My friend and long time colleague died early in the morning on St Patrick’s day.  He was not a lawyer, but he taught me more about representing clients then any law professor ever did. Bob was working for an insurance company as an adjustor when I met him in Mount Vernon. I had started a law practice after ending my partnership with Harwood Bannister and Stanley Bruhn. I had no law partners, but I had the good sense to hire great paralegal assistance to assist me. These non lawyers were a tremendous help in representing clients.  With increasing trial cases I needed assistance in investigating the cases. I began to look for someone I could hire in that area of the law practice. Bob was experienced and I liked him a lot so I hired him to do this work. He became a full time employee. But, he was more than an employee. He had a terrific skill with people. They liked him. With his common touch with people his contribution to my success as  a trial lawyer was invaluable. In addition, he had a lot of common sense and good judgment. I learned to listen to his advice.  In his work as an adjustor he had negotiation skills plus an understanding about insurance companies.  All of this was very helpful as we worked cases up through trial together. He enjoyed the litigation challenge which made him competitive and that motivated me to work harder for clients. Together we had a lot of success in our trial practice. During the years we were colleagues I became a better trial lawyer because of him. I am indebted to him.

This is as brief and inadequate tribute to my long time friend. May he rest in peace with my gratitude and prayers.