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Jonathan Borkum posted a condolence
At the monthly meeting of the chronic pain program in Waterville, Maine, Ira was commemorated as instrumental to founding the program. He used to marvel that bridges could exist - that a group of people, each with their own quirks and frailties, could somehow work together to create a structure that would last a hundred years. Ira's program, changed though it may be, is still strong 22 years after he helped found it, and still bears some of the imprint of his personality.
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Jonathan Borkum posted a condolence
I am so sorry to hear of Ira's passing. In 1982 he wss the resident director of my dorm at the University of Maine. In 1986 he went on to help found the chronic pain program at Mid-Maine Medical Center (now MaineGeneral). In a different form, that program still exists and is part of Ira's legacy. He had wanted Theodore Herzl's saying, "Im tirzu ain zo agadah - If you will it, this is no fairy tale" to be the program's motto, and in an extraordinary leap of optimism he tried to get Joe Montana to do his rehabilitation there. His sense of humor and zest for life will be sorely missed. Jonathan
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Dede posted a condolence
High school wouldn't have been the same without "I". I can't imagine memories of those years without him. I will miss him even though we hadn't been in contact for so long.
My condolences to the family. I'm sorry for your loss.
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Sue (Mogilevsky) Sakofsky posted a condolence
I want to add my deepest sympathy to Ira's family.
We graduated high school together . He was liked by everyone and seemed to like them in return. I last saw him at our 40th reunion and we had a good chat. I'm glad we had that opportunity to reconnect
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Andrea Konow posted a condolence
Dear Alison and family,
My thoughts and sympathies are with you in your loss.
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Richard M. Cohen posted a condolence
Dear Arline and family,
I was so saddened to hear about Ira's passing. Although I had not seen him for many years, I had fond memories of him. I was trying to put into words my sentiments and it dawned on me that what was so special about Ira was that he had an 'old soul.' I guess I 'bonded' with him in high school for that reason although I could never put my finger on it until now. He eptomized what it was to be a 'mensch.' I'm sorry that I did not keep up our friendship after graduating from FCS. May his memory be for a blessing. And may warm and nurturing memories help sustain you now and always.
With love,
Richard
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Paul & Stephanie Kross and Family posted a condolence
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lipsky family at this difficult time. May Ira's memory be a blessing to us all.
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Betty & Ken Baresich posted a condolence
Sorry about your loss. This is a poem I received when my son died and it comforted our family.
I'M FREE
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God has chosen for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call;
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I've now found peace at the end of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
Oh yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
Look for the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seems all to brief;
Don't lengthen your pain with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and peace to thee,
God wanted me now-He set me free
Author: Shannon Lee Moseley
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Herman Vogel posted a condolence
In memory of Ira M. Lipsky, my friend:
May he be a shining example and light onto all who look for answers.
May his memory live on to provide help for those in need.
May his proclivity for humor and his gift for verbosity bring joy to all who remember him, and to all his new friends in the afterlife.
May my good friend be soliced, may his transgressions be forgiven, and may his soul live hearty in whatever afterlife we migrate to; when our frail bodies leave this earth only to allow our souls to soar to new heights. Amen.
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Sarine de Picciotto posted a condolence
I first met Ira during his tour of Europe with Leo Vogel after college graduation. I never forget his broad smile when he was introduced. He kept smiling and eating my first attempts in the kitchen and undercooked desserts. I saw the same smile when I met him few years later on different occasions, confined in a wheel chair but still on a dancing floor.
Ira, you gave us all lessons of courage and grace.
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Beth Murray posted a condolence
Ira was a teacher in every sense of the word. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
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Conchita Bradley posted a condolence
Dear Alison: So sorry to hear of the loss of your father, I immediately thought of the candy we used to talk about he liked. I will keep you and your family in prayer that God will sustain and comfort you doing this painful time.
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Tracy Magie posted a condolence
There are no words that can possibly express my sadness over the passing of Ira. When I needed his help, Ira was more than willing to help out someone who was to him, no more than a friend of his sisters, and someone in need. I know his family will miss him tremendously.
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Leo & Barbara Vogel posted a condolence
The adage that you can't choose your family but you can choose your friends applies to our relationship through the years. We chose one another as brothers and our friendship and brotherly love remained fast and grew as we aged. I will be at a loss without your annual call to share birthday wishes and impart your sage wisdom two days prior to mine. My thoughts of you will remain strong especially when our birthdays come around. May the lord bless you and keep you. All our love, Leo & Barbara
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Roger Grover posted a condolence
I had the pleasure of knowing Ira as his Physical Therapy provider. His determination and sense of humor were immeasurable. I like to think that we helped each other achieve something in our lives as he worked towards being able to fish again in New York and my words to him were "Can't isn't an option" which he had a shirt made for me with that inscribed. He also taught me as a therapist to always look at the person and not the condition they may have. My fondest possession as the shirt has long since faded is the poem he wrote for me titled "The Healer". God Bless You Ira my Friend.