Dr. Michael Herschel Kaplan

Dr. Michael Herschel Kaplan, age 82, died on Monday, March 31, 2025 in Baltimore, MD from complications of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Michael was born in Baltimore to Rose and Solomon Kaplan and raised in the city. Following graduation from City College and the University of Maryland, he earned a degree in Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University. He ran the NYC marathon in 1978. During his 47-year career as a veterinarian he was guided by excellent, evidence-based veterinary care. He developed, owned and operated Valley, Perring, and Baltimore Animal Hospitals, Roland Park Veterinary Clinic and most recently Ruxton Animal Hospital. He incorporated animal-themed art and sculpture in their decor. He retired in 2015. Michael was a faithful, caring friend and cherished veterinarian. A veterinarian friend said, “He was my favorite colleague. He was so smart. I loved talking medicine with Michael. He always had a clear perspective. He will be missed.” A client and friend said, “I loved many things about Dr. Kaplan as our family vet for 30 years. What I loved most about him was that he always kept up with the most recent research, so I knew my dog was getting the best care.” Michael and his husband Steve fell in love at first sight in 1979. Together 45 years (married in 2013), they rarely spent time away from each other; traveling, dining, enjoying the world’s great art museums, cultures, historical and architectural sites. Over the years, they frequently hosted events for friends and family. Michael was a lifetime member of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), served as president of the Greater Baltimore Veterinary Medical Association (GBVMA) and on the boards the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.’s Textile Museum’s International Hajji Baba Society (oriental rugs/textiles group). His interests included travel, high-end audio, vinyl records, a decided taste in art, architecture, oriental rugs, African ethnographic sculpture, landscape design, orchestral performance, and his sculptured animal art collection. Michael is survived by his husband Steven B. Nordfjord, two daughters, four grandchildren, an aunt, cousins and former wife. Thanks to Michael’s medical team, caregivers, hospice and the kind support of so many family and friends. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the ACLU.

Dr. Michael Herschel Kaplan

October 5, 1942 - March 31, 2025