nephews, Rabbi Aaron
Bergman of Southfield, Laurence
Bergman of New York.
Interment in New York.

MYER "MIKE" G. BLOCK, 96, for-

mer Detroiter of Pompano Beach,
Fla., died Oct. 1, 2003. he was a vet-
eran and Shriner and devout fisher-
man.
He is survived by his beloved wife,
Mae; loving son and daughter-in-
law, Byron and
Libby; loving daugh-
ter, Beverly Ridge;
former daughter-in-
law, Beth Sparling;
grandchildren,
Robyn and Guy
Bouchard, Ryan and
Block

Chris Ridge, Carly Block, Jessica
Block and Eric Burkett; great-grand-
children, Lexie, Michael and Lauren
Bouchard, Cassie Burkett; brother,
Macy Block; sister, Lael Fliegel.
Services in Pompano Beach.
Contributions may be made to the
Herbert Block Memorial Fund (James
Cancer Fund), 4220 E. 5th Ave.,
Columbus, OH 43219 or to a charity
of one's choice.

tern-in-law, David and Barbara Diskin
of Virginia, Mark and Sharon Diskin
of Maryland; grandchildren, Robyn
and Melissa Lieberman, Daniel and
Rachel Diskin, Laura and Michael
Diskin; sister, Zelda Diskin of
Illinois.
Interment at Machpelah Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to a
charity of one's choice. Arrangements
by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

DR. BEN "BOB" DISKIN, 91, of
West Bloomfield, died Oct. 21, 2003.
He was a dentist. He was also a
World War II veteran and had been
stationed in the Philippines. He con-
ducted High Holiday services at
Congregation B'nai David as well as
morning minyans and played catch
with Babe Ruth in Detroit.
Dr. Diskin is survived by his wife,
Diane Diskin; daughter and son-in-
law, Sandra and Harvey Lieberman of
Farmington Hills; sons and daugh-

IMOGENE EDGERSON, 71, of

Detroit, died Oct. 20, 2003.
She is survived by her husband,
George Edgerson; sons, Eric
Edgerson, Ronald Edgerson, Kevin
Edgerson, Philip Edgerson, Finis
Edgerson, George Edgerson; daugh-
ters, Yvonne Crook, Wendy
Edgerson and Gean Edgerson. She
was the beloved mother of the late
Ellsworth Edgerson and the late
Samuel Edgerson.
Interment at Lincoln Memorial