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David I. Caplan
Just received word that David I. Caplan, formerly of New York & New Jersey, then retired to Florida, died this last week.
Dr. Caplan (he held a PhD plus his law degree, and thus had the "Dr." legit) was author of what I count as the first "modern" law review article on the Second Amendment, dating back to 1974, and was a member of the NRA Board for a great many years (30+ as I recall).
A mutual friend reminded me that his greatest service probably came in the days leading up to the "Cincinatti Revolt," 1977, when his skill, and that of his wife Susan, in New York nonprofit law was so valuable, NRA being a New York nonprofit. For those too young to recall that battle, it was the defining moment of the modern NRA. One side (until then, dominant) wanted to withdraw from politics, move HQ to the big spread of land near Raton Pass, and ensure NRA remained a sporting organization with little or no politics. The other, the "Federation," wanted to ensure a major political presense. At a major battle at the annual meeting in Cincinatti, the Federation overturned the powers that be, and the result was formation of ILA and the NRA as we know it nearly forty years later.
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He was my dear friend and counsel when I was Prez of the Federation of NYS R&P Clubs,Inc.
He will be missed. David had a giant intellect and made hugh contribtions to our cause.
Posted by: jerry preiser at May 4, 2006 11:14 AM
I will never forget the day, May 1979 Dr. David I Caplan debated then NYS Assembly Speaker Mel Miller at Ocean Parkway Jewish Center ... It was a fill auditorium and the audience agreed with David. Rigth after I had a meeting with the Speaker ... We agreed on changes in NYS law which made it easier for a NYS resident to obtain a pistol license. Yes David had his ways ... He will be missed. Rest in Peace David.
Posted by: Ralph Rubinek at May 9, 2006 09:58 PM
David gave so much of his time to the citizens of New York-- his contributions were tremendous. He blazed the trail for lawyers like myself to follow.
For me personally, as a fellow lawyer and advocate of the Second Amendment, I could always relied upon a good conversation with David, and one that would force me to consider options that I had no considered before.
He will be so sorely missed. He was a thinker, and a man with so much to offer-- one can only imagine why this happened.
David, I hope you're home now, and I hope you are resting. You will be missed on earth, that's for certain.
John S. Chambers, Esquire
www.nygun.com
New York City, NY 10003
Posted by: John Chambers, Esquire at May 15, 2006 07:22 PM
I had the privledge of meeting David Caplan while a member of the NYC R&P headeed by Mr. Jerry Preiser. One night at a meeting of the NYC R&P we were blessed to hear some of the most beautiful music to be played on the piano and the musician was David Caplan. While I never had the oportunity to get to know him very well I remember that night and that man and I know that his passing leaves us all sad
Jack Togati
Jack Togati
Posted by: Jack Togati at October 14, 2006 01:43 PM