Monday, August 28, 2017
Dear Shawn, Gail & Terry,
Reading your father's obituary at least a dozen times has been wonderful, joyous tearful and hearty. My earliest memories of "DZ" date back to c. 1974-5 when, at age 6-7, I only knew him as a "funnest uncle"; and how our parents just loved each other so much! In my "boyhood years" from around 8-14, I remember how exciting it was whenever I saw his magnificent blue Lincoln coming up our driveway, knowing I was in for exciting stories of epic courtroom battles and epic adventures... His brilliant mind, resounding voice, fabulous wit and wickedly contagious laughter so endeared me to him in those years... From when I was around 14-22, I can recall more about the extent of our parents' joyful times together, but also how he so easily dispensed fatherly advice to me with wit and understanding-- My love and admiration for him matured as I did in those years. As a young man in my 20's, with far more opportunity than motivation, he had no trouble telling me exactly what I should do with my life and no reservations about putting a little shame on me-- Perhaps he knew that I never resented his advice; or maybe he just didn't care; but either way, he cared for me enough to let me have it in the times in my life when I needed it. As a young lawyer in my 30's, I discovered so much more of him that only a fellow lawyer can really see: His titanic devotion to our Rules of Conduct and the principles of ethics, justice and fairness were the North Star of his professional life. He guided my own father, and of course Zeke, in these ways; but countless others too. He profoundly affected my personal and professional life.... Aquariums, fine landscaping, Republicans, Highballs, Cufflinks, modern homes, Lincolns, Elephants, Superbowls, Rotary Clubs, and so many other things conjure up my fond memories of him. He will always be with me and I loved him very much.
