None of us really know for certain how long we have here,
however what we can do is to live out our lives as best we can with purpose, with love and with joy.
We can use each day to show those who are closest to us how much we care about them and treat others with the kindness and respect that we wish for ourselves.
We can learn from our mistakes and grow from our failures.
We can strive at all costs to make a better world, so that someday,
if we are blessed with the chance to look back on our time here,
we know that we spent it well; that we made a difference;
that our fleeting presence had a lasting impact on the lives of others.
however what we can do is to live out our lives as best we can with purpose, with love and with joy.
We can use each day to show those who are closest to us how much we care about them and treat others with the kindness and respect that we wish for ourselves.
We can learn from our mistakes and grow from our failures.
We can strive at all costs to make a better world, so that someday,
if we are blessed with the chance to look back on our time here,
we know that we spent it well; that we made a difference;
that our fleeting presence had a lasting impact on the lives of others.
Jack Kaimowitz : Eulogy delivered by his son, Harold
Solly Kaye : Eulogy delivered by his son, Trevor on August 4, 2014
Notable historical events that occurred in 1922 include:
James M. Barrie who wrote Peter Pan said:
"It is not in doing what you like, but in liking what you do, that is the secret of happiness."
That he practiced medicine for 64 years was a remarkable testament to a man whose profession defined him as a person and that he loved and considered his hobby. He graduated from UCT Medical school in 1946 and amongst the many distinguished graduates of that year was Chris Barnard who performed the world’s first heart transplant
He felt it was very important to get out of bed every day with a purpose. He worked right up until the time of his stroke in January 2010.
He was a great believer in the power of positive thought and of alternative medicine and was an early proponent of the use of hypnotism and acupuncture in his practice. He believed in the value of nutritional and vitamin supplementation and loved the use of Vitamin B12 injections as a "pick me up". Oh, and lets not forget the value of Gentian Violet.
He was trusted and loved by his patients. His treatment came with a guarantee. He was Dr 100%.
He always said that as a doctor you had to know who was really sick. He knew his limitations and was never too proud to ask for a second opinion from a specialist.
His waiting room was open to all ethnic and economic groups and believed in a first come first served policy no matter who you were.
Our dad was a family man with family values and loyalties.
He revered his own father and was always deeply appreciative that he was given the opportunity to go to medical school. He unconditionally loved his four brothers and each of their families. He was the family confidante and the person to whom they all turned in crisis.
He was a loving and proud father and grandfather. The multiple photos, business cards, certificates and diplomas beneath the glass top on his office desk was his display of the accomplishments of his offspring.
He was not a materialistic person and was a man of simple needs. He always believed that a person should live within their means.
He was a generous man who literally would give the shirt off his back if someone liked what he had.
The only "gold" that he cherished was our late mother, Goulda, who lovingly and protectively catered to all his needs.
He was a humble and scrupulously honest man who always looked for the good in people. He was happy when people did well or had good fortune.
He never complained about his own health despite being a colon cancer survivor of >30 years. A fact that many of you may not have even known and as a parting bit of advice from my dad to all of you: have a screening colonoscopy.
Although he was not a particularly religious or deeply spiritual man, he was, however, a proud Jew and a staunch defender of Israel. I want you to know that the rabbi in Cape Town played a role on two occasions when our Dad was critically ill and he changed his hebrew name with success both times. Martin and I joked that his identity is unknown and he can now join the witness protection program.
He always looked for a Jewish relationship. Listening to the official CD of the FIFA World Cup song of 2010, sung by Shakira, called Waka Waka. "Is she Jewish?" asks Solly. "No" says Brenda. "She is Colombian." "But," says he "her name is Shapiro!"
He was an early riser, but always had an hour long afternoon nap. Even from a deep sleep he could be roused for a phone call, a patient or a conversation.
He never smoked, never overate and always dressed warmly. He even wore a sweater in summer. He went to bed early at night. On the other hand he ate very fast and never exercised......so go figure!
He was an avid listener to "talk" radio and was never shy to call up and voice his opinion. He loved to listen to music at night and would fall asleep with his favorite CD's still playing. I will always think about my dad when I hear an Engelbert Humperdinck song.
He followed the stock market closely and always watched the day's closing prices. Even at the end he knew the value of his Redefine stock!
In his opinion there was no more beautiful place than Cape Town; the best food was always found at home and he judged a restaurant by the quality (and quantity) of the bread it served.
He was fastidious about being on time and always planned on giving himself more than enough time to get anywhere........perhaps it was because he was a slow driver....but more than likely it was because he was obsessed by finding good parking. He tried to avoid places where the parking was not good! I once asked him why he chose a particular hospital for an operation, fully expecting to hear him say that the surgeon who operated there was especially good. Instead he said it was because the parking was easier and better.
