The Professional Health Services Division
of
State of Israel Bonds
cordially invites you to attend the
Maimonides Tribute Dinner
for the people in his life."
to have guardianship. They
He recalled the joy in Rob's
are more family than net
face when Evan became a
bors. I did tell Susie they'd
bar mitzvah last November.
better stay healthy because
He talked of Rob's passion
I'm next in line."
for music and the time
Rob's mother, Marti,
he appeared on the Mery
already considered the
Griffin Show as accompa-
Tarnases part of the fam-
nist — playing his original
ily, expecting them to be at
music — for Buffo the
birthday parties and other
Clown's mime act. He spoke
gatherings. She and her hus-
of his undying love for his
band, Al, knew they already
children.
loved Emily and Evan.
And he likened Susie
"It's a wonderful situa-
and Christopher Tarnas to
tion; if you had to have an
angels" who have "stepped
extended family, they're the
in as parents to Evan and
best;' she said. "It's not a
Emily in such a beautiful,
tough transition. The kids
natural, inspiring, compas-
grew up with them. They
Skyier, top, and
sionate and loving way that
both come from a large
Dylan Tarnas have
it takes my breath away.
family — having two more
gained two siblings.
They are not Jewish, but
won't disrupt them."
they are already asking me
Christopher smiles at that
about lighting Shabbos
thought, as all four kids sit
candles and making a bat
at the dining table around
mitzvah for Emily."
him, bantering back and forth.
In his eulogy, he promised them, on
"That's four teens in quick succes-
behalf of Temple Israel and the Jewish
sion',' he said, smiling again. "I hope we
community, that they would not be in
get through OK."
this alone.
Another close friend, Larry
Rob's World
Kohlenberg of West Bloomfield, was
Rob Fischer was a multifaceted guy. A
Rob's longtime buddy, his accountant
bad cook, Emily says, but a great dad.
and the personal representative of his
A consensus-taker who sought advice
estate.
from friends before every first date. A
"This was like losing a brother;' he
man afraid of driving the highway and
said, wiping away sudden tears. "Helping
of the sky lift ride at Ohio's Cedar Point.
his family has kept me going. I have a
A talented musician and composer who
role to play. Rob trusted me to help, and
hoped for that big break and recorded
I will help carry on his legacy. This is a
original songs for those he loved.
Ask those who knew Rob Fischer and lifetime thing for me."
Larry has become the clearinghouse
they'll tell you he was a great friend —
loyal, warm, caring, talented, smart and for support from the Jewish community.
An educational fund was started for Evan
with a wickedly corny sense of humor.
Though his kids came first and he was and Emily. Federation has found a donor
openly proud of them, Rob also appreci- to build an addition to the Tarnas house.
Electricians, orthodontists, hairstylists
ated his friends — and he had many.
and attorneys have offered free services.
The crowd at his funeral overflowed
Temple Israel members have offered
the Ira Kaufman Chapel in Southfield.
The lengthy caravan of cars traveling to to carpool the kids to Hebrew School.
Oakland County-based Tamarack Camps
the cemetery prompted Aunt Sherry to
tell Emily, "These are people who cared will provide them a whole summer at
camp for free. And the list goes on.
so much about your father."
Larry's in touch regularly with
Rabbi Paul Yedwab of Temple Israel
Federation CEO Robert Aronson, who
was a good friend, a fellow musician, an
is making sure the ball is rolling for
adviser and a racquetball buddy of Rob's.
this family. He told Larry straight out:
He had been there to help break the news
"Federation exists for times like this. If
to Evan and Emily when their mother
we
can't help people in a situation like
died. And he was there to tell them of
this,
we shouldn't be in business."
their father's death when they woke up
"Lord
knows the community response
that Shabbat morning. In his eulogy, an
is
overwhelming;
people have been
emotional Yedwab said telling the children
generous
with
their
time and support;'
the news was "probably the most difficult
Larry
said.
thing I have ever had to do as a rabbi."
He called Rob "a gutten neshamah
Guardian Angels on page A18
(good soul) who truly wanted the best
"
honoring
Ronald D. Bemis,
DDS
Miles L. Singer,
D.O.
Jeffrey M. Zaks,
M.D.
Recipients of the State of Israel Maimonides Award
Special Guest Speaker
Dr. Gabriel Barbash
Director General of the Tel Aviv lchilov
Sourasky Medical Center
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
27375 Bell Road, Southfield
Tribute Chairmen
Dr. William M. Leuchter
Dr. Arthur S. Lieberman
Dr. Harris W. Mainster
Honorary Chairs
Sander M. Levin
Gerson I. Cooper
Cocktails and Strolling Dinner
6:00 p.m.
Program 7:00 p.m.
Dessert Buffet To Follow
Couvert: $118 per person
R.S.V.P. by April 20
Development Corporation for Israel
ISRAEL BONDS
Mitrxim (MIA. S.Pc.
29777 Telegraph Road Suite 2415
Southfield, MI 48034
248-352-6555 or toll free 888-352-6556 499180
April 9 . 2009
A17