Sunday, September 8, 2019
Bob and Claire were among my parents’ dearest friends. In addition to their parents, children often look to others for role models and Bob was one of mine. He was kind, thoughtful, and funny. As a child I loved talking to him about baseball. As I grew older we talked about what it’s like to be an attorney. He allowed me to accompany him to his office and to court on several occasions. He didn’t make the practice of law look glamorous but he did make it seem worthwhile. After I started practicing I enjoyed sharing stories about our respective cases. And about the books we were reading (no one I knew read more books than Bob). People have all sorts of connections with others as they go through life and I feel very fortunate I had at least a modest connection with Bob for so many years.
The common definition of mensch is a person of integrity and honor. It’s a beautiful Yiddish word reserved for exemplary people. In his devotion to his family, caring for his friends, service to his community, and deep respect and pride for his profession, Bob clearly deserves to be called a mensch.
