David had an amazing presence. I always looked forward to working with him.

Posted by: Brian Costello | February 12, 2010 12:09 PM

I was a transfer student and had Professor Leonard during my first semester at LLS. He was instrumental to my transition. He wasn't just my Evidence professor, he took time to make sure I got in touch with Career Services to get caught up with OCI, and even spent time talking to me about strategies on how to keep evidence out for my Trial Ad class. He also often asked for students' opinions on improvements that could be made at LLS. Professor Leonard will greatly be missed, for his passion, strength, and dedication to Loyola and its students.

Posted by: Jennie Vu | February 12, 2010 02:11 PM

David was a great man with a gentle soul. I had the pleasure of working with him on two faculty postcard projects. I will miss him!

Posted by: Carmen Ramirez | February 12, 2010 02:12 PM

What a great loss to the Loyola community. I will always remember and appreciate him for his kindness, his sage advice on evidence and living life to the fullest despite obstacles. Condolences to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Posted by: Mary Culbert | February 12, 2010 02:39 PM

In torts a student raised a question about fairness. "Ah, yes," said Professor Leonard, the F word."

Posted by: Joanne Beckwith | February 12, 2010 03:17 PM

My first law school class was with Professor Leonard. I could not have asked for a better introduction to law school. Professor Leonard blended a devotion to the law and high expectations of his students with an unmatched wit and kindness. The knowledge and lessons he shared with me will never be forgotten. Nor will his memory.

Posted by: Elliot Field | February 12, 2010 03:20 PM

To this day I still think of Professor Leonard when the topic of evidence is brought up, and still refer to my notes all these years later. My thoughts are with his families, both personal and academic.

Posted by: Richard Seely | February 12, 2010 03:21 PM

Professor Leonard was a wonderful, thoughtful man whose humanity was evident at every turn. He was every bit as kind as he was smart, and kept on giving back to his students and alums even after he became ill.

Posted by: Katherine Macfarlane | February 12, 2010 03:25 PM

Great humor, great professor, great love for his students and his profession. There will always be an empty place in Loyola's heart. Gone too soon and never replaceable. He will be missed.

Posted by: Annie | February 12, 2010 03:27 PM

Professor Leonard taught our evidence class wearing a chemotherapy bag over his shoulder. Clearly a demonstration of how much he loved, and lived, to teach.

Posted by: Megan | February 12, 2010 03:29 PM

A great Professor and more importantly a great human being. He is already missed.

Posted by: Lior Kosovski | February 12, 2010 03:32 PM

Back in 2003 when I couldn't deliver my Torts: Questions and Answers manuscript to the publisher without the help of a co-author, Heather Dean of Lexis-Nexis had the inspiration to introduce me to David. David had done such a great job with Evidence: Q&A that the company wanted more of him, as did pretty much everyone who crossed his path. The second edition of the book just went into galleys this week.

We'll all miss David's kindnesses and gentle wisdom.

Posted by: Anita Bernstein | February 12, 2010 03:35 PM

Professor Leonard taught my first year torts class. I remember laughing a lot and learning a lot.

Posted by: David Sanchez, Jr. | February 12, 2010 03:41 PM

I'm truly heart-broken. He was a great professor - always funny and sweet. He had an open door policy and a great way of explaining the law. I still remember the cases we discussed in his class. I took torts with him as a 1L in 2000. It was one of my favorite subjects. Today, I'm a civil litigation attorney. I do torts for living. His passing is a true loss to everyone, especially those students who will never have the pleasure of sitting in his class. My heart goes out to his family and the wonderful LLS faculty and staff. Jessica Carranza Estrada - Class of 2003

Posted by: Jessica Carranza Estrada | February 12, 2010 03:43 PM

Professor Leonard was an amazing person: genuine, true, patient and full of integrity. One of these qualities is hard to come by, and Professor Leonard possessed all of them. Not only has the legal profession lost a great scholar, but all who knew him and all whom he touched have truly lost a wonderful teacher, companion, and friend. He will be missed greatly.

Posted by: Ryan Kashfian | February 12, 2010 03:47 PM

David will always have a place on my list of "top ten human beings I have ever known." I have greatly respected David as a colleague, friend, and person in the 15 years I have known him. He worked tirelessly to advance the mission of the law school and was an outstanding teacher, scholar, and administrator. He always will be an essential part of the school and will be greatly missed by the greater Loyola Community and by me personally. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, David called me immediatelty to offer heartfelt consolation, support, and encouragement. Since that time, we have talked frequently about our experiences during cancer treatment. I have been struck by how direct and forthright -- and yet kind, compassionate, and good-hearted -- David always has been in these conversations. He cracked absurdist jokes that only fellow cancer patients would understand, and we shared some laughs about some truly terrible topics. I wish I could have done something to help him and hope he knew how beloved he was by the entire Loyola Community. My sympathy goes out to Susan, Adam and Matthew, and to all of David's extended family and friends who mourn his loss.

