Dr. Kenneth W. Gitlin, a resident of Orchard Lake, Michigan, died on August 16th, 2020 at the age of 80. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel.

- Location of Service:
- Private Graveside Services
- Date of Service:
- Wednesday August 19th, 2020
- Time of Service:
- 11:00 AM
- Interment at:
- Machpelah Cemetery, 21701 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI
- Officiant:
- Rabbi Tamara Kolton
- Shiva Information:
- Due to the coronavirus pandemic, private family Shiva will be held.
- Charitable contributions:
- The Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: 313-833-7900or to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center
3711 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313.576.5111
or
The Holocaust Memorial Center
28123 Orchard Lake Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Phone: (248)553-2400
or
A charity of one's choice
- Family Members:
- Ken was a devoted husband, a caring father and grandfather, and a talented orthopedic surgeon — highly respected for his intelligence and insight, honesty and courage, humor and generosity.
An intrepid runner, skier, boater, art collector, gardener, and traveler, Ken and his wife Roslyne (Roz) visited over 80 countries and seven continents around the world, most recently celebrating his 80th birthday in January of 2020 on a safari trip to South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. And at Boyne Highlands this past winter, he enjoyed a few runs on the slopes with Roz and his grandkids.
He found the greatest joy in family, and everything he achieved in his successful life was to ensure their health and happiness.
Past President of the Oakland County Medical Society, Ken spent over 30 years in private practice as an orthopedic surgeon. Notably, he was an early practitioner of arthroscopic surgery, and was highly regarded by his peers and his patients for his dedication to excellence as a physician.
Ken and Roz supported many cultural institutions in Detroit, and their favorite evenings included events at the Detroit Institute of Arts and performances by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
If you’ve been to the Jewish Community Center on Drake before the shutdown, you’ve likely seen him on the elliptical machines, or sipping coffee in the men’s executive locker room. You’d never know that back in the 80’s he gave up a kidney to cancer, yet he ran a marathon not soon after. He was a runner, always active, always looking for something to do. To fix. To make better. Ken was resolute in his drive to do everything the right way, and it worked.
Funny until the end, with a twitch of his eyebrows and a twinkle in his eye, Ken could make you laugh. He will be loved and missed by everyone who knew him.
Beloved husband of Roslyne Gitlin. Loving father of Julie (Michael) Flashner, Jason (Jen Furman) Gitlin, Joshua (Melissa Liverman) Gitlin, Tarin (Robert Wine) Gitlin. Adoring grandfather of Evan Flashner, Leah Wine, Ben Wine, Noah Gitlin, Julian Gitlin. Devoted brother-in-law of Ellen Gitlin, Sharon Banks, Larry (Amy) Corey. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Kenneth was the dear son of the late Julius Gitlin and Gloria Baer; the brother of the late Bernard Gitlin.
- Email Condolences:
- If you would like you can send a condolence message via email to the family
View the broadcast of the service:
- A video recording of the service is available. View the service.
- Yahrzeit Schedule:
- A 10 year Yahrzeit calendar is available.
Also, you can sign-up for an
annual email reminder of the yahrzeit.
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