Well, he is one who is sure to get good parking in Heaven.
He hated shopping and was a man ahead of his time. Never mind Internet shopping. He believed that everything could be done on the telephone, sight unseen! He tended to be impulsive and made decisions rapidly. I recall him buying a set of bargain golf clubs. I do not actually recall him playing golf although he said he played twice...... and the clubs?......they were left handed!
Our dad was a gregarious individual who was quick to start a conversation with perfect strangers. He even embraced Facebook and loved seeing who "friended” him and even contributed his "Sollyisms of the day" on a regular basis.
He was also a prolific letter writer and wrote to anyone and everyone about anything. He liked to recognize good service and was quick to acknowledge this to their superiors.
Although he had an opinion about everything, he would sometimes preface it by saying "I'm just a simple GP". He was not a man who enjoyed public speaking, but at last birthday party in November he did thank everyone for coming and said that he hoped to see everyone at his next birthday.
Well..... it's a few months early, but I can tell you that he would have loved the crowd here today. Thank you all for your friendship, love and caring over the years.
A special thanks and acknowledgement from me goes to:
Rest in peace.
Notable historical events that occurred in 1922 include:
- the discovery of insulin for the treatment of diabetes
- the tomb of Tutankhamen was discovered
- the USSR was created
- and Solly Kaye was born Solomon Kaimowitz on November 14, 1922
James M. Barrie who wrote Peter Pan said:
"It is not in doing what you like, but in liking what you do, that is the secret of happiness."
That he practiced medicine for 64 years was a remarkable testament to a man whose profession defined him as a person and that he loved and considered his hobby. He graduated from UCT Medical school in 1946 and amongst the many distinguished graduates of that year was Chris Barnard who performed the world’s first heart transplant
He felt it was very important to get out of bed every day with a purpose. He worked right up until the time of his stroke in January 2010.
He was a great believer in the power of positive thought and of alternative medicine and was an early proponent of the use of hypnotism and acupuncture in his practice. He believed in the value of nutritional and vitamin supplementation and loved the use of Vitamin B12 injections as a "pick me up". Oh, and lets not forget the value of Gentian Violet.
He was trusted and loved by his patients. His treatment came with a guarantee. He was Dr 100%.
He always said that as a doctor you had to know who was really sick. He knew his limitations and was never too proud to ask for a second opinion from a specialist.
His waiting room was open to all ethnic and economic groups and believed in a first come first served policy no matter who you were.
Our dad was a family man with family values and loyalties.
He revered his own father and was always deeply appreciative that he was given the opportunity to go to medical school. He unconditionally loved his four brothers and each of their families. He was the family confidante and the person to whom they all turned in crisis.
He was a loving and proud father and grandfather. The multiple photos, business cards, certificates and diplomas beneath the glass top on his office desk was his display of the accomplishments of his offspring.
He was not a materialistic person and was a man of simple needs. He always believed that a person should live within their means.
He was a generous man who literally would give the shirt off his back if someone liked what he had.
The only "gold" that he cherished was our late mother, Goulda, who lovingly and protectively catered to all his needs.
He was a humble and scrupulously honest man who always looked for the good in people. He was happy when people did well or had good fortune.
He never complained about his own health despite being a colon cancer survivor of >30 years. A fact that many of you may not have even known and as a parting bit of advice from my dad to all of you: have a screening colonoscopy.
Although he was not a particularly religious or deeply spiritual man, he was, however, a proud Jew and a staunch defender of Israel. I want you to know that the rabbi in Cape Town played a role on two occasions when our Dad was critically ill and he changed his hebrew name with success both times. Martin and I joked that his identity is unknown and he can now join the witness protection program.
He always looked for a Jewish relationship. Listening to the official CD of the FIFA World Cup song of 2010, sung by Shakira, called Waka Waka. "Is she Jewish?" asks Solly. "No" says Brenda. "She is Colombian." "But," says he "her name is Shapiro!"
He was an early riser, but always had an hour long afternoon nap. Even from a deep sleep he could be roused for a phone call, a patient or a conversation.
He never smoked, never overate and always dressed warmly. He even wore a sweater in summer. He went to bed early at night. On the other hand he ate very fast and never exercised......so go figure!
He was an avid listener to "talk" radio and was never shy to call up and voice his opinion. He loved to listen to music at night and would fall asleep with his favorite CD's still playing. I will always think about my dad when I hear an Engelbert Humperdinck song.
He followed the stock market closely and always watched the day's closing prices. Even at the end he knew the value of his Redefine stock!
