We were saddened to learn of the death of our classmate, Gary Plotnick, at the age of 57 in 1997.

Gary is survived by his wife Margaret and daughter Jennifer and grandchildren, Garrett and Nina.

We extend to them our heartfelt condolences.

Classmates wishing to append personal statements and recollections to Dave's obituary, send an e-mail to David Smith, Co-Webmaster, by clicking here.

Gary Plotnick came to Dartmouth following his graduation from the Horace Mann School in New York.  A history major, Gary was an accomplished student-athlete.  He initially pursued a pre-med academic interest, but later decided that business was a greater calling.  At Dartmouth Gary showed his athletic skills leading his fraternity, Pi Lambda Phi, to intramural championships in football and softball, a precursor to athletic talents he later developed in golf and tennis. 

Following graduation, Gary enlisted in the Naval Reserve, flying missions for the anti-submarine service.  He entered his family’s shoe-manufacturing business and led its growth to a highly successful international company with factories in Italy, Brazil and the Far East.  He was asked to give advice to Congressional committees on international trade and the US balance of payments challenges. 
                                                                                                                       
Gary carried his Dartmouth experience with him for the rest of his life.  He continued his love of learning with a voracious appetite for a wide variety of information, including history, Judaism, current events and the wonders of the English language.  

Jewish tradition and the State of Israel, where he had spent time as a teenager, were of primary interest to Gary.   He led the effort to raise funds to build a YM-YWHA in Bergen County, NJ, insisting that it adhere to Sabbath, Holiday and

dietary laws.  He also ensured that it contain a library to develop the mind as well as a gym to develop the body.   Many other Jewish causes in Israel and locally as well as Dartmouth also benefited from Gary’s philanthropy.

Gary was also the perennial Social Chairman.  He was the “go to” guy for organizing mini-reunions, road trips or any festive occasion.  He was the first to arrive and the last to leave because he would not want to miss a minute of a good time. 

When he passed away at the age of 57, Gary had been married to the former Margaret (Peggy) Harris, a gifted artist and decorator, for 32 years.  GarrettHis spirit was shining as their daughter Jennifer was married to Gregg, and it continues to shine on his grandchildren, his namesake Garrett and Nina. 

He was totally tuned-in to the world around him:
  
   "He had a large circle of friends and was very attentive to their lives.  I remember him as the initiator of regular and frequent contact...and this was before the Internet made it easy to do that. 
   "Throughout his life, he was a student of US and world politics.  We would open mail from him to find op-ed clippings from the London Times, Jerusalem Post or the International Tribune along with his demands that we read them so we could discuss them with him."   Ed Goldstein '62

  "While at Dartmouth, even when wasted, he would always read for one hour before going to sleep.  He maintained that practice even after leaving Hanover"   Steve Roth '62

   "His zest for life was fueled by his great bravado, creative energy, charm and "balls" which he used to advantage whether competing in sports, business or for women.  To the last point, many years ago, he and I saw the same adorable young woman enter a room...we flipped a coin...he called it right...eventually he married her.
   "I loved the man and his passion for life on so many levels. Together we would do things I would never have done alone. He never lost faith in himself, even in tough times... tomorrow would always be better, and he would redeem all his dreams. I believe he would have...he just ran out of time.  I still miss him."    Don Eisen,  long time friend

He was adept at walking the fine line between polite society and outrageous behavior:
  
"I was shocked when I spotted him in the Baker stacks---he rarely would be found there.  He was looking for the most obscure poem he could find, so he could include it in a letter to impress his upcoming Green Key date.  He didn't need Cyrano...he was Cyrano".   Elliot Prager  '62

"He delighted in shocking his dear mother by slurping down lichee nuts after telling her they were
 dog testicles"   Steve Roth '62

"He was outraged when Herb West gave him a D, because he was sure he would get an A after he drove Herb to NYC in his father's Cadillac"   Steve Rotter  '62

"He would seek every advantage during our friendly competitions with a well-timed cough during my backswing in golf, a cleverly-raised eyebrow during the bidding in bridge or a shout of "hinder" when he was out of position on the squash court.        The two of us would see who could finish a crossword puzzle faster or who could get closer to the flagstick from 160 yards away.  While all that was in the spirit of good fun, it demonstrated his true nature:  Poz was the most competitive guy I have ever known."    Ed Goldstein '62