Posted by: Katie Pratt | February 12, 2010 03:56 PM

I had Professor Leonard for Evidence and I enjoyed every minute of his lectures. I've never met a professor who could make you laugh so effortlessly (even when he was poking fun at you) while still teaching you so much. He was an exceptional human being whose legacy will endure. He will be sorely missed.

Posted by: Peter Jordan | February 12, 2010 03:57 PM

My deepest sympathies to Prof. Leonard's family and the law school. All of us who were lucky enough to have David Leonard as a professor were struck by the genuine warmth and compassion he had for his students. He was an example of the kind of lawyer and the kind of person we all strive to be. His wit and humor could be counted on to break the tedium of night school for those of us attending in the evening program. I will never forget the Torts case that involved a man who thought he was a superhero and during the discussion of the case, Prof. Leonard slowly and casually unbuttoned his shirt and, one by one, the students started to realize there was a batman logo on the T-shirt he was wearing underneath. It was such a funny moment, I still recall it after 15 years. He was a rare human being who was taken far too soon and he will be dearly missed.

Posted by: Anna Amarandos -- Class of 96 | February 12, 2010 04:16 PM

So sad. He was a terrific Torts professor. And he would always smile and say hi when I'd pass him by on campus.
Class of 2000.

Posted by: Sheila Kadisha | February 12, 2010 04:28 PM

Professor Leonard instructed my first year Torts class. I doubt very much he remembered me, but when I approached him for some guidance a couple years later, he treated me like an old firend. I believe that says a lot about a man.

Posted by: Jeremy Joseph | February 12, 2010 04:51 PM

It was a great pleasure to have worked with David over these last many years. He was a gentleman in every meaning of the word. Even when we disagreed on a question of law school policy, he always treated me with kindness and respect. He was also concerned about my personal well-being and I appreciated his thoughtful note last summer after the death of my father. David was everything that a law professor, and a person, should be. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his family.

Posted by: Bryan Hull | February 12, 2010 04:52 PM

Professor Leonard was an exceptional teacher who was not only passionate about his work, but he truly cared for his students. Evidence was a challenging subject matter for me and he dedicated an extra hour a week (sometimes more)of his time for an entire semester making sure I understood the material. I will always cherish those one-on-one times we spent discussing what he loved most...evidence and the law. I would not be the attorney I am today without him. He will be forever missed. Thank you for touching our lives.

Posted by: Ai-Vy Miller | February 12, 2010 05:02 PM

David was a gentle soul and a generous colleague. His death makes me enormously sad.

Posted by: Peter Tillers | February 12, 2010 05:29 PM

Words like compassion, humor, kindness are finding their way into all the comments on David's memorial blog. I would like to add another: inspiration. One of the first things I did, after deciding to remain at Loyola rather than return to NYC and Fordham, was the 1996 California AIDS Ride. I was first blown away by the amazing generosity of the entire Loyola Community supporting my fundraising. Then, after the ride, I wrote a thank you note to the community telling them about the experience. I told them about how the Ride had made me think about service to others. The response I got from David Leonard transformed me and to this day has inspired me to make sure that I continue to serve in a quiet, faceless way. Last Fall, when David was really beginning to fail, I reminded him of the exchange we had at that time. Here is what I wrote to him, and then his response:

G to D: "I will never forget the note you sent me after I wrote an e-mail to the faculty after I did the AIDS ride the first time. You made me feel like a really good person for all the right reasons. It made me want to stay the course in terms of how I would try to contribute to the world from then on. I have always felt that you get me in ways that a lot of people don’t. Just want you to know that I will be eternally grateful to you for that."

D to G: "That is one of the most wonderful things anyone's ever said to me. I really mean it. Thank you so much."

David just knew how to make all of us feel special and make us live our lives as better persons. I will miss him but he will live on in all of us.

Posted by: Georgene Vairo | February 12, 2010 05:34 PM

Professor Leonard was a kindly and reassuring presence for a first year evening torts student (1993-94). His was one of my favorite classes at Loyola. More than a decade later, on a whim, I sent David a note telling him how I had incorporated some of his ideas into a course on legal medicine I was teaching at UCI. He very graciously invited me to speak to his class. And so it became one of the peak experiences of my career, to be able to give a lecture to another evening torts class, in front of my former torts professor! David Leonard was everything you could possibly hope for in a professor.

Posted by: Mark Fisher | February 12, 2010 05:50 PM

Professor Leonard,
You were gracious, kind, and courageous. I will always think of you with fondness when I work with evidence, and when I watch The Simpsons. You will be missed.

Posted by: Kanita Viranond | February 12, 2010 06:14 PM

I was fortunate enough to have Professor Leonard for Torts during my 1L year. Although I learned a lot about the law, what struck me the most was his advice to always remember what was truly important in life and in the practice of law (and of course his humor). One of my favorite memories was catching up with Professor Leonard in the hallway during my 2L year. After we chatted a bit he said "well I have to go, it is time to confuse my Evidence students" and when he got to the door he turned around smiling with a twinkle in his eye and said, "it shouldn't be too difficult." He was an amazing man who will be greatly missed.

