Herman Bak

Herman Bak

December 09, 1934 - May 22, 2011

Obituary

Herman Bak
December 9, 1934 – May 22, 2011

Herman passed away due to complications from his 3rd lung cancer surgery. He was born in Holland.

Herman and his sister, Kitty, were separated and put into hiding during WWII for five years. They survived but lost 62 members of their family in the Holocaust. After the war, they were sent to Israel on the ship ‘Exodus’ and lived on a Kibbutz. Herman served in the Israeli Navy and fought in the Gaza Strip War. In his 20’s he returned to Holland and founded a very successful clothing business, Habak International. He sold his company and retired before the age of 50. Herman emigrated to California in 1981.

He is survived by the love of his life of twenty years, Ann Williams; two children from a previous marriage, son Ilan Bak Karin and daughter Vivian Bak Monique; and his older sister Kitty Bak Jo. Herman was like a Father to Ann’s children Claire Craig Robert and Scott Williams Christina. Herman was the greatly loved Opa to Ann’s grandchildren Alex, Trevor and Ashleigh Craig, and Amanda and Hailey Williams. Herman was loved by everyone he knew for his kindness and sense of humor. He was adored by his family and his passing leaves a void in our hearts forever.

Private Services for the family will be held at El Toro Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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23 responses to Herman Bak

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  1. Herman, you will be sorely missed! I will miss your friendship, your humor how I will miss that!, your laughter, goodness, your understanding, and in our sharing in good times and bad. We have never just been friends – we were and are family. Love you! Rest in peace, my dear Herman, Virginia

  2. We send our deepest sympathies to the entire family.

  3. I was thinking of Herman the entire week of May 16; we had a Holocaust survivor speak to the students at my middle school. I was reminded of Herman’s struggles and how much the students would have learned from his travails.

    I loved spending time with Herman and I will miss his smile.

  4. Herman’s memory is alive and brings smiles. In my mind’s eye, I see an intimidating demeanor. Getting closer, I appreciate a tender heart. I hear the stories Herman shares with my family of a young boy hiding in the home of a stranger for survival. His story challenges me to hold back tears, and makes me appreciate my own life blessings. I feel stronger and braver to tackle my small life challenges, remembering how Herman overcame difficulties and achieved success in his business and life endeavors… in spite of. I’m touched when he speaks with pride of the accomplishments of his daughter — and step-daugheter. Herman is not gone, he lives in the memories he’s created in the lives of the fortunate people he has touched. See you later Herman.

  5. My dearest Herman will be greatly missed by so many that loved him so deeply. He showed us how to appreciate life even if we are having a rough time, life to him was precious and to share your thoughts openly with those you love. He so loved my dearest friend/sister Ann, and you could see in their eyes how much love they had for each other. Know we will meet again in another life, until then my dearest Herman you will always be in not only my heart, but in many that knew you and loved you.

    It’s not good bye my dear Herman, it’s until we meet again.
    Cherish the time you have with those you love.

    All My Love
    Kitty Cockrell

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