Upcoming Services
| Marc Zeitlin |
Sun Oct 6th at 1:00 GRAVESIDE AT MACHPELAH CEMETERY | |
| Linda Radin |
Sun Oct 6th at 1:00 IRA KAUFMAN CHAPEL |
FUNERAL DETAILS
Dr. Leslie J. Bricker
Dr. Leslie J. Bricker, 71, of Northville, Michigan, died on 30 October 2023. The Funeral was held at IRA KAUFMAN CHAPEL on Monday, 13 November 2023 at 11:30 AM . Rabbi Natalie Shribman and Cantorial Soloist Janet Christensen officiated. Click  to watch a video of the recorded service.Interment at Machpelah Cemetery, 21701 Woodward, Ferndale MI 48220.
Dr. Leslie (Les) Bricker, 71, of Northville, Michigan, died on October 30, 2023, after a brief illness while traveling with his wife, Bonnie, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Les is survived by his cherished wife Bonnie Topper Bricker, beloved daughter Sarah Bricker and son Aaron Bricker, his dear sister Sharon (and Art) Bricker-Ferris, his beloved stepchildren Sarah (and Eric) Gutman and Michael (and Eliza) Topper-Curtis, and his adored grandchildren Riley and Sydney Gutman and Harriet and Sadie Topper-Curtis. Les is also survived by his first wife Kathy Bricker, as well as countless loving friends and colleagues. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Stuart Bricker, and his parents, Lillian and Alfred Bricker. Dr. Bricker had a 33-year extraordinary career of distinguished service to Henry Ford Medical Group until his retirement in 2018. After his Residency at Sinai Hospital of Detroit, Les completed his Fellowship in Hematology & Oncology at the University of Michigan. Les worked a few years in private practice, and then was invited to join the Henry Ford Medical Group, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology in 1985 as a Senior Staff Physician. During his time as an Oncologist, he developed a strong interest in Palliative and Hospice Medicine and served as one of the first Hospice Medical Directors for Henry Ford Hospital (HFH). Les advanced his training in palliative care through the Roxane Scholars in Palliative Care Program at the Cleveland Clinic and Northwestern University. In 2000, Dr. Bricker, along with Virginia Paige, NP, founded and launched the Palliative Medicine Service at Henry Ford Hospital – one of the first programs in metro Detroit. Through his vision for compassionate care for patients with serious illness, Dr. Bricker fostered a culture change at Henry Ford Hospital that led to the integration of palliative medicine into the care of all patients. He also initiated Schwartz Center Rounds at HFH, which has become a vital component for ongoing open dialogue among providers about the emotional side of caregiving. Dr. Bricker leaves behind a legacy of compassionate care. He trained and educated innumerable residents, students, fellows, advanced practice providers, and attending staff on the art of communicating bad news, as well as pain and symptom management. He was instrumental in writing the “Green Book,” which serves as a reference standard for palliative care. He fulfilled many educational roles during his career, including Director of the Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program, Physician Mentor for Wayne State University, and Program Director for the Annual Symposium of the Hospices of Henry Ford Health System. As a result of his leadership activities, Dr. Bricker was sought out to serve on many HFH, state, and national committees and boards. In his retirement intent letter, Dr. Bricker wrote “I will be forever grateful for the time I’ve spent as a physician at HFH and will cherish my memories of patients and colleagues.” In addition to his stellar medical career, Les also had a unique enthusiasm for life outside the hospital. He had a passionate interest in the arts, especially chamber music, opera, and short stories. Over the years, he amassed a carefully curated collection of original 3-dimentional figures. Les loved talking about the artists who created the figures, and the special features of the media they used to express their vision. After retirement, Les enthusiastically began studying piano as a novice, undaunted by the fact that his wife was already an accomplished musician. Les enjoyed nature and the physical world through hiking, cycling, kayaking, and Tai Chi. He loved exploring historical, cultural, and culinary experiences whether local or traveling abroad. Les’s interest in others was reflected in his weekly volunteer work with Temple Kol Ami’s food pantry where, in all kinds of weather, he methodically organized food supplies and warmly chatted with clients. Les possessed an insatiable curiosity for the workings and details of things from modern electronics to mechanical objects to art, and of course, the medical world, and he generously shared his expertise. Les was quick to recognize and praise others, yet modest about his own achievements. Those who knew Les often commented on his ability to broaden their world view with a humorous quip, a brief story, or a scholarly reference. It seemed there was no topic Les hadn’t either considered or planned to study further. Of all Les’s passions, his greatest love was for his beautiful and talented wife, Bonnie. They shared many interests and brought great joy to each other and to all who knew them. Family and friends will be gathering at the clubhouse at Country Club Village, located at 39554 Dun Rovin Drive, Northville, MI 48168. Shiva will be on Monday from 4:00-8:30 p.m., and on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00 8:30 p.m. Religious services will be held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. It is suggested that those who wish to further honor the memory of Dr. Leslie J. Bricker may do so by making a contribution to: Henry Ford Health Palliative Medicine Educational and Support Projects FundClick to Visit Charity Website or Yad EzraClick to Visit Charity Website or Temple Kol AmiClick to Visit Charity Website |