NECKWEAR ENTREPRENEUR LESTER KLAUS HAS PASSED AWAY
MR magazine is saddened to report the passing of Lester Norman Klaus, who died on March 11, 2023. He was 81 and a talented creator of fine neckwear at Burma Bibas, the company his father Samuel Klaus founded in 1926.
Lester, born in New York City and living in Lawrence, Long Island, was one of three brothers, who all joined the family business. Lester focused on neckwear, Arthur on sportswear, Morty on dress shirts and finance. Lester’s sons Steven and Jeffrey both followed their dad into the business. (Arthur’s sons Ryan and Sean are also in the business.) In addition to Steven and Jeffrey, Lester is survived by his daughter Frieda, son Michael, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his wife Esther six years ago.
Arthur remembers his brother Lester as even-tempered, hard-working, and very philanthropic. “He was an all-around good guy with a real passion for the business, and for giving back. I worked with him for my entire career; it’s hard to put into words how much I will miss him…”
Perhaps the best indication of Lester’s character is the simple fact that after a stroke put him in a wheelchair 17 years ago, he still came to work every day, always with much passion for the business. “He simply enjoyed his work,” explains Arthur. “When Covid hit, he set up an office in Lawrence and never missed a day.”
Editor’s note: I will always remember Lester as the one who, at so many UJA Neckwear Division luncheons over the years, was given the honor of cutting the challah and chanting the blessing. He always carried this out with dignity, purpose, and grace. He was a class act who will be remembered fondly by all those who knew him. RIP Lester Norman Klaus: may your memory be a blessing.
For those so inclined, donations in Lester’s name can be made to Yeshiva Toras Emes, where Lester had served as president. The address: 1904 Avenue N, Brooklyn NY 11230.
This is immensely sad news to hear. Lester will forever remain one of the nicest Great Guys. His love of this business will linger on through his sons
Steven and Jeffrey, and his family. I remain forever grateful for the tremendous experience learning and selling Lester during my early years working for Italian silk mills. His respect and kindness for everyone is immeasurable, and never to be forgotten. His unfathomable strength will surely carry on through his sons Steven and Jeffrey, and all he touched. Keep flying Lester, and say hello to Sam.
My sympathies to his family and brothers. We had great times growing up together in the industry and learning from their father. Always had to buy four colors of a pattern. 👍
It’s indeed a sad day to learn of Lester’s passing. I met Lester in the 70s when I was a young neckwear buyer at JW Robinson.
He taught me a lot about the neckwear biz and he always made sure Burma was the profitable supplier in the department.
One of the nicest people I met in my business. He was a pleasure to deal with . He always had a smile on his face when he came to my store.