In his opinion there was no more beautiful place than Cape Town; the best food was always found at home and he judged a restaurant by the quality (and quantity) of the bread it served.
He was fastidious about being on time and always planned on giving himself more than enough time to get anywhere........perhaps it was because he was a slow driver....but more than likely it was because he was obsessed by finding good parking. He tried to avoid places where the parking was not good! I once asked him why he chose a particular hospital for an operation, fully expecting to hear him say that the surgeon who operated there was especially good. Instead he said it was because the parking was easier and better.
Well, he is one who is sure to get good parking in Heaven.
He hated shopping and was a man ahead of his time. Never mind Internet shopping. He believed that everything could be done on the telephone, sight unseen! He tended to be impulsive and made decisions rapidly. I recall him buying a set of bargain golf clubs. I do not actually recall him playing golf although he said he played twice...... and the clubs?......they were left handed!
Our dad was a gregarious individual who was quick to start a conversation with perfect strangers. He even embraced Facebook and loved seeing who "friended” him and even contributed his "Sollyisms of the day" on a regular basis.
He was also a prolific letter writer and wrote to anyone and everyone about anything. He liked to recognize good service and was quick to acknowledge this to their superiors.
Although he had an opinion about everything, he would sometimes preface it by saying "I'm just a simple GP". He was not a man who enjoyed public speaking, but at last birthday party in November he did thank everyone for coming and said that he hoped to see everyone at his next birthday.
Well..... it's a few months early, but I can tell you that he would have loved the crowd here today. Thank you all for your friendship, love and caring over the years.
A special thanks and acknowledgement from me goes to:
- To my brother-in-law Richard: for his understanding, support and patience of all the time Brenda has spent in Cape Town since he first got incapacitated.
- To my sister Brenda for always putting our father first and for advocating for him so strongly during this final phase of his life. Our approaches may have differed at times, Brenda, but your heart was always in the right place.
- To my brother Martin for keeping the lines of communication open between Boston and Cape Town. For speaking with our Dad daily for the past 20 years!
Rest in peace.
Solly.........
Solly's secrets to living a long and successful life:
- Have the right parents.
- Marry the right spouse, especially one who caters to all your needs.
- Get enough rest. Take a least an hour long nap during the day and get into bed very soon after supper.
- Get up early in the morning, have a cup of tea and read the newspaper.
- Find a job that you consider your hobby.
- Eat very fast. Don't over eat. Eat a lot of bread.
- Never exercise. You may strain something.
- Always worry about the little things.
- Try not to go anywhere where the parking is not good.
- Have a lot of 50c coins in your pocket. If anyone glances at you, give them a coin.
- Write letters. To anyone and everyone about anything.
The Wisdom of Solomon:
- In life it's the stayers that count not the sprinters
- It's whom you know.
- Money talks.
- Never loan money, but if you do, give it and never expect to get it back.
- Nothing for nothing and little for sixpence.
- Never go to a restaurant. You only get good food at home.
- You have to be your own boss in life.
- Diamonds are all bluff.
- Theory is a line to action.
- When you mix with rich people it always costs you money.
- Always go on organized tours.
Ben Kaye: Eulogy delivered by his son David in December 2017
THEY WERE KNOWN AS THE “GREATEST GENERATION”!
THE MEN WHO GREW UP IN THE DEPRESSION, AND WENT TO WAR AND SAVED US ALL FROM TYRANNY AND FASCISM.
IT HOWEVER, WASN’T CONFINED TO JUST THE USA
MANY MEN FROM ALL OVER THE WESTERN WORLD HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES
AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, CANADA AND SOUTH AFRICA TOO!
MY DEAR DAD, BORN AUGUST 19TH 1924 (SO VERY LONG AGO!) GREW UP IN A MOSTLY JEWISH NEIGHBORHOOD IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA/ MIDDLE CLASS, CLOSE KNIT LARGE FAMILY, AND THE FAMILY BUSINESS, UNIVERSAL BELMOR.
A GOOD ATHELETE, TALENTED BOXER, ALWAYS HAD THE WONDERLUST AND SIGNED UP AT 17 YEARS OLD, AND WENT TO WAR.
BECAME THE FIRST JEWISH PARATROOPER IN THE BRITISH ARMY. QUOTE DAD,(NO SPARE SHUTES LIKE THE YANKS HAD! JUST ONE, AND IF IT DIDN’T WORK, THEY WERE TOLD TO COMPLAIN ON LANDING)!!
