Donald H. Kaplan, MD, died peacefully on October 31, 2015 surrounded by his devoted family at the home he shared with Nancy Wilkins Kaplan, his wife of more than 58 years, in Andover. His was a life extraordinarily well lived, full of learning, leadership, community service, travel, sports, and innumerable friends near and far. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and admirers from many walks of life and geographies.

Born on May 6, 1929 to Charles and Pauline Kaplan, he grew up in Cedarhurst, New York with his older brother, Robert Kaplan, formerly of South Orange, New Jersey. He attended the Loomis School (1947), Harvard University (1951), and New York Medical College (1955).

Don interned at Henry Ford Hospital where he met his future bride. He served as physician for DesRon 23 in the US Navy from 1956 to 1958. He fulfilled his residency at the Yale New Haven Hospital and established the Thames Eye Group in New London, Connecticut, practicing as an ophthalmologist in New London; in Mystic, Connecticut; and in Westerly, Rhode Island from 1960 to 1996.

He was an avid sailor, completing four Newport-Bermuda races, four Marblehead-Halifax races, and one trans-Atlantic crossing in 1991. He was a member of the Cruising Club of America, Ocean Cruising Club, and Ram Island Yacht Club. He also enjoyed tennis, skiing, camping, and hiking.

The Kaplans lived in Mystic, Connecticut for 40 years and were very active in civic activities. Don was President of Temple Emanu-El at its former home in Groton, Connecticut and President of the staff at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital. He was a long-time member of the Ragged Mountain Fish and Game Club in Andover, for which he served as President and created the Ragged Mountain Fish and Game Club’s Endowment Fund.

In retirement, he became active in and served as President of the Andover Lions Club. He served on the Board of the New Hampshire Association for the Blind and was President of the Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation of New Hampshire.

In addition to his wife, Dr. Kaplan is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Lawrence and Lisa Kaplan of Lyme, Connecticut; his daughter and son-in-law Susan Kaplan and Eben James of Wayland, Massachusetts; and his daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth Kaplan and Stefano Rusconi of Milan, Italy. He leaves six grandchildren: Natalie and Rachel Kaplan; Fletcher and Keillor Kaplan-James; and Rebecca and Olivia Rusconi.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in his name is asked to contribute to Ragged Mountain Fish and Game Club’s Endowment Fund at RMF&GC Endowment Fund, PO Box 1838, New London NH 03257-1838; or the Lake Sunapee Region Visiting Nurses Association at LSRVNA & Hospice, PO Box 2209, New London NH 03257.