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62 October 20 • 2016 Obituaries obituaries » David Sachs | Senior Copy Editor A t his funeral, Norm Bash was described as having "the best marketing mind" of anyone. The unique thing about him, how- ever, explained his children, Jeff and Stephanie, was that Norm didn't just limit his brilliance to the corporate world — he shared his insight to benefit everyday people. For instance, Norm would lend his career coaching skills to help high school and college students, new Russian immigrants and the unemployed. "Mentoring was a major theme of his life," Stephanie said. But bigger challenges lay ahead for Norm. Six years ago, he was diagnosed with a life-threatening abdominal cancer, and only an 11-hour surgery and many subsequent treatments at the University of Michigan extended his life — giving his family many opportunities to spend quality time with him. As his brother Roger noted at the funeral, most admirable about Norm was not only his intelligence, but also his courage and his good-heartedness toward others. Although bravely dealing with sur- gery, chemotherapy, radiation, kidney failure and dialysis, Norm kept his focus on helping fellow patients. "Not only did he never complain, but he became a role model for people deal- ing with major health challenges," said Stephanie. "He used his own experiences to teach others." FAMILY LIFE Norman E. Bash, 73, of Ann Arbor passed away peacefully on Oct. 12, 2016, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on May 24, 1943, in Brooklyn's Borough Park, the son of Jack Bash and Jeanette (Braus) Bash. When Norm was 7, the family moved to Chicago. He attended the University of Chicago and he earned a degree in chemistry and a master's in business administration. As a student, he met Leslie Sager on a blind date, and they married on June 20, 1965. Said Stephanie, "My dad was a dedicated husband, and my parents enjoyed many travels and adventures together during their 51 years of marriage. My mom, Leslie, has been the most committed spouse, caregiver and medical advocate a person could ever have. Her incredible caring made a true difference to him, and she is a wonderful role model to all of us." Norm started a long career in stra- tegic planning and marketing with Rohm and Haas, a chemical company in Philadelphia. In 1970, the family moved to Pittsfield, Mass., where Norm worked for the Plastics Division of General Electric. Eight years later, he was offered the opportunity to work for General Electric's Far East Division in New York City. In that role, Norm developed a deep love for both travel and Asian cul- ture — especially food. His last position in manufacturing was with Freudenberg NOK, a Metro Detroit- based auto parts company. Later, he con- sulted with a variety of local companies. Norm and Leslie established a home in West Bloomfield in 1991, where they developed a great network of friends, which extended to Ann Arbor as well. In semi-retirement, Norm was free to pursue one of his greatest passions, com- petitive bridge. He competed in tourna- ments around the country. Norm volunteered on a number of boards including the Michigan-Israel Business Bridge, the Performance Network Theater in Ann Arbor, and the Marketing and Sales Executives of Detroit. He also participated in inter- viewing prospective stu- dents for the University of Chicago. MEDICAL ALTRUISM During his illness, Norm found the strength to contribute to medical sci- ence in a number of ways, including being a tireless advocate for kidney research in Michigan and par- ticipating with the Michigan Kidney Foundation as a peer mentor, informing other patients on what to expect. He also used his management and strategic planning skills to suggest ways hospitals can deliver better care to patients. One special teaching activity he did was working with his favorite kidney doc, Dr. Michael Heung, serving each year on a special panel for second-year medical students at U-M medical school. He felt that he could make a unique con- tribution by sharing information about kidney disease and dialysis with future doctors from a patient's perspective so they could provide better care to their patients. Norm's friend Dr. Jerry Weinberg of West Bloomfield said, "Dr. Heung told Norm that he was the strongest person he had ever treated for kidney failure. I asked the doctor how he would be able to replace Norm as a teacher, and he replied that he learned enough from Norm to pass it on to many generations." Norm's friend David Magidson of Bloomfield Hills noted Norm was "blessed with a lovely sense of humor. "But what was most remarkable of all was Norm's spirit," said Magidson, "his unwillingness to give up, even when he was monumentally sick." In his eulogy, Rabbi Robert Dobrusin of Beth Israel Congregation in Ann Arbor recalled Norm's love of the Jewish people and for Israel, and talked about Norm's legacy of teaching and helping others. "The inspiration he gave to so many, his dedication to lifelong learning, teaching and to his family left this world a much better place," said the rabbi. "Norman left us all with a greater appreciation for life and all it can hold, and for that, we should always be grate- ful." Norman Bash was the beloved hus- band of Leslie Bash; cherished father of Jeff (Sabrina Powers) Bash and Stephanie (Michael Soudry) Bash- Soudry; loving grandfather of Ben Soudry, Nadav Soudry and Maya Soudry; proud brother of Roger (Margo) Bash and Joshua Bash; dear uncle of Daniel and Jonathan Bash, Adam Howell and Kat Howell. He is also survived by many loving cousins. Contributions in his memory may be made to: U-M Division of Nephrology, U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center, Attn: Sarcoma Research Dept., 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2800, (734) 998-6893, mcancer.org/giving; Hadassah-Greater Detroit Chapter, 5030 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323, (248) 683-5030, www.hadassah.org/detroit; or Beth Israel Congregation, 2000 Washtenaw, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, (734) 665-9897, www.bethisrael-aa.org. Interment was at Arborcrest Memorial Park in Ann Arbor. Arrangements were by Ira Kaufman Chapel. * A Mentor To All Norman Bash Monument Center Inc. Monuments and Markers Bronze Markers Memorial Duplicating Cemetery Lettering & Cleaning "Same Location Over 80 Years" www.MonumentCenterInc.com WWW.HOM.ORG CALL 24/7 TOLLFREE: (888) 247-5701 CHOOSE THE EXPERTS Proud to partner with the Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network CARING FOR THE DETROIT JEWISH COMMUNITY SINCE 1980 2066590