Posted by: Courtney Ryan | February 12, 2010 06:33 PM

David was just a beautiful and loving person. He was such a wonderful teacher and a tender friend. I will always remember his naughty laugh, his brilliant mind. He had these lovely shining eyes, and this way of lifting his eyebrow when you entered into a room; it was always as if he had just heard a terrific joke, and couldn't wait to share it with you. There won't be any consolation for this loss.

Posted by: Yxta Maya Murray | February 12, 2010 06:47 PM

Beyond being an inspiring teacher, Professor Leonard made Loyola a welcoming place. He encouraged all of us to act with care and compassion towards one another, to treat the law as a tool not a weapon, and to treasure the gift of education. His mischievous smile always warmed the room. Simply, he enriched our lives. And, I will never say the word 'evidence' without thinking of him.

Posted by: Shana Weiss | February 12, 2010 09:01 PM

This news made me indescribably sad, and a rush of memories of my first year of evening classes (class of '06) came flooding in. No story could really capture what a perfect teacher Professor Leonard was, or what a kind and deep person he was in conversation outside of the classroom. So I just have a goofy one, which I told in this email I sent to my friend(who went to one of those other law schools)after I learned that Professor Leonard had passed away:

I just got an email from Loyola that my amazing torts professor, David Leonard, has died.... I thought of you because he, like you, was a big fan of The Simpsons.
One night when he was lecturing on false imprisonment he said,"It's like in that episode where Bart gets caught stealing the video game. Gee, what was the name of that game, again?"
Some student, who was probably making the top half of the class possible, yelled out, "Bonestorm!"
Prof. Leonard got a big smile and said, "That's right! Bonestorm! You should get a participation point for that!" Then he said, "Oh what the hell," pulled out his grade book, opened it up, and gave him a point.

My thoughts are with Professor Leonard's family and close friends. We all share your loss.

Posted by: Anonymous | February 12, 2010 09:08 PM

I had the great pleasure of being taught both Torts and Evidence by Professor Leonard. I also served as his Research Assistant for his annual supplement on the Wigmore Treatise and, during this time, came to truly understand and admire his depth of knowledge in the area of Evidence Law. Both inside of and beyond the four walls of Loyola, I was fortunate enough to call David Leonard a friend. He had the ability to make me believe in myself, and I always hoped his praise and compliments were well-earned. He was unique, kind, generous, witty and brilliant. I feel lucky, indeed, to have known him and learned from him. Thank you, Sir. You are missed. XoX

Posted by: Cinnamon Brunmier | February 12, 2010 11:57 PM

David was, and will always be, a model for teachers and scholars everywhere. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Posted by: Robert Jones | February 13, 2010 10:21 AM

Professor David Leonard will be deeply missed. His teachings and professionalism lives on in the guidance that his students have provided and continue to provide to their clients. It was abundantly clear from the earnestness with which he attended to his students that he was committed to and cared about his students. I am thankful.

Posted by: Al Harnois | February 13, 2010 03:45 PM

David was a unique and wonderful individual. Others have talked in their blog posts of the excellent teacher he was. He was also a thoughtful scholar: precise, inquisitive, clear in his thinking and writing. He loved Loyola Law School as much as anyone I know. Everything he did professionally was to further the interests of the institution in its pursuit of social justice, and excellence in legal education.

Most of all, David was a quality human being, a mensch. Even in his illness, he always cared about the experiences of others---ever offering words of support and wisdom, and usually supported by his offbeat sense of humor. Others have talked of his love of The Simpsons, but he was also a huge fan of the Onion. In recent years, world events sometimes made it hard to tell the difference between the Onion's satire and reality. David laughed at some of those stories, but he felt passionate about world events and about bettering conditions for all people.

David approached everything he did with an earnestness and fullness of purpose. He loved life and loved helping others.

I will miss seeing him each day at Loyola, his friendship and wise counsel.

Posted by: Rick Hasen | February 13, 2010 08:22 PM

I enjoyed the honor of studying under Professor David Leonard in Evidence Seminar last century. Professor Leonard's insightful comments and criticisms influence my writing to this very day. His insightful and considerate method of correction, together with his truly caring personality and love of the law, touched many lives. I regret not keeping in touch with Professor Leonard after leaving LLS.

Posted by: Christian Ehlers | February 13, 2010 09:25 PM

This is terribly sad news. Professor Leonard was an extraordinary teacher and a wonderful person. I was lucky enough to have Professor Leonard for first year evening torts class for the 2002-2003 academic year. He taught the class with his trademark wit, warmth, and humor. I remember all of the fun pop culture artifacts in his office and his analogies to the Simpsons. He was an engaging and genuine personality who truly cared about his students. I feel privileged to have known Professor Leonard. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Loyola community.

