"Dear Jan, Rick was always one to say Hello to me, with a kind face, a kind smile, whether at the Houstonian, Randall?s, Costco, or just around town. Thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Carolyn Karp"
In loving memory of
Robert Isadore Kaminsky
May 17, 1942 - March 26, 2022
Robert Isadore "Rick" Kaminsky, M.D. died peacefully age 79 at his home in Houston, TX on March 26, 2022. He was born May 17, 1942 in Houston, TX to Dave and Edith Kaminsky. He grew up in Old Braeswood surrounded by family and numerous friends where he and his brother Stephen spent many afternoons playing sports and making lifelong friendships. He attended Roberts Elementary School, Perishing Middle School and Bellaire High School where he distinguished himself in high school athletics and was on the All-Greater Houston basketball team. He matriculated at Yale University in 1960. With a close-knit team, he became a 3-time All-Ivy Leaguer and an All-American basketball player his senior year. He was elected to Yale secret society Skull and Bones as a senior. During his time at Yale, he made lifelong friends with whom he stayed in close contact with for the rest of his life. After Yale, he followed in his father's footsteps to become a doctor, choosing to go to Baylor Medical School. After medical school and an internship at Tulane University, he enrolled in the Barry Program with the United States Army where he became a Major and was based in Fort Huachuca and Fort Dix. Following his time in the army, he completed his residency in Urology at Baylor Medical School. He went on to have a successful urologic practice at St. Joseph's and became a pioneer in lithotripsy treatment, introducing it to the Houston medical community.
He retired at the age of 56 to spend time with the love of his life, Jan, and pursue his other interests. In his retirement, he was an avid golfer, playing almost every day the course was open. He had 3 holes in one and enjoyed family golfing trips. He became a successful business investor and closely followed the stock market. He attended weekly Longhorn recruiting luncheons. He was also actively involved with and adored by his 8 grandchildren. He was inducted into numerous Basketball Hall of Fames, including Texas High School Hall of Fame and JCC Hall of Fame. He was selected to be on the NABC Silver Anniversary Team recognized at the 1989 Final Four. He frequently regaled friends and family with stories, often breaking into laughter before he reached the punchline.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years Jan; his children Loran Kaminsky, Alicia and Alex Garnes and Kirk and Kathleen Kaminsky; his grandchildren Sarah, Jack and George Kaminsky, Ethan and Will Garnes and Charlie, Caroline and Quinn Kaminsky; and his brother Stephen and Diane Kaminsky.
The Funeral Service can be streamed at the following link https://venue.streamspot.com/f8d04b5b