Dr. Robert Morton Bernstein

Dr. Robert Morton Bernstein passed away at the age of 80. When Rob experienced a major cardiac event mid-February, he was doing exactly what he loved—going out for a day of skiing in the beautiful New Mexico mountains. Rob truly loved being alive and felt profoundly blessed to have been able to live his life to its fullest. Rob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jerold, who he missed daily.

Rob’s life was shaped by kindness, curiosity, humor, and service. He felt immense joy in healing others as a doctor; Rob was still practicing medicine at the Santa Domingo Pueblo Clinic and thoroughly enjoyed working with his patients and colleagues throughout his long career. He never hesitated to help anyone in need.

Rob was a seeker. He traveled the world to hike the majestic peaks of the Himalayas and the Andes, always finding himself revitalized by nature. His spiritual journey was marked by his studies of Vedanta with Swami Dayananda Saraswati, which informed his contented and happy outlook on life. He sought to continue to grow personally and intellectually, taking on challenges such as learning Polish, Hungarian, Japanese, and Spanish.

Rob’s family meant everything to him, and he took great care to nurture and sustain close bonds across his extended family. He was deeply in love with his wife, Kasha, and was so proud of his daughters, Molly and Nina, and their families. He was an amazing grandfather to his four grandchildren, who adored him. He had an extended family of close cousins, nieces, nephews and his aunt Ruth, who he cherished. Rob’s life was further enriched by the enduring support of his close friends and his long-standing men’s group.

His family is completely heartbroken by this loss. Rob’s kindness, compassion and zest for life touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He enriched so many people’s lives with his empathy, warmth, enthusiasm, generosity, and humor. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered. There will be a private celebration of life in the spring.

A request for memories: Rob’s family wishes to preserve the stories and "Rob-isms" that made him so special. In lieu of flowers, they kindly ask that you share your favorite memories, photos, or anecdotes of Rob to be compiled into a legacy book for his family. Share your memories:

• Online: http://bernstein.hopto.org/
• 
  

By Mail: Rivera Family Funerals and Cremations 417 Rodeo Rd Santa Fe, NM 87505

Donations: If you feel moved to honor Rob, please consider a donation to an environmental organization that protects the local landscapes—and the animals that call them home—where he spent his happiest days skiing, hiking, and kayaking. Rob also cared deeply for the global community; donations in his name would be welcomed by Doctors Without Borders, where he aspired to serve, or Physicians for Social Responsibility, an organization close to his heart for many years.