Posted by: Marie Scheibert | February 14, 2010 06:31 AM

David believed in the goodness of every human being and saw the best in everyone. In deans’ meetings, for example, whenever an issue came up that might call for discipline or for the tightening of a rule, David would always be the one to make the argument for leniency. Sometimes he would convince the rest of us that such generosity was merited and sometimes not. But our decisions were always better for having listened to him.

Posted by: Ellen Aprill | February 14, 2010 08:35 AM

David's presence at Loyola made the law school a better place. His ready smile and wonderful sense of humor served to illustrate his inner qualities of warmth and compassion. We often taught the same students and I can attest to the affection and admiration his students felt for him. To me, David was a terrific friend and colleague. He was one of those people I was always happy to see. I will miss him greatly.

Posted by: Florrie Roberts | February 14, 2010 08:59 AM

Here is the eulogy I delivered at David's memorial service:

David loved to laugh. And so, because he would enjoy it, I begin with a joke.

One day the most despised man in a little shtetl in Poland died. The entire village turned out for his funeral. At the end of the service the rabbi said, "As you all know, it is our custom at this time call upon anyone who would like to say something good about the departed." A long, awkward silence followed. Finally, a little old man in the back of the crowd stood up and said, "His brother was even worse!"

Nobody who knew David would have difficulty saying something good about him. In fact, once you get started, it is hard to stop. He was deeply compassionate, kind, gentle, humble and loving. All these qualities were reflected in his teaching, which he loved.

A few weeks ago he told me how sad he was at the prospect of never teaching again. So today, right here, let's allow David a chance to teach us.

Here is what he had to say in one of his journal articles about the Talmudic rules regarding loshon hora or evil speech: "By giving voice to our petty daily character judgments, we encourage the kind of hatreds that divide us. Our judgmental words deny the goodness and value of others. To speak ill of others not only hurts the subject, but also the speaker. To speak well of others expresses the unity of all people, engenders mutual respect, and draws us closer together."

In another article David described what it would take to repair our city in the wake of racial conflict: "We need to open our minds to certain truths about our communities that we would rather not know. There are people with whom we share this community who do not also share our experiences of the world, and whose chances of fulfilling the dream of prosperity are thwarted by the very system that has welcomed our participation and supported our successes. Peace depends on recognizing that not all people see the world as we do. Walking a mile in other peoples shoes is not easy, but it is crucial that we try."

And in another of his articles, this is what David had to say about the people he could see from his office window: "Just across the street from Loyola Law School is Tenth Street Elementary. Almost all of the students who attend the school are the children of recent immigrants, and almost all of their families struggle to make ends meet. From my office window I often watch as parents walk their children to school, hand in hand. I am ashamed that a nation built by immigrants frequently turns its back on them. The differences between people are not something to be feared, but something that enriches. Only when we come to recognize that differences are a source of strength will we have peace."

That was what David taught us. I believe that every person has an essential, unique, and irreducible quality that defines their very soul. David's essence, reflected in his own words, was compassion. David's illness did not dull his compassion for others, it sharpended it. He was afraid to die, but he did not withdraw into himself out of fear. He was sad at the prospect of leaving those he loved, but he did not allow sadness to steal from him the chance to use whatever time was left to help them. And he suffered physically these last years, but through all the surgeries and treatments and discomfort, somehow David never lost his ability to think of others.

Instead, a year into his illness he eagerly embraced a new job as Associate Dean. He relished this job because it gave him a new chance to help others, solve problems, and make peace. David always lived the values about which he so often wrote and taught. But in his last months, in the very shadow of death, he taught us his greatest lesson.

Posted by: Victor Gold | February 14, 2010 03:15 PM

David was a fighter. There is no one who fought harder to live, to have another day with those he loved. He fought with grace, and without bitterness. He truly taught us how to live--with humor, gentleness, compassion---and how to die. I will miss him. I will miss his emails filled with corny jokes, his sweet disposition. I will cherish his friendship always.

Posted by: Marcy Strauss | February 14, 2010 09:31 PM

I had the honor of working with David on the Park, Leonard and Goldberg evidence hornbook and of learning from him throughout my career.

David was all substance and no show. He got his job done without worrying about getting credit for it.

I didn't always agree with David about legal issues, and one one or two occasions I criticized his views in print. He never let this interfere with out friendship. He saw it as a valuable part of the scholarly enterprise. I never heard him say a resentful or unkind word

David didn't conceal his battle with cancer, but he always looked for the positive side of the future, thinking about what he could do or help others to do. As a result, though the facts he told me about his condition were serious, I always thought he would make it through. The fact that he lost his courageous battle is hard to accept, but his example in waging it will always be an inspiration to me.

Roger Park

Posted by: Roger Park | February 14, 2010 09:48 PM

I am deeply saddened by the news of David's death.

I visited at Loyola during the Fall 2008 semester, and David, in his role as Associate Dean for Research, could not have been more helpful, gracious, and welcoming. In fact I have the impression that he would have been all these things in equal measure even without the administrative role.

