Monday, April 23, 2018
Today I learned of Burt's passing. Just last month I was talking over the phone with my good friend Wayne Walker about Burt. Professor Dunevitz was so much more than our instructor. His wisdom and sensitivity was remarkable, as was his sense of humor and sense of honor. Wayne and I loved kidding with Burt, especially when he would offer details of his volunteer work in Israel, at the Igloo Cooler factory...So he said. We use to accuse him of covering for doing covert work at the Uzi factory. Burt would laugh and say...Now fellas, let's not let that get around. Burt's laugh was unique, hardy and comical. I loved to hear him laugh. I liked all the instructors at FIU, but I loved Burt, as did my friend Wayne. Upon graduating from our class in 1991, we as a class, presented Burt with a plaque. Wayne and I privately presented Burt with a retired Mossad badge. A beautiful badge as I recall, with the Eye of David in the center. Burt was absolutely astounded and started to tear up. He looked at us and said he had never even seen a badge like this before, and would always treasure it. Wayne and I once again teased him and said that he probably wears one while volunteering in Israel. That was the last time we teased Burt and last time we saw him. Burt gave us a hug and wished us well. Throughout the years I have often thought of Burt and talked with Wayne about him. Wayne and I have shared many stories and many laughs while discussing Burt. Sometimes the hardest things to put into words are how some people leave such an indelible impression. More than once, Burt offered me advice while I was in a tight spot. At the time it felt like fatherly advise though I would not have dared tell him that then. I wish I could now.
