Longtime Denver resident Ivan Botvin passed away on May 27, 2023, at the age of 88. A service was held on May 30 at Mt. Nebo Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Salamon Gruenwald. Feldman Mortuary handled the arrangements.
A native of Reading, Penn., Mr. Botvin was a businessman in his hometown before moving to the Denver area in 1997.
Born on April 12, 1935, Mr. Botvin attended Temple University and then served in the US Army from 1956 to 1958. In 1961 Mr. Botvin married Denver native Judith Kaminsky; they remained a couple until his passing.
Following his career as president of the family-owned All-Brite Light Co., Mr. Botvin closed his business in 1996; he and Mrs. Botvin moved to Centennial the next year.
Mr. Botvin was a member of B’nai B’rith Colorado and the Jewish Community Relations Council. He was a delegate to the Arapahoe County and State Democratic Assemblies in 2006. He ran unsuccessfully for US Congress in the 6th Congressional District in 2008.
“He is remembered for his love of family, sports mania and interest in political affairs,” said Mrs. Botvin. “He possessed a youthful enthusiasm about the future promise of new technologies.”
Survivors are Mr. Botvin’s wife Judy; children Stephanie (Adam Sacks) Botvin, Andrea (Steven) Duchovnay and Victoria (Darren Dorkin) Botvin; and grandchildren Micah Sacks, Olivia Duchovnay, Ben Duchovnay, Logan Botvin and Natasha Dorkin.
Contributions may be made to HEA, Temple University or the ACLU.
Sylvia Scher, a longtime religious school and early education teacher, died on June 4, 2023. She was 79. A service was held June 6 at Temple Emanuel. Feldman Mortuary handled the arrangements.
A native of Vineland, NJ, Mrs. Scher married Barry Scher in 1964, in Alameda, CA.
Mrs. Scher spent 36 years teaching early education at the Rabbi Steven Foster Early Learning Center at Temple Emanuel, where she worked until the end of the last school year in May. She also taught religious school for many years and was in middle school special education for eight years.
Mr. Scher recounted that his wife would say the following to children’s parents during parent-teacher conferences:
“Every child is gifted. They just open their gift at different times.”
Mr. Scher added: “Sylvia was so special to everyone that she came across. She showed interest in everyone and made them feel special and seen.
“Sylvia’s love for children was tireless and vigorous.”
Survivors include Mrs. Scher’s husband Barry, daughters Suzi Scher and Michelle Scher Dow; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Contributions may be made to the Sylvia Scher Pre-School Garden Fund at Temple Emanuel.
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