When death knocks at age 94, no one is really surprised. But sometimes, even though a death might be anticipated, it still shakes us to the core.
Thats how it was with Joe Berenbaum, who died Nov. 3. While he was many things to many people a charging tiger against opposing counsel, a devoted servant to clients this diminutive man was the gentlest of giants. His legal genius dominated courtrooms for decades and pushed Denver into big city status. The law was the jewel in his crown. He could roar like a lion while pursuing legal intricacies, but outside the halls of justice, Mr. Berenbaum twinkled with a zaidys warmth and wisdom.
Born in a village in Saskatchewan, Canada, to immigrant Russian Jewish parents, he arrived in Denver at the tender age of two. At DU, he excelled in tennis and seriously considered becoming a journalist. Back then, however, glamour surpassed salary for reporters. So Berenbaum chose the law. As he told the IJN in 2003, money played a part in his decision but the primary motivation was helping people. I thought I could do that as a lawyer, and I have done it, he said. Read the full obituary
Many people told us that Joe Berenbaum was the kindest man they ever met and the toughest of attorneys. He transmitted this unlikely combination to his colleagues at Berenbaum Weinshienk.
Berenbaum retired at 89. We can only imagine how difficult it was for him to relinquish that jewel. Just as he imparted lessons in practicing law to Jim Kurtz-Phelan when to hold a position and when to fold Berenbaum knew when to fold his career cards.
After he retired, the firm kept his office vacant. Most of us are replaced, if not immediately, then eventually. Thats how the world works.
An unfilled office speaks louder than mere accolades. It is a living memorial an unlikely combination, like Joe Berenbaum.
To his wife Penny, children Kay, Sandie and Jim and grandchildren Amy and Katie, we offer a tempered sorrow. Even though we cant bask in that gentle twinkle now, its impossible to erase the legacy of Joe Berenbaum.
Copyright © 2010 by the Intermountain Jewish News