It didn't take me long after meeting David to realize he was battling health problems, but David didn't mention it once. Nor was David ever anything less than cheerful and upbeat. His warmth, collegiality, and humor became one of my favorite things about a very happy visit.

Despite not having spoken with David since shortly after my visit, I will miss him very much. My life was enriched by his, as I know were those of his colleagues and students at Loyola.

C.J. Peters
Professor of Law, University of Baltimore

Posted by: C.J. Peters | February 15, 2010 07:42 AM

I had Professor Leonard for Evidence Fall Semester 1999 and absolutely loved it. He was professional, witty, smart, and a lovely person. He is part of the reason I pursued trial advocacy the following year. I am upset and deeply saddened that he passed at such a young age. And my thoughts and prayers are with his wife and two sons.

Posted by: Simone Schiller | February 15, 2010 12:01 PM

Fortunate enough to work with David for a few years, I must say that he is, by far, one of the kindess souls I have ever known. What an honor to have the chance to meet and work along side someone of his energy and light.

Posted by: Chris | February 15, 2010 12:02 PM

I was a student in Dean Leonard's Fall 2006 Evidence class (my first semester at Loyola as a transfer student). He was an amazing professor--able to break down complex topics with ease and present it in an entertaining class. Always generous with his time both inside and outside of the classroom, he will truly be missed. My condolences to his family for your loss and to the Loyola community.

Posted by: David J. Warner | February 15, 2010 12:55 PM

I worked with David on various evidence committees and projects throughout my entire career as a law professor. We had so many interconnections--we both taught the same courses, often wrote on the same topics, both spent years in Indiana (I grew up there), both have two sons (mine now both live in Los Angeles, so I visit there frequently). I followed his career with interest and always looked forward to seeing him at AALS and other professional meetings. He was one of the kindest, most congenial, and most dedicated individuals I have ever known. I feel terribly sad for his family. His passing is an enormous loss for all of us.

Posted by: Laird Kirkpatrick | February 15, 2010 01:09 PM

I really enjoyed working on his Torts and Evidence Q&As. I was hoping to finally meet him in person when I transferred to Loyola, but now the time has passed. I will still remember his name and his work.

Posted by: Minhee | February 15, 2010 01:32 PM

It was a pleasure to know David, these comments
speak volumes about him, my condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.

Posted by: Art Rennick | February 15, 2010 01:45 PM

We should all be more like David Leonard -- kind, thoughtful, patient, giving, smart, caring, dedicated and courageous. I will miss him.
Laurie

Posted by: Laurie Levenson | February 15, 2010 02:58 PM

What a mensch! A unique person -- brilliant and humble, funny and wise, brave and gentle. I am grateful to have known him, and I am glad that he knew how much we all cared about him.

Posted by: Dan Schechter | February 15, 2010 03:51 PM

In the immortal words of that great philospher, Bart Simpson: "I never thought it was humanly possible, this both sucks and blows."

As an evening law student over ten years ago, I was fortunate enough to have had Professor Leonard for Evidence. The "dude" was an awesome professor. Thank you, Professor Leonard. You shall be missed. My condolences to his family.

Posted by: Mary Gin | February 15, 2010 03:54 PM

Prof. Leonard was a great teacher. He was funny, smart, patient, and responsive to his students. One of my favorite teachers of all time. RIP.

Posted by: alex behar | February 15, 2010 04:09 PM

I will always remember Professor Leonard's dedication to teaching and patience in explaining even the minutiae of Evidence law. He was an encouraging teacher and will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Posted by: Katherine Tong | February 15, 2010 04:17 PM

Professor Leonard taught my first law school lecture -- Section 3 Torts -- in the Fall of 2006. After a little more than one semester, about 3 years ago, he had to stop teaching our class after being diagnosed with cancer. I remember him, standing confidently in the front of the room, bravely telling us about pancreatic cancer and telling us, his students, that we would be okay. We were the ones that wanted him to be okay.

I remember feeling relieved to see Professor Leonard teaching Evidence the following Fall. Our class honored him with a teaching award at our graduation and, completing the circle for us, Professor Leonard led our swearing-in ceremony this past December.

I spoke with him after the ceremony; I told him how special it was that it was him moderating this event. He said, so modestly, that he, himself, felt honored.

I feel lucky to have known Professor Leonard, to have been part of his class, and to have experienced at least a little of the wonderful person that he was.

Posted by: Laura Blau | February 15, 2010 04:36 PM

Professor Leonard was my favorite professor in law school. He was a brilliant, yet humble man who was passionate about his job and his students. I will never forget his after-class help to get me to understand evidence, the toughest subject for me in law school. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. RIP.

