The happiest lawyers in Minneota probably were the ones who argued cases in Rick Luis’ court because they always knew they would get a fair hearing. He had the ideal temperament for a judge: thoughtful, compassionate and kind, but nobody’s fool. Rick, who died on June 28 after a long illness, was the most lovable person I ever met. And I’m not alone.
“From the time we were together in TD and through the years Rick demonstrated rare gifts, in that he was unfailingly attentive and kind,” says John Mitchell. “No doubt there will be lists of accomplishments, but it was for these uncommon gifts that I will remember him.”
“He always turned the other cheek when others acted meanly towards him,” says Henry Blumberg. “This is a character trait that many people lack and which he had in abundance.”
“He was a dear college friend, and I have many fond memories of our time together,” says Bob Riedel. “He was an example to many of our classmates for his commitment, willingness to work, and concern for others. Rick spent his whole life being a great guy and friend. Whether you knew him or not, you will miss him!”
“Rick was a very special classmate, and his loyalty to ’67 was epic,” adds Seth French. “After ‘the shortest, gladdest years’ we all scattered, but Rick was a big part of the glue that held us together.”
“I will miss Rick,” says Doug Melamed. “He exuded on every occasion that I can recall such a wonderful spirit – warm, generous, fun-loving, loyal, and kind. This was true in college, where we talked often about our beloved Twins and Vikings, and at graduation, where he took and sent to me a photograph of the TD Master (as they then were called) handing me my diploma. I still have that photo.”
“From our early days at Yale in Lawrence Hall and Timothy Dwight College, Rick loved to talk sports and view the humorous side of things,” says Howard Dale. “I remember his radio personality on WYBC and the time he challenged his listeners to call in and stump him ‘if they had any unquestioned answers.’”
“Rick was a great Yale booster,” agrees John Herman. “He had an outstanding career in the Twin Cities as an administrative law judge. I saw him often at various Yale and law events in the Twin Cities. A warm and very personable guy. He will be greatly missed by our class, but also by the Minnesota legal community.”
“Rick and I became acquainted when we were both bursary students, slinging hash and running the potato peeling machine,” says Mike Kail. “He made the most important contribution to our 50th reunion class book, suggesting that our departed classmates should be included alphabetically with their classmates, and that we would have one of our best writers, Frank Clifford, edit the various remembrances. It was both brilliant and caring. I shall miss him greatly.”
“Rick did so much for our class,” says Pete Webb. “He was a fellow TDer who I always enjoyed being with. I will remember him most for his great sense of humor. RIP Rick.”
“Life is made up of friends, and Rick and Nita have been special to me ever since our 30th reunion in 1997,” says Tom Gottshall. “They both made a real difference in my life. I am indebted to Rick for his many kindnesses over the years, and I am sorry for Nita and for all of us. We will miss him.”
One of the biggest formative experiences in Rick’s life came at age 15, when he was selected to represent Minnesota at Camp Rising Sun, a summer camp in upstate New York with campers from all around the world. It inspired him to take an international view of life, with friends all around the world.
After Yale he studied law at the University of Minnesota until he was drafted into the Army, where he served in Germany as an Atomic Demolitions specialist. (!)
He returned to law school and graduated in 1974. He met Nita at a party and married her in 1977. They made a great team: him as a judge and her as a powerhouse lawyer. On the honeymoon he introduced her to the wonders of Europe, and they kept traveling ever since to more than 130 countries plus Antarctica.
At home they supported Yale sports, especially hockey, and every team that had Minnesota to the name. They had season tickets to all the Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, Wild, Lynx games, as well as Golden Gophers football, women’s hockey, and men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball. Rick’s fondest wish was to see the Vikings finally win the Super Bowl, but it was not to be.
Rick ably served our class for many years, first as our YAA delegate, and then as our treasurer. It wasn’t part of the job description, but he also was the guy who secured the appearance of Handsome Dan at our 50th reunion.
He and I had a little ritual on the last night of every reunion. After everyone else had gone to bed, we’d sit under the stars in the courtyard, not saying anything, just quietly absorbing everything. Then I’d break the silence and say, “Goodnight, Rick. Thank you for being my friend.”
“Thank you for being mine,” he’d say, and we’d both go up to our rooms and go to bed.
So I’ll say it one last time. Goodnight, Rick. Thank you for being my friend.