Mark Kalish

Mark David Kalish, age 77, passed away on Thursday, August 27, after a lengthy illness. A native Floridian, Mark was the son of Barbara and Leonard Kalish and the brother of Bonnie Jill Kalish Webman. The family made their home in Miami. Mark met his future wife, Ellen Agress (Kalish), at the Miami Young Men’s Hebrew Association, when they were teenagers.

Mark’s childhood dream was to be a physician. After graduating from Tulane University and medical school, he completed a Urology residency at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Further study led to Board Certification in Urology and appointment as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Mark held the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy serving at Great Lakes Naval Hospital from 1975-77. Then the young Kalish family, with daughters Raime Beth and Alana Suzanne, became proud Texans when they moved to Houston where Mark joined the private urology practice of Walter Wolf, M.D., and Melvyn Anhalt, M.D. The practice grew rapidly and by the time Mark retired after 40 years, Memorial Urology had become one of the largest in Houston. Throughout his life, Mark’s dedication to the practice of medicine and devotion to his patients were second only to his love of their beautiful family.

He is survived by his wife Ellen Agress Kalish; daughter Dr. Raime Kalish Estes, husband Mark, and grandchildren Eliana Blume, Brauston Case, and Canaan Tai; daughter Alana Kalish Pulaski, husband Alan, and grandchildren Josie Belle, Jules Grey, and Sybil Rae; sister Bonnie Kalish Webman, nieces Dara Webman Trestyn and Emily Webman Salzer, nephew Josh Webman; cousin Starr Borden.

Mark discovered fly-fishing at the age of 40 and spent the next 35 years refining his technique in quest of the perfect catch.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 10:30 am at Congregation Emanu El in Houston, followed by the interment at Emanu El Memorial Park. Additional information below.

In alignment with Congregation Emanu El policy, we are asking attendees to be vaccinated. Masking will be required for all attendees regardless of vaccination status.

Shiva minyan will be observed at 7:00 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, September 1 and 2, 2021 for those who are vaccinated. Further details will be provided during the service or you may contact the family directly via [email protected] or [email protected]

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mark’s memory to the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Kalish family.