A loving farewell to our father

In Latin, obit means a few things... one being the setting, like a sunset. Here, we mark my father's sunset in words, the official way

If you follow my blog, you know I have been able to pour out my heart and thoughts before and after the passing of my father… but this one assignment, the one I just completed, was the hardest.

The obituary.

The obituary for my dad.

We probably should have completed this step the week he passed, but thanks to COVID-19, this entire process has been slowed down – the memorial service one, the grieving one, the celebrating of a wonderful life one, and the writing of an obit one. Everything has been in slow motion. And I’m kind of okay with that.

You would think that the obituary is the simplest of pieces to put together – especially when Dad left us a handwritten “Guide for Obit/EBK.”

It was the first page inside a “Surviving Spouse Organizer” binder he created in 1996 and added to through the years.

I remember the day Dad showed me the binder. It was about three years ago. He knelt down to one of his office drawers and pulled the binder out. I didn’t even know these types of things existed, but what a brilliant thing to have…. what a helpful and thoughtful thing to prepare for your loved ones. This one had his obit notes, do's and dont's, business contacts and phone numbers, policy and property documents and his last wishes.

But even with all of that – writing Dr. Edwin B. Kornblue’s official obituary has been the hardest one for me to pen because… it makes everything so darn final.

May he rest in peace… with a little party thrown in there too.

Cheers Dad, we love, salute and thank you.

Dr. Edwin B. Kornblue – treasured husband, father, grandfather, friend, protector, provider, photographer, tennis partner, captain, coach, dentist, and true blue Michigan man – passed away peacefully in his home in Boca Raton, Florida on August 4, 2020.

Dr. Kornblue was a graduate of the High School of Science in New York City, the University of Michigan (1952) and New York University, College of Dentistry (1956).

He then entered the United States Navy (Dental Corps) and served on active duty for three years as the dental officer aboard the Battleship U.S.S. Iowa (BB-61), the U.S.S. Tidewater (AD-31) and the 6th Fleet Flagship, U.S.S. Newport News (CA-148). He remained as a Naval reservist for 27 years, achieving the rank of Captain (Dental Corps) USNR.

Dr. Kornblue was one of the pioneers in the private practice of dentistry in Boca Raton, opening his first office in 1961. As his practice evolved, he eventually focused on Restorative, Cosmetic and Perio-Prosthetic Dentistry. Dr. Kornblue was a member of several professional groups including Federation Dentaire Internationale, the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association and the Palm Beach County Dental Society. He was also an associate member of the American Academy of Periodontology. Dr. Kornblue was a longtime member, organizer and officer of the Palm Beach Junior College Dental Research Clinic, acting as its President in 1977-78. In addition, Dr. Kornblue was one of the original dental staff members of the Boca Raton Community Hospital, now known as the Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

As a longtime member of the Boca Raton Resort & Club, Dr. K could often be found on the tennis courts, if not at his office. At one time, he achieved a state ranking #3 in Men’s Junior Veteran Doubles and #24 in Singles. Ed Kornblue never hesitated to support and celebrate his children, grandchildren, family and friends in all of life’s endeavors. He stood by what he believed in (especially University of Michigan Athletics!) and had a true love of learning and living.

Dr. Ed Kornblue was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Andrea Berry Kornblue. He is survived by his loving children, son Brandon Berry Kornblue (Drea) of Bonita Springs and Paige Kornblue Hunter (Andrew) of Boca Raton as well as his six adoring grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held once it is safe for family and friends to gather, hug, toast and… as Dr.K requested “roast in good humor”… the man we all dearly miss.

Should friends desire and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made online by clicking here or sent by mail to the University of Michigan address below. Please indicate on the check that the gift is made in memory of Dr. Edwin B. Kornblue. For the meaningful story behind Dad and the Michigan memorial fund he wished to establish, please click here.

Memorial contributions may be made payable to: The University of Michigan

(*Note: In honor of Dr. Edwin B. Kornblue)

The University of Michigan

Wolverine Tower

Attn: Gift and Records Dept

3003 S. State Street, Ste. 8000

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1288

A special thank you to family, dear friends and the Glick Family Funeral Home

for your support during this time.