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Shepard M. 'Shep' Faber Miami, FL QCWA # 24941 Chapter 12 |
Shepard Mazor Faber died on February 23, 2015, surrounded by his family at his home in East Ridge Retirement Community in Cutler Bay. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 8, 1928, to Gertrude and Harry Faber, Shep was a loving brother to his sisters D'Vora (Cobbs) and Marcia (Levine), and brother (Avrohm). Shep was raised in South Beach and lived in the buildings that his father built, including for a time in the Park Central Hotel. He was voted Co-President of his senior class at Miami Beach High. Shep subsequently graduated Emory University (B.S., 1949) and Columbia University (M.Ed., 1950) with an eye toward science education. Shepard joined the United States Air Force (1950-53) attaining the rank of Second Lieutenant. In 1951, while stationed in Alabama, he met his future bride, Mary Ann Harbin. He was smitten from the start and their love affair spanned 63 years. Four sons survive him: Shane (Liz Burkland; Emma and Juliette); Jesse (Nadine Kaplan; Leah (Adam Perkins; Harrison)) and Justin (Jessica Hansel); Samuel; and, Robin (Carol Faber; David and Sara). They loved him deeply and he loved them all.
Shepard was a scientist. He obtained his Ph.D. in Educational Physics from the University of Florida in 1955. He first taught at Eastern Carolina University and then at the University of Miami (1960-93) where Shep was an active and popular presence there. He distinguished himself in helping negotiate and resolve Student-Administration disputes during the Vietnam War, including helping prevent the arson of the ROTC building on campus following Kent State.
Shep helped develop an Upward Bound program to promote educational success among minority students. He was inducted into Iron Arrow (1968), Omicron Delta Kappa (1968), voted an Outstanding Professor (1969), and elected President of the Faculty Senate (1976-78). Shep was an expert ham radio operator who spoke to people around the globe. He built the equipment himself for many years. And he loved fishing, regardless of weather or success. He had a succession of boats and their toys with which he loved to share with friends at the South Florida Boating Club and later the Tropical Anglers Fishing Club. He won a number of awards in fishing tournaments over the years and Sunday supper at Shep's was known for its fresh fish and homemade spaghetti sauce.
Shepard Faber lived through depression and war, love and peace, he married the woman he loved and loved her to the end. He was smart, enjoyed a good joke and an afternoon drink. He had 4 children, 3 daughters-in-law, 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson, and loved each of them. He was successful in life and love. His fishing GPS coordinates and good-nature will be missed by all who loved him. His remains are to be cremated and ashes spread across Biscayne Bay per his wishes.
A celebration of his life reception will be scheduled in the weeks to come. Donations may be made in his honor to the Neptune Society.
Published in the Miami Herald on Feb. 28, 2015