Ira Lev Plotkin, former mayor orf Durango, Colo., passed away May 20, 2012, from complications related to his long battle with lung cancer. Rabbi Bernard Gerson officiated at the May 23 service at Rodef Shalom.
Interment followed at Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Ira was an avid golfer and a notorious and accomplished prankster whose personality and love of life filled every room he ever entered, the family said. He fought cancer twice, thereby earning the second half of his life which he cherished fully.
He will always serve as a source of strength, compassion and humor for all who knew and loved him.
Mr. Plotkin was born March 25, 1941, in Washington, DC, to the late Esther and Harry Plotkin.
He graduated from Landon High School in 1960, Rochester University in 1964 and earned his PhD in Eastern Studies from the University of Michigan.
Mr. Plotkin taught in the Ohio and California university systems before joining the faculty at Fort Lewis College in Durango in 1975.
He married Kay Corbitt in 1980.
A full professor in Japanese and Chinese history at Fort Lewis until 1990, Mr. Plotkin later served as dean of international studies at Regis University in Denver.
In 1983, Mr. Plotkin served on Durangos City Council and later occupied the office of mayor.
On the board of the ADL, the Colorado Humanities Commission and Rodef Shalom, he also was a member of the Rotary.
He is survived by Kay Plotkin, his wife of 32 years, Noah (Jean) Plotkin of Denver and Josh Plotkin of Los Angeles.
Contributions may be made to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids-Judy Wilkenfeld Award Fund or the charity of choice.
Copyright © 2012 by the Intermountain Jewish News
