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Britman, and of the late Julius 
Britman; dearest sister-in-law of 
the late Sally Saginaw, the late 
Sanford Joseph, Jerry (Bonnie) 
Joseph; also sadly missed by 
loving nieces, nephews, other 
relatives and friends. 
Contributions may be made 
to American Cancer Society, 
20450 Civic Center Drive, 
Southfield, MI 48076. A grave-
side service was held at Hebrew 
Memorial Park. Arrangements 
by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

BARRY KAPLAN, 
87, of Commerce 
Township, passed 
away Sept. 9, 2022.
He battled 
through a traumat-
ic early childhood 
and made a life 
for himself and 
his family in the 

Detroit area. He graduated 
from Central High School and 
later ran a successful scrap 
metal business. When not 
working, he loved the horses, 
all the Detroit sports teams, 
being with his friends at the 
Cushion and Cue in Oak Park, 
and everything Las Vegas. In 
retirement, Costco became his 
favorite hangout.
He loved and was so proud 
of his kids and held his grand-
kids and great-grandkids near 
to his heart. He was charming 
and funny. He enjoyed talking 
to strangers and putting smiles 
on their faces. 
Mr. Kaplan is survived by his 
long-time companion, Carole 
Kaplan; his sons and daugh-
ters-in-law, Benjamin and 
Jake Kaplan, Bruce and Amy 
Brenner-Kaplan; daughter and 
son-in-law, Janice and Brian 

Bittker; grandchildren, Jen 
Kaplan and Ryan Kopperud, 
Joey and Courtney Kaplan, 
Mitchell Kaplan, Jessica and 
David Wright, Dr. Samantha 
Kaplan-Cooley and Robert 
Cooley, Brady Kaplan, Benny 
Kaplan; great-grandchildren, 
Mac Wright and Juniper 
Kopperud. 
May his memory be a bless-
ing.

THOMAS LAZAR, 
74, of West 
Bloomfield, died 
Sept. 9, 2022. 
He was born 
in Prague, 
Czechoslovakia, the son of 
Holocaust survivors Eta and 
Berko Lazar. 
When they came to the 
United States, they settled in 
Oak Park. He had a very fulfill-

ing childhood surrounded by 
family and friends. He attended 
Michigan State University, 
where he was awarded a Merit 
Scholarship and, subsequently, 
obtained a juris doctor degree 
at Wayne State University, 
School of Law. He practiced 
law for more than 40 years 
and served as president of the 
general practice section of the 
Michigan State Bar for several 
years. He also was the editor of 
the Michigan State Bar Journal 
for his section. 
He maintained many rela-
tionships within the commu-
nity and beyond. His greatest 
joy in life was the birth of his 
daughter, Stephanie, and sub-
sequent birth of his two grand-
sons, Remy and Benjamin. 
He was a patient, loving and 
kind person to all who knew 
him. His life and legacy will be 

continued on page 108

For the peace you need . . .
for the respect of the life you treasured.