BEN ROSE TO MASTER SARGEANT, FOUGHT WITH MONTGOMERY’S THIRD ARMY AGAINST ROMMELS AFRIKA KORPS IN NORTH AFRICA, AND THEN WENT THROUGH ALL OF ITALY UNDER THE AMERICAN GENERAL MARK CLARK
ANZIO, MONTECASINO STORIED BATTLES WE SEE ON THE HISTORY CHANNEL…
THEN AT THE END OF THE WAR, IN THE THEN PALESTINE TREKKED THE HOLYLAND ALL THE WAY NORTH AND THROUGH LEBANON
A GUN RUNNER FOR THE HAGANAH WHILE IN BRITISH UNIFORM. GREAT COVER, BUT VERY RISKY!
BEN THE ADVENTURER, ZIONIST, AND BRAVE SOLDIER…FROM THE OLD SCHOOL.
BEN MET MY LATE MOM MOLLY, AT THE ALLIED DEMOBILIZATION IN EGYPT AS SHE SANG AT A CONCERT WITH THE COMBINED US, UK AND SOUTH AFRICAN TROOP ENTERTAINMENT CORPS... SHE DID A DUET WITH OLD BLUE EYES, FRANK SINATRA. (CALLED HER SOUTH AFRICA’S DIANA SHORE!) MY DAD WAS STRUCK AND THEY WERE MARRIED JUST A YEAR LATER.
OUR FAMILY OF THREE BOYS AND SO MANY 1950’S STYLE ROAD TRIPS. SO SIMILAR TO THE USA EXPERIENCE,
BUT FAR AWAY IN SOUTH AFRICA. WE PLAYED CRICKET AND RUGBY, NOT BASEBALL AND FOOTBALL BUT IT WAS MUCH THE SAME UNSPOILED EXPERIENCE.
TREMENDOUS LOVE AND SUPPORT. FAMILY ALWAYS CAME FIRST TO DAD.
DAD WAS ALWAYS AT OUR SPORTS EVENTS, CHEERING US ON. PARTICIPATING IN OUR LIVES.
AN AVID GOLFER AND FOUNDATION MEMBER OF KING DAVID COUNTRY CLUB. (ALL SOUNDS FAMILIAR??)
MY MOM SUFFERED A LONG ILLNESS AND THERE WAS MY DAD, THE PROTECTOR, SUPPORTER AND GENTLEMAN, NEVER FLINCHING, NEVER COMPLAINING, TOTALLY DEVOTED!
UNBEKNOWNS AT THE SAME TIME WAS THE WONDERFUL SHIRLEY, SHE TOO, THE GREAT PARTNER TO ALEX, SIMILARLY ILL AND SUPPORTED AND CARED FOR BY HIS DEVOTED SHIRLEY.
BOTH DAD AND SHIRLES LOST THEIR LOVED ONE AND SEEMED ADRIFT!
THAT CHANGED IN 1997 AND WE KNOW THE REST!
A LOVE AFFAIR FOR THE AGES.
MY DAD IN AWE OF HIS BEAUTIFUL BRIDE. PROTECTIVE, LOVING AND OLD FASHIONED DEVOTION.
BATTLING EACH OTHER ON THE GOLF COURSE AND AT CARDS. SHIRLES FOCUSED ON WINNING!
WHAT A TEAM!
MY DAD WAS FROM THE WORLD OF THINGS BEING BLACK AND WHITE
WE LIVE IN A TRIANGULATED AGE WITH BLACK, WHITE AND A LOT OF GREY. DAD DIDN’T GET THAT TOO WELL.
IT’S RIGHT OR WRONG, NO NUANCE PERMITTED.
TODAY IN THIS “PROGRESSIVE WORLD WE HAVE SO MANY/ TOO MANY, OPTIONS (APPS!) YET, IN THE PASTS SIMPLER TIME, THERE WAS MORE PERHAPS MORE CLARITY?
BEN SOMEWHAT ENIGMATIC, BY CONTRAST, ALREADY IN THE 50'S/EARLY 60’S WAS A FORWARD THINKER.. YOGA, HYPNOSIS, DALE CARNEGIE AND NORMAN VINCENT PEALS "POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING"!
TO HIM IT SEEMED SIMPLE, THERE WERE ONLY TWO OPTIONS. RIGHT OR WRONG, GOOD OR BAD. AS I SAID NOT TOO MUCH TOLERANCE THE GREY!
THOSE “GREATEST GENERATION STALLWARTS ARE NOW MOSTLY GONE.
BENNIE/BEN KAYE A POSTER BOY FOR THIS LOST AND INSPIRING TIME WILL BE MISSED, SO MUCH AND FOREVER!
BON VOYAGE POP!
Ben in his own words:
You may need to download the vimeo app, but I just copied and pasted it into search and it came up and played perfectly.
https://vimeo.com/249702740/b30ae50fc5
https://vimeo.com/249702740/b30ae50fc5