Posted by: Blake Gillman | February 15, 2010 05:04 PM

The class of 2010, Section 2, was scheduled to have Professor Leonard for first year Torts. Unfortunately, the Professor could not teach that year due to his illness. At the time, it was hard to realize the opportunity missed, but then I heard that Professor Leonard loved both the Simpsons and Lost, and I knew I had missed out. Luckily, I got the chance to study under Professor Leonard for Evidence. My favorite thing in law school was his off the cuff Simpsons references, which automatically qualified him as one of my favorite teachers.

But besides his excellent taste in TV shows, Professor Leonard was one of the best teachers I ever had in law school. He was extremely intelligent and had a fantastic gift of communicating his knowledge to his students. Not only that, but he was one of the happiest people I have ever met. In retrospect, I cannot believe he maintained such a positive attitude while fighting such an awful disease. His passion and strength is what made him a truly great man.

Posted by: Dana Silva | February 15, 2010 06:59 PM

Professor Leonard was a great man. He was a role model, and so his legacy will live on through his teaching and his students.

Posted by: Christopher Lee | February 15, 2010 07:24 PM

Professor Leonard was one of the few professors that I wholeheartedly recommended to other students. You could tell that he had such a passion not only for the law but also for teaching. He had an amazing wit and sense of humor and I feel very fortunate to have been one of his students.

Posted by: Ellen | February 15, 2010 07:55 PM

David was my friend for 20 years. He was more than a costumer at my store - he was an amazing friend. David would come into my store every week and talk about our families. He was instrumental in getting my son to attend Loyola. He will be deeply missed.

Posted by: Ray - Dryclean Express | February 15, 2010 09:07 PM

I simply couldn't understand imputed contributory negligence, until Professor Leonard figured out how to make it click: If Smithers hit a pedestrian while driving for Mr. Burns, the pedestrian can sue Mr. Burns w/ vicarious liability. Therefore, if Mr. Burns sued another driver, the driver would have the defense of imputed contributory negligence against Burns [as Plaintiff] due to Smithers’ negligent driving. He was always there for us students, with guidance, answers, cheery hellos, and never anything but a kind word. I will miss him dearly, and I am sure every other student whom he taught will feel the same. I have lost a great mentor and friend.

Posted by: Adam F. Summerfield | February 16, 2010 08:39 AM

It is easy to kind, compassionate and gracious when we are well; it is quite another thing to hold on to those qualities in the face of a daunting, relentless illness. That David's graciousness and humility, humor and integrity never waivered or gave way to bitterness is remarkable. It was an honor to work with him.

Posted by: Sean Scott | February 16, 2010 09:44 AM

When I think of Professor Leonard I picture him with a smile on his face. I was fortunate to have him teach my 1L Torts class. Professor Leonard was able to instill knowlege into his students while making his job seem effortless. He was very approachable, kind and had a great sense of humor. I was sad to hear he had passed. My heart goes out to his wife and sons, may he rest in peace. Class of 2002.

Posted by: Araceli | February 16, 2010 09:45 AM

I met with Dean Leonard only once during my time at Loyola, but even in that brief meeting, it was abundantly clear to me that he was a compassionate, reasonable, and caring dean and person. He did not know me before that day, but he made such a huge effort to get to know me and my circumstances, and to help me in every way. He made Loyola a better place. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Posted by: Emily Schuman | February 16, 2010 11:33 AM

David was truly an amazing human being. I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like him. He was so smart yet extraordinarily humble and had an innocence about him that was so endearing. His selflessness and compassion for others is admirable and I aspire to be more like him. His dedication to the law school was unwavering as evidenced by his phoning in to a deans meeting while receiving a chemo treatment! I’ll miss seeing him every day and the levity he always brought to the office despite what he was going through.

Posted by: Deb Martin | February 16, 2010 01:07 PM

There was a warmeth to David that you sensed as soon as you met him. He embodied the best of Loyola - brilliant, caring, genuine. We mourn with his family at the loss of such a wonderful person.

Posted by: Jannell Roberts | February 16, 2010 01:17 PM

David exemplified the spirit of collegiality that we so value at the law school. He was dignified and courageous to the end. I will greatly miss him.

Posted by: Prof Peter Tiersma | February 16, 2010 02:44 PM

I am so deeply saddened to learn of David's passing. He was absolutely one of the bravest, kindest and most caring patients I have had the honor to work with. He will be deeply, deeply missed. Devoted father and husband, he was an inspiration to say many of us and the tue embodiment of courage.

Posted by: Robbie Gluckson | February 16, 2010 03:08 PM

David had a gentle demeanor and a lovely spirit. It was always a pleasure working with him, and I am saddened by his passing. My sincerest condolences go to his family and friends.

Posted by: Kira Poplowski | February 16, 2010 03:34 PM

Professor Leonard remains one of the best professors I have had. He was also someone I looked forward to seeing on campus because of his attitude and interest in his students. I remember the last time I spoke with him, I was sitting on one of the wooden benches by the lawn. He walked up to me, smiled, and we had a great chat. When we were done I thought, what a nice man, I hope we talk again soon.

