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Richard Blatt Obituary

RICHARD L. BLATT
In Memoriam 1940-2006

AS SOLID AS PLYMOUTH ROCK - A MENTOR AND A TRUE FRIEND

My husband Dick represented everything that was good. He was a true gentleman, scholar, ethical businessman, loving family man, and genuinely cared about others. He lived life honorably and with distinction.

Dick was born in Oak Park, Illinois and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1962 where he was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and served as president of his fraternity. Dick graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1965.

Dick was a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants with his ancestor being Pilgrim William Bradford. He was a member of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Dick served as an officer in the United States Army, both in the United States and abroad from 1965 to 1970.

Dick was selected by his peers as a 2005 and 2006 Illinois Super Lawyer. He was a respected colleague in the Chicago office of the Philadelphia-based law firm of Cozen O’Connor. And he was highly regarded by the Lloyds of London insurance market. Dick was the founder and former Chairman of Blatt, Hammesfahr and Eaton and was an integral part of the firm’s successful merger into Cozen O'Connor in 2000. Dick’s practice focused on representing insurers and reinsures in a variety of matters, including environmental, health hazard, toxic tort, and product liability. He also had a busy Alternative Dispute Resolution and mediation practice.

Dick authored numerous articles in professional and business publications, including "Alternative Dispute Resolution in the United States" published in Japan. He was co-author of the book, Punitive Damages: A State-by-State Guide to the Law and Practice (West Publishing Company, 1991), which was also published in a Japanese language edition, and a contributor to @Risk - Internet and E-Commerce Insurance and Reinsurance Legal Issues (Reactions Publishing Group Ltd., London, 2000 and 2002, R. Hammesfahr, Editor).

People have written and said how Dick made a difference in their lives - how he mentored young men and women and helped in nurturing their careers. Actual words used to describe him have been true friend, true mentor, true gentleman, true professional, legal genius. Dick was the Junior Warden at St. Chrysostom’s Episcopal Church in Chicago and was a national trustee of the Pi Kappa Alpha Educational Foundation.

Our family and friends were shocked by Dick’s untimely death. His open-heart surgery in June was successful, but shortly thereafter Dick was stricken with an internal system failure called Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. He survived against odds, but a series of further infections and surgeries finally overtook his body. He died on July 25th surrounded by his family and our priest. The doctors said that Dick had fought so very hard to stay alive. Later this year, I hope plans will begin to start, or assist, a foundation dedicated to research of this syndrome in order to prevent other post-surgical deaths. Dick and I met in December 1982 at a holiday party. During our courtship, we enjoyed attending charitable benefits and dancing to the music of Stanley Paul. So much so that our favorite band leader played at our wedding at the Cycle and Cycle Club in 1987.

Dick enjoyed people and spending time with them. When we first met, he lived in Lake Forest and was commuting into Chicago on a private rail car - “very civilized way to travel” he would say. He was a member of Room XIX of the Chicago Club. Dick had a great sense of humor, a dry wit, and the uncanny ability to diffuse situations with a few humorous words.

Dick was a man of all seasons. In the fall, Dick loved walking and driving through the Michigan countryside and viewing the brilliant yellows and reds of nature. In the winter, Dick loved sledding and throwing snowballs with his young daughter and grandchildren. In the spring, Dick loved listening to the rain and seeing the flowers and trees blossom. In the summer, Dick loved leisurely strolls on warm nights, relaxing dinners in outdoor cafes, and watching his family play.

Family was very important to Dick. We would say “I love you” to each other every day. Dick’s last words shared with us were “Amen, and God bless my family”. We knew we were loved very much by this wonderful husband, father, and brother.

Dick Blatt is survived by his wife Carolyn (nee LeBlanc) and their daughter Jennifer of Chicago; three adult children, Christopher and Susannah of Chicago, and Katherine (Jay Culbertson) of Ohio and their families; a brother Jim of Arkansas; in-laws DeNux and Malvine LeBlanc of Glenview; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bryan and Karen LeBlanc and their family of Glenview; and many loved relatives.

A memorial service will be held on September 30, 2006 at 11:00A.M. at St. Chrysostom’s Episcopal Church, 1424 N Dearborn, Chicago.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be given to St. Chrysostom’s Church, the Richard L. Blatt Memorial Fund, 1424 North Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610 or to Pi Kappa Alpha Educational Foundation in memory of Richard L. Blatt, 8347 West Range Cove, Memphis, TN 38125.
Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Sep. 28, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Blatt

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22 Entries

Barry Beavis

February 28, 2007

I knew Dick for approx. 35 years in a work situation and always admired him greatly.
I am based in London and work for a Syndicate at Lloyd's of London(UK) and many years ago when I was far younger, we were having a cup of coffee in the Captain's Room in Lloyd's Dick told me about the vastness of Oklahoma and he explained how if you stood in one place you would be lucky if you saw one tracktor trailer unit go pass during the whole day. I expect that the area is a lot busier now.

Sean Farrelly

February 22, 2007

I was familiar with the name Dick Blatt in the Lloyd’s market long before I ever had the pleasure of meeting him in person, such was his reputation in London. Dick would think nothing of picking up the telephone and calling me to discuss cases he was working on for me and I really appreciated his personal touch.

