Morton Rabkin, 79, of Boquete, Chiriqui, Panama, formerly of Cincinnati, Ohio, died April 27.
He was the son of Isaac Rabkin and Esther Cramer Rabkin and adoptive mother Anabell Rabkin. He was predeceased by his brothers Richard Rabkin and Sigfried Rabkin. He leaves behind his beloved wife Barbara Hyman Rabkin; his sons Stuart of Cincinnati, Michael (Naomi) of San Diego, and Daniel of San Francisco; and grandchildren Zoe, Jolene and Talia. He was cherished by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends around the world. His dog Maggie was always at his side.
Morton died peacefully at his home in Boquete after living life to the fullest. He was endlessly curious, enterprising and innovative, and he saw opportunity where others might see adversity. His motto was “No es us problema, es una oportunidad.”
He graduated from Walnut Hills High School (1954), Brandeis University (1958), and University of Michigan School of Law (1961). During college, he was a New England fencing champion, and he served in the U.S. Naval Reserves.
Morton had a successful career in law, practicing with the Cincinnati law firm of Magrish and Magrish, then as Cincinnati’s Assistant City Solicitor, crafting legislation for hillside and historic district preservation. He was of-counsel at the law firm of Goodman & Goodman for many years.
He built and operated Beechknoll Convalescent Center in North College Hill and developed the Burning Tree subdivision in Amberly Village. His passion for piloting airplanes and helicopters led him to purchase and operate the Harrison Airport in Cincinnati.
Morton was the founding board chair of Cincinnati’s Talbert House, an organization focused on integrating ex-offenders back into the community. He served as President of Yavneh Day School, among other community volunteer leadership roles.
An early adopter with eclectic interests, he was one of the first in town to have a personal computer. He loved music; he played classical piano, sang in the choir at Wise Temple, and volunteered with the Cincinnati Summer Opera, proud of his role as the bartender in Faust.
After he and Barbara moved to Panama in 2008, Morton pursued his interest in woodworking and his 30-year romance with artisan bread baking. He grew a reputation as the Rye Guy by teaching bread baking, selling at the local Boquete market and eventually opening Morton’s Bakehouse, now widely known for its breads and bagels. He introduced hamentashen and rugelach to the community of Boquete.
Morton was buried in the new Jewish cemetery of Boquete, Rabbi Aaron Laine of Panama City officiating.
Memorial gifts may be made to Hillel of San Diego, 5717 Lindo Paseo, San Diego, CA 92115 or www.hillelsd.org/donate, the Jewish National Fund at 78 Randall Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 or www.jnf.org/support or a charity of your choice.