obituaries Obituaries from page 67 A Good Name - And A Big Smile Ronelle Grier Contributing Writer R obert Schechter was a beloved family man, trusted friend and respected colleague who left behind a legacy of inspiration, integ- rity, loyalty and love. Those who knew Mr. Schechter, per- sonally or professionally, remember his tremendous wisdom, immeasurable patience, boundless sense of humor and selfless devotion to others. It was only fitting that such an extraordinary man should be memo- rialized in an equally remarkable way, and Mr. Schechter's funeral more than fulfilled that requisite. An overflow crowd attended the service at Ira Kaufman Chapel in Southfield. Funeral director David Techner said it was one of the largest and longest funerals ever held in the building, lasting more than one-and- a-half hours with tributes from 13 speakers. A highlight of the service was an excerpt from a documentary called A Good Name, featuring video of Mr. Schechter. Robert Schechter, of Bloomfield Hills, died of cancer at age 75 on March 31, 2013. Speaking at the funeral, son Marc Schechter described his father as a phenomenal listener who derived his greatest enjoyment from helping oth- ers. "He smiled almost all the time," said Marc. "More than 920 condolence emails mentioned his big smile." He described frequent counseling sessions at the dining table, where rela- tives and friends would gather around his father to receive advice on a variety of business and personal problems. "He never said, 'I'm too busy:" said Marc. "His patience made him a great listener ... he had the perfect combina- tion of heart and wisdom that allowed others to figure out a solution!' Family Man Robert Schechter grew up in Detroit with his three brothers, Ronnie, Howard and the late Neal Schechter. Living in close quarters, they formed a bond that lasted throughout their lives, enjoying lunches and outings filled with laughter and camaraderie. "When he saw you were without a smile, he gave you one of his," said physically and emotionally!' said Marc. Ronnie, who spoke at the funeral. "Despite all his success, he was a mod- A source of pride for Mr. Schechter was the family home he built in Punta est man ... happy with who he was." Mita, Mexico, where all the children Mr. Schechter attended Central High and grandchildren would gather during School in Detroit and received an engi- neering degree from the University of winter break. Michigan, where he returned to earn 'Positive Attitude' a master's of business administration When Mr. Schechter was diagnosed (MBA) degree in 1970. He met his wife, Bluma, while both with pancreatic cancer, Bluma made a were still in high school, although concerted effort to ensure that his life continued to be fulfilling, taking him they did not start dating until college. During their 51-year marriage, the golfing up north and planning another couple traveled extensively and enjoyed trip to Mexico. "He never allowed sharing activities such as golf and skiing. a stupid little thing "They had a real like cancer to get in partnership!' said the way!' said son their daughter, Rachel Greg Schechter. Zimmerman. The funeral was After an early career officiated by Rabbi in manufacturing, Mr. Harold Loss of Temple Israel in Schechter decided to join the New York Life West Bloomfield, Rabbi Joseph Krakoff office in Southfield, of Congregation where his uncle Rudy Leitman and Shaarey Zedek in Southfield and brother Ronnie were Cantorial Soloist Neil already top salesmen. Eventually, he and his Michaels of Temple Israel. Among those uncle formed a part- who spoke were four nership and moved Robert Schechter their growing business of Mr. Schechter's grandchildren, who to the Southfield Town reminisced about their "Grampy's" Center. honesty, wisdom, patience and sense of Mr. Schechter continued to develop humor. and expand the business and client "We always felt he had time for us base after his uncle's death. Son Marc and son-in-law Jason Zimmerman and cared about what we were doing," joined the company, which moved to its said granddaughter Lauren Schechter. current Birmingham location in 2004. Longtime friend Harold Blumenstein described Mr. Schechter as the brother Two years later, the name was changed he never had. to Schechter Wealth Strategies to bet- "His positive attitude was infec- ter reflect its expanded range of ser- tious!' said Blumenstein, who met Mr. vices, and offices were added in Flint, Farmington Hills and New York City. Schechter when both were in their teens. "Astonishment at his own success "He taught me to do what's best for and joy in sharing it with others was other people, and everything else will one of his most endearing qualities." work out," said Jason. "He always did Business associate-turned-friend what was best for the client. When he Alan Schwartz said Mr. Schechter was got sick, he put his family's needs first his mentor, counselor, adviser and loyal ... he wanted to make sure everyone friend. "He helped me keep things in was taken care of." His family was his top priority, and perspective," said Schwartz. Friend and client Murray Pitt called Mr. Schechter demonstrated this in Mr. Schechter a teacher and praised his many ways. He always came home for ability to gain people's trust and confi- dinner, often returning to the office dence even when discussing uncomfort- afterward for several more hours of work. able topics such as money and death. Through Mr. Schechter's philosophy of "For 46 years, whenever I needed him, he was awake and he was there, "plan for tomorrow, but live for today!' Pitt said, he taught us how to die with "courage, strength and grace." Finding Peace Rabbi Loss described Mr. Schechter as a man who was comfortable with his emotions. The rabbi quoted from a tribute written by Bluma for her hus- band's 70th birthday, calling him "the most forgiving and peaceful man" she had ever known. In the documentary video A Good Name shown at the funeral and made by nephew David Schechter, Mr. Schechter referred to himself as a "today person!' saying he refused to regard his illness as a catastrophe. "My 'bucket list' is empty!' he said. "I had a wonderful life." Robert V. Schechter is survived by his wife, Bluma Schechter; sons and daugh- ters-in-law, Greg and Julia Schechter of Seattle, Wash., and Marc and Susan Schechter of Bloomfield Hills; daugh- ter and son-in-law, Rachel and Jason Zimmerman of Huntington Woods; grandchildren, Lauren Schechter, Ben Schechter, Aaron Schechter, Josh Schechter, Annie Schechter, Sammie Schechter, Jordan Zimmerman, Corey Zimmerman and Ryan Zimmerman; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronald and Sheila Schechter of Bloomfield Hills, and Howard and Barbara Lee Schechter of Stinson Beach, Calif.; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Schechter, Margo Bremen and Beryl Bremen; many loving nieces and nephews; and a world of devoted and loving friends. Mr. Schechter was the devoted son of the late Hyman and the late Lee Schechter; the loving son-in-law of the late George and the late Elsie Bremen; the cherished brother of the late Neal Schechter; the dear brother-in-law of the late Barry Bremen. Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Yad Ezra, 2850 W. 11 Mile, Berkley, MI 48072, www.yadezra.org ; Sky Foundation Inc., 33 Bloomfield Hills Parkway, #130, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304, www.skyfoundationinc.org; Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI 48201; Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network, 6555 W. Maple, West Bloomfield, MI 48322, www.jewishhospice.org; or Kids Kicking Cancer, 645 Griswold, Suite 444, Detroit MI 48226. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel. ❑ Obituaries on page 70 68 April 11 • 2013 JN Obituaries