Albert Kalisker
Dr. Albert Kalisker, formerly director of Clinical Laboratories, National Jewish Hospital and Research Center/National Asthma Center, passed away March 4, 2017, in Wheat Ridge, Colo. Rabbi Eliot Baskin officiated at the March 7 graveside service at Crown Hill Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Dr. Kalisker was born Feb. 22, 1933, to Fannie and Jack Kalisker in Cairo, Egypt. He had his Bar Mitzvah in Egypt and read and re-read the Torah and Talmud over his lifetime.
He attended the Lycee Francais in Cairo and earned his undergraduate degree in pharmacy from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland in the mid-1950s. He was joined by his family, who fled Nasser’s Egypt.
Dr. Kalisker met Marie Revelle on a blind date in Lausanne “that worked out pretty good.” They were married on March 29, 1958.
He studied for his master’s in Lausanne and received his Phd in pharmacology at the University of Washington in 1971. He conducted research and contributed scholarly papers on many subjects, including childhood asthma.
Dr. Kalisker began his career working in pharmacies in the Seattle area, including his family’s Rexall Pharmacy.
After obtaining his PhD, he moved to Denver where he was offered a fellowship at the CU Medical Center.
He then worked at the Children’s Asthma Research Hospital, eventually becoming a director at National Jewish Hospital and Research Center.
Dr. Kalisker, an expert in pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, was forced to take early retirement in the mid-1980s due to health issues. He continued working in part-time positions that allowed him to use his clinical and language skills.
An avid reader, Dr. Kalisker checked at least 10 books out of the library every two weeks and completed The New York Times crossword puzzle daily.
“Albert enjoyed time with his family and extended family more than anything else,” his loved ones said. “Jewish holidays and lifecycle events were always special, not only for the joy but also the food.
“His sister sent him baked goods for his birthday each year, and his wife made challah for Shabbat dinners and holidays.
“He had a special appreciation for Middle Eastern food and chocolate, and loved all cheeses, especially feta cheese and noodle kugel.”
In addition to having multiple sclerosis, Dr. Kalisker suffered the first of four heart attacks at age 40. Thanks to his wife’s loving care and his own resilience, he survived and thrived another 44 years.
Dr. Kalisker is survived by Marie Revelle Kalisker, his loving wife of nearly 59 years; sons Thomas Kalisker of Philadelphia, Penn., John Kalisker of Denver and Martin (Judy) Kalisker of Boston, Mass.; grandsons Sam and Jack Kalisker; sister Berthe (Stanley) Habib of Kirkland, Wash.; nephews Steven (Jane) and David (Cathy) Habib of Seattle, Wash.; and great-niece Rachel Habib and great-nephew Jason Habib.
Contributions may be made to the National MS Society, 900 S. Broadway, Second Floor, Denver, CO 80209.
Copyright © 2017 by the Intermountain Jewish News