He will be sadly missed.

Raymond Tytler

February 8, 2007

Dear Carolyn and Jennifer,
Dick was a true gentleman and a pleasure to work with. Jane and I will miss his counsel and above all his warm and friendly company.
Ray & Jane Tytler, London England.

Thomas Kurzawa

February 6, 2007

Dicks cordial manner impressed people on other continents, as well, and I am missing the sophisticated, humorous and sensitive discussions with him. He had so much wisdom and deep understanding to people he was talking to and I am grateful for having met him.

Lew Greenblatt

January 23, 2007

Dick was a terrific lawyer and great guy.I knew Dick professionally and as a friend for many years.I will miss his energy, thoughtfulness and sense of humor.

Clyde Jones

January 17, 2007

I was a partner of Dick's at Peterson & Ross. We become partners the same year and for part of my duties we worked together on the Employee Relations committee. Dick was a caring and kind person who always kept the best interests of the employee in mind when making tough decisions. I was saddened to hear of his death and know that he is glad to be with his family who went before him. Sharon and I send our best wishes to Carolyn.

Janice Grant

January 15, 2007

I was Dick's secretary at Peterson, Ross for seven years until 1979. He taught be so much. I enjoyed exchanging Christmas cards with him for all these years. I was shocked to hear of his death. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Janice "Sortino" Grant

Ken Leverenz

October 30, 2006

Dick and I met in 7th grade at Gross elementery. We have been the best of friends since then. I remember the great times we had together. We would do odd jobs in the summer and spend the last few weeks of summer vacation at the Blatt cottage in Michigan. Of all the many great times we spent together, we never had a disagreement or an argument. I will always remember my best lifelong friend.

Sandy and Patrick Martin

September 29, 2006

Dear Carolyn,

Dick was a true friend. We were very sad to hear the news of his passing. He was gracious and thoughtful. We will always remember his intelligence and his sense of humor. Dick will remain forever in our hearts.

Sincerely,

Warren DeWolfe

September 29, 2006

Carolyn and Family,
Dick was a wonderfull person, he will always be my Godfather. Dick always called or sent a card on every special day. He was present at all major life changing events. We will miss him deeply, he is a great family friend and always there for everyone. God bless you Dick, we will see you again someday.
Love,
The DeWolfe Family

Scott & Lisa Cairns

September 29, 2006

Dick was more than a lifelong friend. At a difficlt time in my life he was a role model, a mentor and gave me a kick in my pants when I really needed one. Lisa and I would like his family to know how much we loved him - and love you.

PETER CHAPMAN

September 29, 2006

FOR DICK: "ON TO FRESH ADVENTURES".
Peter.

Virginia(Ginny) and Jim Bohn

September 28, 2006

Dear Carolyn and family,
I know that Billie and Bernie welcomed Dick with open arms, then asked, "what are you doing here?"
I was stunned to see Dick's handsome picture in a section of the paper that he should not have enter til much later in his life.
I shall always cherish our childhood memories. He was a dear friend to my mother, and to me.
Thanks for the memories, Dick. Godspeed.
Sending love and healing prayers to all of the family.
Jimmy, as well.
With deepest sympathy, ginny and jim bohn

Lynd Corley

September 28, 2006

Dear Carolyn,
Dick's mother was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority at the Univerisity of Illinois and a classmate of my mother, Nancy Hoblit Wertheim. We knew Dick's mother well and remember her joy at the time of your wedding. We were very sorry to see this news in the Tribune. Gene and Lynd Corley

John & Beth Culbertson

September 28, 2006

Carolyn and Family ~ Hopefully, you can find some measure of comfort in remembering how much living Dick packed into the short time he had. Although we did not have the opportunity to learn to know him well, we enjoyed our visits with him and appreciated his obvious love for his grandchildren. Know that you all are in our daily thoughts and prayers.

Michael Hoadley

September 28, 2006

Dick exemplified the ideals of Friendship, Love, and Truth. It was a pleasure to have known him, and to have had his counsel and insight. He will be remembered well.

Donna Urbaniak

September 28, 2006

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Jerome Lerner

September 28, 2006

I sorely miss this wonderful friend and will cherish his memory.

Jerome Lerner
1250 Rudolph Drive
Northbrook, Illinois 60062

Wanda Wescott

September 28, 2006

God be with all of you. Dick was a wonderful person. I worked with Dick as a legal assisant when he was with Peterson and Ross. I learned a lot from him and admired him for the person he was. I will miss him and the wonderful Christmas cards. Thanks for everything Dick you were an angel.

Grandkids Blatt

September 28, 2006

We love you Grandpa! Love, Colin, Jack, Will, Tyler, Kiley xoxoxoxo

Bruce Wolfson

September 28, 2006

I worked closely with Dick when we served together as trustees of the Pi Kappa Alpha Educational Foundation. Everything said in this beautiful tribute is borne out by my experience. Dick was smart, generous and caring. He wore his intelligence with ease, never trying to impress. The world is a much better place because he was in it, and we are all diminished by his loss.

Kate Culbertson

September 28, 2006

We will miss you forever, Dad. Thank you for everything. Love, Kate

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