Sylvan Kahn Rubin

Sylvan Kahn Rubin, age 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Houston, TX. Sylvan was born on December 24, 1934, in Halletsville, TX to the late Eli and Ruth (Klein) Rubin. The importance of family was an integral part of the Klein-Rubin family from the beginning - from trips to New York to Sunday dinners at the Kleins. Family remained the center of Sylvan’s life throughout his life. Sylvan enjoyed growing up in Halletsville and, even more, being the baby of the family of five siblings. The Rubin siblings stayed close their entire lives and enjoyed many years of regular phone calls, celebrations, and the annual Rubin Thanksgiving. After graduating from Halletsville High School in 1953, Sylvan followed his brother Norman to the University of Houston, graduating with a BBA in Accounting. The highlight of his university years was his fraternity life. He moved into the house, became the cook, and made lifelong friends who still meet for breakfast on a regular basis. It was at the wedding of one of his fraternity brothers where he said his life changed for the better. At the wedding, he met his future bride, Reba Juran, and they were married June 2, 1957. And so began his family life with Reba. In August of that year, Sylvan and Reba left Texas for Tacoma, Washington where he was stationed with the US Army at Fort Lewis. While in Tacoma, Sylvan and Reba welcomed their first-born, Diane. They returned to Houston when Diane was just 3 months old. Their son, Randy, was born four years later. Sylvan loved creating this new family unit. He was actively involved in the kids’ activities and was always there to listen and advise. Sylvan loved playing and watching sports. He played football, baseball, and basketball. He followed the Houston Cougars and enjoyed season tickets to their football games for many years. He also watched sports on TV, frequently coaching loudly from his chair. During the fall of his sophomore year of high school, he contracted polio and spent six months at Hedgecroft Hospital, a polio hospital in Houston. He recovered and returned to school, even returning to the football field to the surprise of his dad and the doctors. In his late 50s, Sylvan was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, a disorder of the nerves and muscles that occurs in some people many years after they have polio. There is no cure and his symptoms worsened over the years, making it difficult for him get around without the assistance of a walker or wheelchair. Sylvan met the challenges with his usual optimistic attitude. Sylvan enjoyed a successful career, first as a CPA and later as a salesman and small business owner. He spent 40 years in the pipeline industry and became friends with many of his customers and pipeline associates. The highlight of his career was starting his own company with his previous boss. Sylvan enjoyed 18 years at the helm of Liftex Southwest until he and his partner sold the business. He was proud to serve as the president of the pipeline association. He worked part-time for a few years after the sale of Liftex and volunteered with SCORE. Sylvan’s story would not be complete without mentioning his love for Reba. They were true partners and enjoyed doing everything together – from trips to the grocery stores to trips to Europe, Israel, and the Far East. They were fortunate to enjoy over 66 years of marriage. Sylvan enjoyed writing including his autobiography and poems for multiple occasions and circumstances. His favorite poem was a Valentine poem he wrote for Reba. Sylvan was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Esther (Eddie) Wall, Annette (Bill) Gedaly, Martha Lea (Albert) Stein, and his brother Norman. He is survived by his wife Reba and Norman’s wife, Samylu Rubin; his two children, Diane Swan and her husband Greg, and Randy and his partner, Angie Prezner. His grandchildren, Tyler and Becca Swan, Gavin Rubin, and Haley Parker and her husband, Justin, and great-granddaughter, Molly. And many nieces and nephews and other loving friends and family. The family would like to express a deep appreciation to his caregiver, Marlen, and to Hospice for their efforts to enhance Sylvan’s life during his final years and months. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 10:00 am in the Sophia and Jack Bender Memorial Chapel at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak, 7445 Awty School Ln, Houston, TX 77055 with a graveside service immediately following. Memorial contributions in his name can be made to Alzheimer Foundation of America, Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice. A live stream of the service will be available at the following link: https://venue.streamspot.com/f8d04b5b

Sylvan Kahn Rubin

December 24, 1934 - April 13, 2024