In Memoriam: Henry L. Lemkau, Jr., FMLA, 1941-2024

Submitted by: Adoree Makusztak

With great sadness we report that Henry L. Lemkau, Jr., FMLA, passed away on the morning of September 21, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. At a later date, the family plans on having a service in New York where Henry’s parents are buried. Members are encouraged to share thoughts and memories at https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/plantation-fl/henry-lemkau-12004157. 

Henry’s professional achievements and publications were substantial, and he was recognized nationally. A member of MLA since 1967, Henry served on many committees, including being elected to MLA’s Board of Directors in 1989. He was named a Fellow of the Association in 2004 and presented its prestigious Janet Doe Lectureship in 2007, on the topic “Constants, Context and Change: The Pursuit of Purpose.” 

Henry was born in Queens Village, New York, on October 19, 1941. He attended Rice High School in Manhattan, St. John’s University in Queens (majoring in history), and Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where he earned a Master in Library Science degree in 1967. Raised with a strong sense of responsibility, he attended law school to enhance his ability to help others and earned a J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law, in 1994. 

His interest in librarianship began during his undergraduate years while employed as a page at Columbia University’s Butler Library where he worked for Irwin Pizer. After which, he held roles at the New York Academy of Medicine and the Mount Sinai Hospital Library and worked for Gertrude Annan. At the age of 29, he became the library director at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. In 1979, he was appointed director of the University of Miami’s medical library, and one year later, he became the department’s first chairman when the library merged with Biomedical Communications. He was promoted to full professor in 1985.  After 28 years of service at the University of Miami, he retired on December 31, 2006.  

After his retirement, Henry traveled extensively, and cherished time spent with his family and close friends.  

His family, friends, and colleagues will miss his kindness, wisdom, sharp wit, and generosity. Rest in peace, Henry.