soul

of blessed memory

continued from page 95

Putting His Family And Others First

RONELLE GRIER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A

lan Hurvitz believed in put-
ting others first, and he
brought this credo into all
his endeavors — as a brilliant attor-
ney, inspiring teacher
and mentor, community
leader, trusted friend
and, most importantly,
devoted family man.
Alan, who lived in West
Bloomfield with his wife,
Ruth, died March 21,
2018, at age 61.
Alan was a gifted law-
yer who specialized in
commercial real estate
for more than 30 years
Hurvitz
at Honigman, Miller,
Schwartz and Cohn. He
eventually became a
partner and board member, retiring
from the firm in 2011. He then pur-
sued his passion for history, obtain-
ing his master’s degree in history
from Wayne State University in 2017.
He rejoined the firm in 2014 as “of
counsel,” a position he held until his
death. He created and led in-house
seminars on real estate and took
pleasure in mentoring new associ-
ates. He was regularly recognized in
the annual Best Lawyers in America
and was a frequent lecturer and pan-
elist at various industry workshops
and conferences.
Alan’s community leadership
included serving on the boards
of Congregation B’nai Moshe, the
Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
and the Jewish Historical Society of
Michigan. He served as vice presi-
dent of Tamarack Camps and was
awarded its prestigious President’s
Award in 2005. He maintained

memberships at B’nai Moshe and
Congregation Shaarey Zedek.
“He was a very great and humble
man,” said his younger brother, Ed,
at the funeral service. “It was never
about him; his life was about putting
others first.”
Alan was born in
Detroit in 1956. He and
Ed learned early the
importance of fam-
ily, Judaism and giving
back to the community.
Alan was an exceptional
student, active in his
local United Synagogue
Youth chapter, where he
expressed what became
a lifelong love of music
by starting a garage band
called the Off Key 3.
Alan attended WSU,
where he received his undergraduate
degree in history, his law degree and,
ultimately, his master’s degree. After
retiring from his firm at age 55, he
became an adjunct professor at U-D
Mercy, where he was admired and
respected by his students and col-
leagues.
Alan fell in love with Ruth when
the two were involved with WSU
Hillel. They were married in 1981,
beginning a life filled with love,
devotion and friendship. They
enjoyed traveling, going to the beach
in Delaware and Charlevoix, attend-
ing plays and any activity where they
could be together.
They raised their three children to
value Judaism and the importance of
family. Despite his long work hours,
Alan always put his kids first, tak-
ing them on outings and trips and
listening when they needed to talk.
He passed on his love for music to

his children, making mock radio-
broadcast mixtapes while they were
at Tamarack and taking them to
folk festivals and concerts around
the country. He taught them the
importance of understanding history
through family trips to presidential
museums and other historic venues.
As their family grew, Alan and
Ruth welcomed the children’s spous-
es as their own kids. Alan’s world lit
up when Steven’s wife, Tammy, gave
birth to Nathan, who loved spend-
ing time with his beloved “Grandka.”
Of all his successes and impressive
achievements, Alan took the great-
est pride in his family. He enjoyed
watching his children grow into car-
ing, accomplished young adults.
For the Detroit Jewish News 75th
anniversary edition last year, Alan
wrote a special article about the
paper’s founder, Philip Slomovitz.
Alan is survived by his loving wife,
Ruth; cherished children, Steven
(Tammy) Hurvitz, Leah Hurvitz (Oren
Yair) and Danny Hurvitz; beloved
grandson, Nathan Hurvitz; dear
brother, Dr. Edward (Karen) Hurvitz;
and many loving nieces, nephews,
great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was the devoted son of the late
Harold and the late Rae Hurvitz.
Interment was at Yiddish Folks
Farein Section of Workmen’s Circle
Cemetery. Contributions in memory
of Alan may be directed to Tamarack
Camps, 6735 Telegraph Road #380,
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, (248) 952-
9110, tamarackcamps.com/tributes;
or Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100
John R., Mailcode: NCO6DS, Detroit,
MI 48201, (800) 527-6266, karmanos.
org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman
Chapel. •

DAVID HELFMAN, 73, of San
Diego, formerly of Oak Park, died
March 15, 2018.
Mr. Helfman earned a Ph.D.
in education and was a physical
education teacher and coach at
Southfield-Lathrup High School
for 31 years. He then worked for
another 16 years for San Diego
Public Schools. David was very fond
of his years with his Mertz Baseball
teammates.
He is survived by his beloved
wife of 20 years, Anita; his sons,
Jason (Erin) and Todd (Kristal);
his grandsons, Ray, Max and Cole;
his granddaughters, Sydney and
Macey; his brother, Jerry Helfman;
special friends, Ken and Nadine
Burke. David was the beloved son of
Manny and Roz Helfman.
A memorial service will be held
in late spring or early summer.
Contributions may be made to a
charity of one’s choice.

BARRY R. JEROSS,
72, of Farmington
Hills, died March
20, 2018.
He is survived
by his beloved
wife, Donna Jeross;
daughters and
Jeross
sons-in-law, Beth
and Ken Redfern,
and Dr. Amy and Dr. Brian Heyman;
brother and sister-in-law, Michael
and Andrea Jeross; grandchildren,
Elana Redfern, Jack Redfern, Maggie
Heyman and Leah Heyman; lov-
ing pet, Laney; many loving nieces,
nephews, other family members
and friends.
Interment took place at
Machpelah Cemetery in Ferndale.
Contributions may be made
to a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

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