I was very sad to hear of his passing, and sad that future Loyola students will not be able to have such a great professor in the classroom and on campus. To his family, my condolences; I wish you all the best.

Posted by: Jonathan Burke | February 16, 2010 04:35 PM

I remember when my grandma first told me about a friend of hers whose son was just becoming a professor at Loyola - who would have known I would have been so fortunate to have him as a professor of evidence in his first year at Loyola. I never knew how much Professor Leonard meant to and impacted me - until his passing. I have always viewed evidence as one of my strengths, and I owe it to Professor Leonard. But it wasn't just being an effective teacher, but one who exuded respect and honor. May all men be as kind and gentile.

Posted by: Garrick Hollander | February 17, 2010 04:23 PM

Bereavement is so personal that few of us, unless we have experienced it ourselves, can comprhend its grief. Professor Lenord, was loved by all of us who worked with him. I will never forget the friendliness and kindness he extended to me. I shall miss him.

Posted by: Fekade Tadesse Tad | February 17, 2010 08:35 PM

I have been at such a loss for words since hearing of David's passing. I remember being a student in his Torts class in 1998, like it was yesterday. He taught us so much and he truly wanted us to learn.

When I became Director of the Cancer Legal Resource Center here at Loyola, he reached out to me to connect me with the director of a local oncology foundation � the foundation where he was being treated. He wanted others to learn about the CLRC and the legal rights and options that people with cancer may have to deal with the legal issues that many face as a result of a cancer diagnosis. He got it. He understood how difficult it is for people with cancer to focus on regaining their health, while also dealing with their legal issues.

He also facilitated a program on cancer for staff and faculty at Loyola. I vividly remember when I sent him an email letting him know that we were hosting our first Cancer Rights Conference here at Loyola in 2008. He offered to help in any way that he could. He was so supportive and pleased that we were offering the conference for the cancer community.

I think the thing that makes me saddest is that David was so supportive of his fellow cancer survivors; they, and we, have lost a champion.

We will miss him.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Posted by: Joanna Morales | February 18, 2010 01:46 PM

Professor Leonard was a kind, caring person and an amazing professor. I ended up with appendicitis second semester of 1L--that combined with an infant pretty much left me feeling doomed about sucessfully completing my first year of law school. Professor Leonard came in during Spring Break to help me learn torts, and then offered to help with any other subject --so that I could catch up. So many others have stories just like mine. He will be missed.

Posted by: Sapna Singh | February 18, 2010 03:47 PM

Prof. Leonard was a great teacher. He made Evidence class fun and interesting (as well as easy to understand). He was also always kind and helpful. He will be greatly missed.

Posted by: Margaret Stiverson | February 19, 2010 07:59 AM

David was a man of many gifts, and he shared them freely and generously. He had a unique capacity to always see the very best of people. Without any apparent effort, he would view everyone in their best possible light. I learned a lot from him, and will always appreciate how much he looked out for my own welfare, even as he was facing struggles of his own. I cannot describe how much I miss having him around.

Posted by: Michael Waterstone | February 19, 2010 10:45 AM

I was a student in Professor Leonard's Torts class starting in the fall of 2006, and again in his Evidence clas in the fall of 2007. He was the first professor I met at Loyola, and he was my favorite.

Because I had worked as a teacher before I came to law school, I enjoyed observing his teaching style. He applied the Socratic method of carefully asking questions of students, gradually leading them toward knowledge, like no other teacher I have ever seen. He was always very sympathetic towards students, always aimed toward building confidence in them and gently encouraging them to think for themselves.

Outside of the classroom, I often turned to Professor Leonard for personal advice with my education, career, and life in general. He was always generous with his time and thoughtful suggestions. Whenever I asked him about his illness, he would briefly update me on his progess, then invevitably turn the conversation back toward me. He was always concerned about the challenges other people faced, even in the midst of his own struggle.

Professor Leonard demonstrated, in so many instances that I cannot list them all here, a rare sense of compassion and humanity. He was a noble spirit, and I feel so blessed to have known him.

Posted by: Cory Jones | February 20, 2010 04:35 PM

I am very grateful for the time I got to spend knowing David better once he became an Associate Dean. He would always have a friendly comment each week after receiving the Weekly Admissions Status Report. In one of the last e-mail messages I received from him, he commented on how happy he was that the time of year had returned for him to receive the Weekly Reports. It just goes to illustrate a larger point that he cared about Loyola and all those who make up the community. Alav hashalom.

Posted by: David Kirschner | February 20, 2010 09:04 PM

David was a delightful and kind man who often wore a warm smile on his face. When I would come to him with a question, his attention was always present. In this way he acknowledged me as a person and taught me by his example. I am very grateful to have known him. My deepest condolences to his family and to the Loyola Law School community.

