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Forestdale Heights Lodge Archives: Remembering Irv Pupko |
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In the history of our Lodge we have lost another past president – a sad time; Irv Pupko, alav ha’shalom, will surely be missed by all of us in the Lodge. He was a mild-mannered man, but a powerful man. Irv was knowledgeable, strong-willed, caring, well-respected and a great asset to our Lodge and the community.
We wish Ruth and the entire family no further sorrow.
Ray Moscoe, President, Forestdale Heights Lodge
How does one talk about a friend like Irv? Irv was someone special to me. Irv's commitment and dedication to the Lodge was always over and above the call of duty. Irv was always there for me when needed, especially when I was going through my own health issues. He always made me think that my problems were bigger than his were. Irv was a fighter until the end.
Michael (Kates) and I visited with him the Friday before his passing and he was talkative and asked a bit about the Lodge.
Ruth and Aaron have been by his side all the way through the many years that he suffered.
Debbi and I extend to them and the entire family our deepest condolences and know that Irv's memory will be cherished for a lifetime.
Harvey Silver, Past President, Forestdale Heights Lodge
No one ever said that life is easy. However, quite often, it’s how one approaches the day-to-day challenges that can mark the measure of a person. No one understood this better than our beloved past president, Irv Pupko, who passed away on Oct 16. Despite his ongoing fight against cancer, his determination to fight this demon illness was an inspiration to not only his wife Ruth and their son, Aaron, but to all those who knew him in the Lodge. Given what Irv went though over the years, it would have been so easy for Irv to think only of himself. If he had chosen that path, no one would have thought any the less of him. However, that was not Irv. Instead, he stepped back from the Lodge’s front ranks for a number of years to concentrate on dealing with his cancer. When Irv felt that the time was right, he let everyone know and rejoined the executive, serving as vice-president and then senior vice-president under Bonnie Kates, z”l, before being sworn in as president. During his two years as our president, he maintained a strong hand at the Lodge’s helm, guiding her towards the future. After his term as president concluded, Irv could have easily stepped back again into the shadows. However, that was not his way. Instead, Irv took up the task of handling the Lodge’s finances and set a new standard in terms of maintaining Forestdale’s financial records. All the while, Irv fought his daily battles against the disease, undergoing various treatments to keep it in remission. Unfortunately, some battles can never be won. Someone once asked, “What makes a good president?” The truth is, anyone can be president. All it takes is determination and commitment to serve. That clearly was Irv, who also served as our Lodge chaplain (and for a time, was editor of this bulletin). All presidents face their own unique personal challenges. Irv showed us that one does not have to complete one challenge before tackling another. Irv, your long fight may be over, but your strength will never be forgotten by all those who knew you.
Jeff Rosen, Past President, Forestdale Heights Lodge
