Dr. Ben Rubin, Jr., 86, died peacefully at home on July 7, 2023 from complications of COVID-19 and Parkinson’s disease. It was always the “Best Day” of Ben’s life, and he intentionally spread joy and optimism to everyone. He was a humble, dedicated physician who never forgot his roots.
Ben was born on Feb. 19, 1937, in Varaklani, Latvia, to Eva Novamisle and Ben Rubin, Sr. He came to the U.S. at the age of one with his parents and two brothers on the Queen Mary via Cherbourg, France.
Ben loved telling the story of how his mother wanted a better life in America after hearing from brothers who previously emigrated. Ben’s father was a successful meat trader in Riga, Latvia, and didn’t want to leave. Eva told him, “I’m going, either with you or without you,” so they departed Latvia for the American Dream. Tragically, the remainder of their extended family was murdered by the Nazis two years later.
Ben’s family settled in Tecumseh, Nebraska, where his uncle helped them get established in the car business. Only knowing Yiddish at the time, Eva and Ben Sr. each became general contractors, building homes and renovating a small hotel and apartments. Ben carried on his parents’ legacy by working closely with his cousin, Nate Schwalb, building apartments in Omaha, Nebraska.
Ben went to grade school through 10th grade in Tecumseh and graduated from Central High School in Omaha in 1954, one year early. He attended UCLA for two years and played drums in the marching band, then transferred to MU, where he met the love of his life, Debra Fleider. They married in 1959 at Congregation Beth Shalom. Ben attended the University of Nebraska Medical School with an internship and residency in pediatrics at University of Kansas Medical Center.
Ben established a private practice in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1964. He served on the medical staff of Bethany and Providence Medical Centers and was an advocate for neglected and abused children. He served as a captain in the Army at Fort Riley from 1966 to 1968.
In 1989, Ben joined Children's Mercy’s Pediatric Care Center, where he spent the remainder of his career until diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2009. While there, he served as associate director, managed care and associate medical director of Family Health Partners from 1998 to 2007.
Ben was a hard working and caring physician who developed lifelong friendships with his patients and their parents. Early in his career, he began calling parents in the evenings to check on their sick children. He also established CMH Thursday evening and Saturday morning clinics to provide appointments for working parents.
Ben honored his brother Sidney, a pediatrician who died at age 30, by creating a college scholarship in Tecumseh for students pursuing science majors.
After retirement, Ben made fighting Parkinson’s disease his full time job. He followed medical advice, including physical, cognitive and social activity. Ben began exercising, taking chair yoga, movement and tai chi at Turning Point and The J, where he loved socializing with friends. In 2017, Ben provided seed money to bring Rock Steady Boxing to The J. He attended faithfully and thrived in this program. With his Parkinson’s disease becoming more severe, Ben underwent deep brain stimulation surgery in 2018, which gave him additional years of quality life.
Ben was an engaged Zayda who felt immense “nachas” from his children and grandchildren. He was proud of all their accomplishments and especially enjoyed family gatherings, where he discussed current events and all aspects of his family’s lives.
Ben loved making conversation with random strangers. When asked how he was doing, his response was, “It’s the best day of my life! The birds are chirping and the dogs are barking!” He loved the reactions he received. Other interests included cycling, traveling, movies, animals, vintage cars and Turner Classic Movies.
Ben accepted his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis with a sense of humor, grace, positivity and an indomitable spirit. He never complained.
Ben was predeceased by his parents, Eva and Ben Rubin, and his brothers, Abner and Sidney. Ben is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Debra; his three daughters, Sheila and Dr. Ken Sonnenschein, Tanya Rubin and Rachel Rubin; his grandchildren, Morgan, Avi, Pearl and Gabriella Sonnenschein, Talia and Kaiya Walsh and Jake Williams; and his sons-in-law David Williams and Matt Walsh. The family would like to thank his caregivers through Gina Wise, Wise Choices Care. In particular, Hibo Hussein and Jacque McCollough for their excellent care and companionship.
The funeral services were on July 10 at Louis Memorial Chapel. Interment was at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ben’s memory may be made to Pediatric Dental Clinic, Operation Breakthrough (3039 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64109); or Rock Steady Boxing/Parkinson’s Programming at The J. Online condolences may be left for the family at louismemorialchapel.com.
