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Herbert Lewis Cahn
05/13/1916 — 10/14/2014
From Richland, WA | Born in New York City, NY
Herbert Lewis Cahn
Herbert L. Cahn was born in New York City, the only child of Fannie and Henry Cahn, on May 13, 1916. He died in his home in Richland in the presence of family on October 14th.
Herbert moved to Richland in 1951 with his wife, Alma (Ide), and their then two children, where he became a prominent physician serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas. After 25 years in private practice, he served as public health officer for the Benton-Franklin District Health Department for 10 years during which time he was a frequent spokesperson on public health issues in the media and in public forums.
Herbert completed his undergraduate education at New York University and then went on to study medicine in Edinburgh, Scotland. His medical studies were interrupted during the Second World War when he enlisted in the Army after which he served in various posts in Europe. He returned to New York where he completed his training with a specialty in ear, nose and throat and entered private practice.
He was an active volunteer at Planned Parenthood, trustee of the Richland Cemetery Association, and director of the Benton-Franklin chapter of the American Red Cross. He took special pride in his role as president of the Richland Library Board, and in his 59 years as a member of the Richland Rotary Club, where he also served as president.
He was an early leader in the Jewish community, contributing his time and energy to the establishment of the Richland synagogue, Congregation Beth Shalom, where he served as president.
Herbert was known for his legendary wit and storytelling. He loved to travel and took many long hikes in many places around the world with his wife. Herbert was a life-long tennis player and enthusiast. He took full advantage of life in the Northwest where he enjoyed boating and fishing with his family and friends.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Alma; his five children, Deborah, Thomas (Nancy), Douglas (Barbara Gaffin), Pamela (Robert Hsu), David, and great friend Mohan Sampath (Petra Schiffmann); his seven grandchildren, Joshua (Marrin), Miriam (Tai), Samuel, Elon, Sarah, Tamar, and Danielle; and two great grandchildren, Samaya and Lucy.
Funeral services and interment will be held at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland on Friday, October 17th at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception at Events at Sunset.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Shalom, P.O. Box 761, Richland, WA 99352, or a charity of your choice.
My sincerest condolences to the wonderful Cahn Family which was always so kind to me in my youth. May Dr. Cahn’s name be a blessing.
Dear Alma and Dave, My heart goes out to you and the whole family as you come to grips with the loss of your husband and father. I always enjoyed Dr. Cahn, knowing him first as Dave’s dad, then seeing him as a physician for me and my own father. Later on, toward the end of his career and at the beginning of mine, I knew him as a colleague whom I trusted and respected. Because of knowing Dave through school, he was a physician that I felt I could talk to with questions I might have as a new pharmacist. I enjoyed his helpful and kind manner and how, even in retirement, he continued to be a medical resource in our community. Both he and you, Alma, have helped so many people over the course of your lives. The Tri-Cities is a richer place for your family having settled here.
I am praying for your family in the days/weeks/months to come.
Val
Dear Mrs Cahn and family, Please accept my deepest sympathy at the passing of Dr. Cahn. I am truly blessed to have Pam as my long time good friend and my love for her is extended to the rest of her family. I share your loss and I will celebrate the life and spirit of Dr. Cahn through the wonderful times I shall continue to have with her. Peace and love to all of you, Robert Romeo
A wonderful eulogy and service. So glad I could be present in cyberspace. I LOVED hearing Herb stories on our cruise and meeting Herb and Alma. Our follow up dinners and gatherings are very special to me. What an amazing human being. Hugs and love to Alma and Pam. Valerie
He was my doctor for many years. I remember him as being very nice and he got me to not cry for my first shots that I remember getting in the old hospital. I really liked him.
To the Cahn Family,
My dad (Murph) always talked so admiringly of Dr. Cahn and valued their friendship. He was so compassionate to my dad during his final illness. I wrote to thank him later and he responded with a note of wisdom and kindness. Richland has lost a wonderful physician and citizen who will be truly missed.
Dr. Cahn was a gentleman and a wonderful physician. In addition to knowing him as we grew up in Richland, my late husband and I enjoyed him and Alma as longtime customers at Malley’s Pharmacy. It was always a joy to see them both. Condolences to the family.
1965 Dr. Removed my tonsils and what a wonderful DR. He really was a wonderful man and made me feel so relaxed. My mom and dad really liked him also. Prayers to your family at this time.
Dear Alma and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Herb’s passing. A kinder, more competent man you couldn’t find. I loved hearing his stories and appreciated his interest in hearing mine. A beautiful man. One more gorgeous star to look up at in the dark night.
As a child,a visit to Dr. Cahn was never frightening. His kind smile and genuine interest in what a young patient had to say will never be forgotten.
Thom and the entire Cahn Family,
My condolences on the loss of your Dad. Your Dad was my E-N-T doctor when I was growing up in Richland. He was one of the few doctor’s that I enjoyed going to for an exam because of how he talked to me. His conversations were very calming to a young boy.
Thom, you and I graduated from Columbia High School (now Richland HS) in 1968.
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Herbert Lewis Cahn