Sun Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-pboitensler07jan07,0,2086020.story?coll=sfla-news-palm
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Bob Ensler, Boynton's vice mayor, dies at 75
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City beautification was among his many interests
By Jerome Burdi and Maria Herrera
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
January 7, 2007
Boynton Beach Vice Mayor Bob Ensler, a Korean War Army veteran known as an active commissioner concerned with beautification of the city, died Saturday morning at Boca Raton Community Hospital. He was 75.
Mr. Ensler underwent surgery in recent months and never fully recovered, officials said. Elected into the City Commission in November 2003, he was appointed vice mayor in November and was serving his second term in the City Commission.
Mr. Ensler was a major proponent of the city's Boundless Park on Congress Avenue, a playground and park for mentally and physically disabled children that the city hopes will attract people from all over South Florida. It's estimated to cost about $8.6 million. Construction has not started.
"He was a brilliant man," said friend Sydelle "Boopsie" Spiesman. "He had a great sense of humor."
Mayor Jerry Taylor said Mr. Ensler was a friendly man and a great negotiator. "He was instrumental in many of the issues, and I miss him terribly," he said.
Mr. Ensler was born in New York, N.Y.
After an honorable discharge from the Army, he was involved in many highly classified programs for the federal government, which included surveillance of communist countries during the Cold War, according to a release.
"He brought to the commission over 40 years experience with major corporations," Taylor said.
His experience included engineering and design, government contracting, financial analysis, planning and corporate acquisitions, according to the media release.
Mr. Ensler was on the boards of directors of the Tomodachi Judo Club and was a black belt and three-time Pan American Judo Masters Gold Medallist, city officials said.
He was getting ready to teach Judo, Taylor said. He was also getting ready to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary this year.
Mr. Ensler is survived by his wife, Judy; two sons, Henry and David; and a daughter, Beth. His children live in Boca Raton. He is also survived by eight grandchildren. Services will be 1:15 p.m. Monday at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel, 11115 Jog Road west of Boynton Beach. He will be buried at Eternal Light Memorial Gardens, 11520 State Road 7, west of Boynton Beach following the services.
Staff Researcher William Lucey and Staff Writer Erika Pesantes contributed to this report.
Jerome Burdi can be reached at jjburdi@sun-sentinel.com or 561-243-6531.
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Palm Beach Post Article
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/local_news/epaper/2007/01/06/0106ensler.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=17
By Will Vash
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Saturday, January 06, 2007
UPDATED: 7:11 p.m. January 06, 2007
Boynton Beach Vice-Mayor Bob Ensler died Saturday at Boca Raton Community Hospital. He was 75.
Mr. Ensler underwent surgery in late December, just two months after being re-elected to represent the city's southwest district for a second term. He never fully recovered after the operation, friends said.
Known for his eye for detail, especially involving city contracts, Mr. Ensler often asked questions probing the inner workings of local government.
A Korean War veteran, Mr. Ensler championed memorials and special events honoring members of the military. He was a a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
"Veterans in the Second World War are now over 80," Mr. Ensler told the Post in July. "We can't forget what they have done for us."
Before moving to Boynton Beach, Mr. Ensler managed multi-million dollar businesses in several fields, including engineering and design, government contracting, financial analysis and corporate acquisitions. Mr. Ensler is survived by his wife, Judy; three children and eight grandchildren.