On November 14, 2018, the Savannah Jewish Federation made the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Murray C. Arkin has devoted his time to leadership within the medical community by serving on the Board of Directors of Memorial Hospital (13 years), Chief of Staff, Chair of Graduate Medical Education, Chief of Internal Medicine and a member of the Credentials Committee, as well as being an early and constant supporter of medical education;
WHEREAS, Murray C. Arkin, along with his spouse, June (married 1956), contributed their time and financial support to the Savannah Jewish community, Israel and to Jewish causes throughout the world;
WHEREAS, Murray C. Arkin was president of the Savannah Jewish Federation from 1971-1973 and the Jewish Educational Alliance from 1981-1983;
WHEREAS, in 1998, Murray C. Arkin received the Jack Malitz Levy Leadership Award, the highest honor of the Savannah Jewish community, in recognition of his accomplishments;
WHEREAS, upon his relocation to Atlanta, Georgia, the Savannah Jewish Federation wishes to express to Murray C. Arkin, its acknowledgment and deep appreciation for his leadership, dedication and contributions to the past, present and future of the Savannah Jewish community
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE SAVANNAH JEWISH FEDERATION, ASSEMBLED ON THE 14th DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2018, BY UNANIMOUS VOTE, THAT THE SAVANNAH JEWISH FEDERATION CELEBRATES THE LIFE OF MURRAY C. ARKIN, RECOGNIZES HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR CITY AND SOCIETY, AND PASSES THIS RESOLUTION SO THAT THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MURRAY C. ARKIN WILL BE FOREVER PART OF THE MINUTES AND HISTORY OF THE SAVANNAH JEWISH FEDERATION.
I was proud to be a signer of that resolution which we sent to "Uncle Murray" the next week.
While Murray wasn't my uncle, he felt like one. With a sheepish smile on his face, he was always positive, complimentary and provided enormous reinforcement for what we were doing in the community.
Over the years I came to really look forward to my phone ringing, "Dr Arkin is up front and he'd like to talk with you for a minute." Often, those impromptu discussions would last an hour...the time going by so quickly. What were simple statements often had great importance. I really concentrated when I was talking with Murray lest I miss a pearl of wisdom.
Once he shared what was on his mind he'd stand up, shake my hand, telling me to "keep up the good work."
What a legacy of kindness, decency, quality, leadership and love for his family, friends, and community.
He will be missed by us all.
Shabbat Shalom
