Obituary of Ira Plotkin

Ira Lev Plotkin, 71, died May 20th from complications related to his heroic struggle with lung cancer. A native of Washington, D.C., Ira was born on March 25, 1941 to Esther and Harry Plotkin. He graduated from Landon High School in 1960, Rochester University in 1964, and earned his Doctorate in Eastern Studies from the University of Michigan. He taught in the Ohio and California University systems before joining the faculty at Fort Lewis College, Durango Colorado, in 1975. He was a full professor in Japanese and Chinese Histories until 1990. He later served as Dean of International Studies at Regis University, Denver, Colorado. In 1983, Ira served on Durango, Colorado's City Council and later occupied the office of Mayor. He also served on the Board of Directors of ADL, Colorado Humanities Commission, the Board at Congregational Rodef Shalom as well as the Ritual committee and was also a member of Rotary. Ira found his missing half and married Kay Corbitt in 1980. Ira and Kay delighted in the births of their sons, Noah Benjamin and Joshua Robert and proudly watched them grow into young men. Ira was an avid golfer and a notorious and accomplished prankster whose personality and love of life filled every room he ever entered. Ira heroically fought cancer twice thereby earning the second half of his life, which he cherished and lived fully. He will always serve as a source of strength, compassion and humor for all who knew and loved him. Survivors include Kay, his wife of 32 years, Noah and his wife, Jean Plotkin of Denver and Josh Plotkin of Los Angeles. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 23rd at Congregation Rodef Shalom, 450 S. Kearney St. Denver, Co. at 11am. Interment will follow at Mt. Nebo cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Campaign for Tobacco Free KidsJudy Wilkenfeld Award Fund http://www.tabaccofreekids.org/ or to the charity of your choice.