Posted by: Ann Palmer | February 21, 2010 02:24 PM

I have known David Leonard for 17 years; however, it wasn't until I returned to the Deans' Suite two years ago that David became a real part of my life. His strength and courage were amazing. Rather than dwelling on himself, his concern was always for others. I am grateful for these last two years of getting to know David as a friend - someone I admired more than words can say.

Posted by: Vlasta Lebo | February 22, 2010 10:02 AM

Loyola's faculty is top-notch. But Professor Leonard cared more about my progress in the study of law than any other professor I had the pleasure of learning under. Even after my evidence class had ended, he advised me on many different matters and I will always remember his kindness, optimism, and humor. You will be missed Professor.

Posted by: Jason | February 22, 2010 10:56 AM

I am blessed to have met Dean Leonard. As my professor sponsor to my Law Review Note, he was always encouraging and provided me with guidance and useful critiques. Thank you, Dean Leonard!

Posted by: Anna Do | February 25, 2010 12:00 PM

Professor Leonard was a wonderful man and a great professor. Approachable and kind with a great sense of humor, he is sorely missed by all those that have had the good fortune of meeting him.

Posted by: Kevin Chiao | February 25, 2010 01:06 PM

I knew David Leonard at Pasadena High School in 1970. He was a gracious and sensitive young man back in the day. He was a very close friend of my dear friend and former high school classmate Martin Becker of Fairbanks, Alaska.Martin kept me informed of David's family life and academic life throughout the years. David was one of the good guys. Al Powell

Posted by: Al Powell | February 26, 2010 11:53 AM

I just learned of David's passing through Loyola's extended faculty alumni family when Larry Solum (now at Illinois) visited Fordham for a faculty presentation. I recall the faculty meeting when Loyola hired David away from Indiana. I knew then he would make a significant impact on the intellectual life of the law school. As Loyola's then librarian, I always focused on potential faculty member interest in our collection and services. David took a tremendous interest in the Rains Law Library. When he chaired the faculty committee to select my successor,I recall a phone conversation with David as the committee was about to complete their task. He knew where he wanted to take the selection process. He was immersed in the issues and knew how best to proceed. His clarity as he mused about the process was amazing. This law librarian misses one of his best fans--farewell my friend.

Posted by: Bob Nissenbaum | February 27, 2010 05:03 PM

Dean Leonard was not my professor. In fact, I unfortunately never had the opportunity to meet him face to face. Yet, he acted as a guide through one of the most difficult struggles in my life.

My lovely girlfriend is a 2L at Loyola Law and informed Dean Leonard that I had just finished chemotherapy after she learned of his battle. Dean Leonard passed along his information to give me in case I needed someone to talk to in the aftermath of cancer.

As anyone who has confronted this illness knows, it can be an incredibly lonesome time, and I eventually contacted him. We exchanged stories and words of encouragement through numerous emails and telephone calls. I was particularly touched by this because I was a complete stranger and yet, he was willing to set aside some of his precious time to help guide me through my struggles and offer his perspective on life.

Just thinking of the enormity of this level of selflessness makes me misty eyed as I type this. This was the man he was. I will always cherish the conversations we shared, and always regret not having the opportunity to shake his hand and say "thank you" face to face.

I am just finishing up my first year at Southwestern and owe a tremendous thank you to Dean Leonard for helping me gain perspective and pressing forward. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Posted by: Michael Bauer | May 3, 2010 07:54 PM

Dean Leonard was not my professor. In fact, I unfortunately never had the opportunity to meet him face to face. Yet, he acted as a guide through one of the most difficult struggles in my life.

My lovely girlfriend is a 2L at Loyola Law and informed Dean Leonard that I had just finished chemotherapy after she learned of his battle. Dean Leonard passed along his information to give me in case I needed someone to talk to in the aftermath of cancer.

As anyone who has confronted this illness knows, it can be an incredibly lonesome time, and I eventually contacted him. We exchanged stories and words of encouragement through numerous emails and telephone calls. I was particularly touched by this because I was a complete stranger and yet, he was willing to set aside some of his precious time to help guide me through my struggles and offer his perspective on life.

Just thinking of the enormity of this level of selflessness makes me misty eyed as I type this. This was the man he was. I will always cherish the conversations we shared, and always regret not having the opportunity to shake his hand and say "thank you" face to face.

I am just finishing up my first year at Southwestern and owe a tremendous thank you to Dean Leonard for helping me gain perspective and pressing forward. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Posted by: Michael Bauer | May 3, 2010 07:54 PM

I met with Dean Leonard only once during my time at Loyola, but even in that brief meeting, it was abundantly clear to me that he was a compassionate, reasonable, and caring dean and person. He did not know me before that day, but he made such a huge effort to get to know me and my circumstances, and to help me in every way. He made Loyola a better place. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Posted by: AnnaD | May 28, 2010 08:21 PM

Professor Leonard was a wonderful, thoughtful man whose humanity was evident at every turn. He was every bit as kind as he was smart, and kept on giving back to his students and alums even after he became ill.

Posted by: Broken Heart | July 26, 2010 07:33 PM