Robert Lewis Kane M.D. Obituary (1940 - 2017)

Robert Lewis Kane, M.D., 77, died unexpectedly on March 6, leaving a gaping hole in the countless lives he touched. Bob was the Minnesota Chair of Aging and Long-Term Care at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health where he was a professor for more than thirty years. He was a distinguished researcher, prolific author, and dedicated advocate for better management of chronic illnesses and improved delivery of long-term care. Bob was determined to help people age with grace and dignity. To him, work was always deeply personal. Bob was committed to his scholarship and advocacy; he was also devoted to his colleagues with whom he collaborated generously, and his students for whom he was a gracious and supportive mentor. Bob will be remembered for his intelligence, wit, wry humor and deep generosity. He was preceded in death by his father Harold and his mother Ruth. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, life-long partner and frequent professional collaborator, Rosalie; his three daughters: Miranda Kane (Patrick Robbins), Ingrid Kane (Gunnar) Johnson, and Kate Kane (Joyce Mariano); his grandchildren: Kathleen, Devan, Mary, Conor, Ilsa, Lily, Olivia, and Emilia, who were the source of Bob’s purest joy and whose diverse interests and talents he enthusiastically supported. He is also remembered by his beloved sister, Candy (Dan) West; sister-in-law Sheila Smolkin; brother-in-law David (Tova) Smolkin; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and colleagues. Funeral service 10:30 a.m. THURSDAY, March 9th at ADATH JESHURUN CONGREGATION, 10500 Hillside Lane West, Minnetonka. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to the Long-Term Care Re-Think Tank (https://www.rethinkltc.org/ ); the newly established Kane Scholarship Fund at the Minnesota Gerontological Society (https://www.rethinkltc.org/), Planned Parenthood, or the American Civil Liberties Union. SHIVA will be at the family residence on Thursday, Sunday and Monday at 7:00 p.m.