My Mentor Basil Thomas Will Be Fondly Remembered
The pre-order period for my book has ended. The printer is reporting the book is on schedule and we have already increased the size of the first run. It’s not in anyone’s hands yet, not even my own. However, I’d like to share just three lines of it from the Professional Acknowledgements section.
I clerked for the Honorable Basil A. Thomas, now age 98. I clerked for him by day and attended law school in the evening. He taught me that, in our society, the law can work for the greatest good.
His honor passed on last week. He was 98.
I described him as “One of the greatest legal minds of the day.” He was that and more. He was also an excellent human being. For more than 30 years I have referred to Judge Thomas as “My Judge.” I’m sure that’s how I will refer to his Honor until they’re writing about me in The Sun.
My son said he hasn’t heard anyone describe me better. Last year he told my son that “[I] always had a sense of urgency” and “[I] always bite off more than I can chew, but then chew it.” I’m honored by his remarks. I’m honored to have worked with him and to have known him.