November 23, 2021
Our dear colleague, Don Spivak, M.D., a resident of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, died on November 23rd, 2021 at the age of 73. Funeral services were arranged by The Dorfman Chapel. Interment was private, though a public memorial service will be held at a later date.
Don Spivak died peacefully at home on November 23rd, surrounded by his husband and children. He was the beloved husband of Peter Berg, dear father and father-in-law of Malkah (Broxton) Bird, Lev (Stefanie) Spivak-Birndorf, and Chava (Justin Leone) Spivak-Birndorf, adoring grandfather to Elisheva and Ronen Bird and Quin Jones, and devoted dog parent to Hershel and Dickey. Also cherishing his memory are his loving sister and brother, Elaine (Dick) Sager and Marc (Marlyn) Spivak, as well as his many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
He was a compassionate and dedicated child, adolescent, and adult psychoanalyst and psychiatrist for more than 40 years, a dedicated and respected instructor in all programs at our Institute, and Founding Member and Co-Director of the Walnut Lake Preschool and Developmental Kindergarten. He was also a Supervisor to many psychiatric residents, fellows, psychotherapists and psychoanalysts.
For those who wish to do so, in lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to:
Walnut Lake Preschool and Developmental Kindergarten
29375 Halsted Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48331
(248) 579-6110
Send a personalized card to the family by donating to the Michigan Psychoanalytic Foundation
Place a tribute ad in the 2021 Benefit Adbook (Deadline: Dec. 31, 2021)
Email Condolences: If you would like you can send a condolence message via email to the family
Yahrzeit Schedule: A 10 year Yahrzeit calendar is available. Also, you can sign-up for an annual email reminder of the yahrzeit.
Dr. Spivak was one of the most interesting, thoughtful, and open minded people I have known. A truly talented, insightful psychoanalyst, he has made a very positive impact on my life.
Dr. Spivak was a brilliant psychiatrist/ psychoanalyst. He was devoted and committed to his patients unconditionally. The magic few words that would put one all back together again, yep he had ‘em, and funny too! Always holding space without judgement. He saved many of my days and I am forever grateful to have known him. He was a special and unique light now etched in my heart and mind forever. With love, you will be missed immensely.