Just yesterday we were talking about the air-tight contract Tony Had written for my company....and how it had withstood two assaults in court. So sad for his life to be cut short...a very talented and helpful fellow.
Marlys Hanson. 

To Tony's family:

I just learned (via a Google search for his contact info)  of Tony's tragic, untimely death.  He had prepared a contract for me in the 90's that recently held up in a US Bankruptcy Court hearing.  Tony was very instrumental in retrieving notes/info that helped us to end up in the right place.  He was also a great guy to work with ...always took my calls and went out of his way to be helpful.  I can only imagine how his family must miss him.  May he rest in  peace.  Marlys Hanson, Copperopolis, CA
April 30, 2021       mhanson539@aol.com

We met this evening to celebrate Tony.  Having lost both Tony and Allen in such a short time has left a void that we can fill by loving each other.  Bob and Theresa Keatinge, Vanessa Becker,  Keith Whitelaw, Sarah Steinbeck Adelson, Bill Callison, Cathy Krendl



I just learned of Tony’s passing (had our own set of challenges in January) and I’m heartbroken at his loss and not to have known. So many have so eloquently described him and what he meant to us. This is yet another huge hole in our legal and greater community. Tony was a wonderful mentor, a gentleman, an amazing scrivener for a court improvement committee we served on together that I co-chaired at his urging (he always gently demanded that we push ourselves to excellence), fun to have lunch with and someone I respected deeply regarding his support of diversity of me and others in the legal profession.  Tony, Godspeed on your next adventure! My deepest condolences to and prayers for your family. 

Tony and I and a number of other members of the Business Law Section of the Bar spent many hours crafting esoteric provisions of the Colorado Corporation Code.  I was always amazed at Tony’s brilliance and humbled by the way he could include everyone in the discussion and absorb and respect their opinions.  We had many wonderful lunches together and discussed a myriad of topics.  I will miss him.  

Jennifer and family- Gail and I extend our deepest sympathies.

Tony taught us so much: to never stop learning, challenge assumptions, think critically, see things from a different perspective, and be open to others.  And he did this not by preaching, but just by the way he lived his life and by sharing thoughts, ideas, and lunches with his colleagues.  I always looked forward to seeing Tony at the Ethics Committee, working together on a legal issue, debating a proposed piece of legislation pending before the legislature, meeting for lunch, or just running into each other.  It always resulted in us discussing not just the topic at hand but also books we were reading, current events, mutual friends, or whatever diverse things our minds took us to.  I’ll miss those times with Tony, but I learned enough from him that I know now to carry it forward, until we meet again. Thanks Tony.  You truly have enriched my life.

Peacemaker – philosopher – wise – loving – openhearted – wonderful man,
Bless you for the difference you have made to everyone’s world.
What amazing memories you gave us on the family expeditions across the Continent
from Vancouver to Cape Cod, Durango and Taos to Montreal.
So  I wish  you ‘God speed’ on your new exciting journey into the unknown. 
Send us a Postcard!”


I am deeply sad that I will not be able to learn anymore from Tony’s wisdom, positivity, humbleness and curiosity. At the same time, I feel so privileged and so proud to have known him, someone so rare and valuable.  

I am grateful to Jenny who came into my life 6 years ago through art and introduced this most wonderful person to our lives. The few opportunities we got to know Tony were enough to create the deepest influence on me and my family.  During our last dinner together on December 1st with Jenny, Tony, my husband and my 13 year old daughter as we talked about many things, books, memories, politics, and kings and fools, I felt that the evening was becoming a memory even as we lived through it, a memory which you would want to remember to warm your heart. 

With a brilliant independent mind, Tony inspired us all with his endless curiosity, vast knowledge and his desire to teach through words that he never wasted, and books he read and encouraged us to read or gave us as gifts. Talking about books – as we always did with him - if ever the doors between worlds held open (illegally, just a crack), so that the souls of the present and the departed could mingle, like guests at the same party, Tony will be one of the people I would always seek. (from the book The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy)


Tony and I were in the same era as lawyers and partners in Davis Graham & Stubbs for more than two decades before he left the firm to establish his independent niche in the Denver legal community. Others have properly noted Tony’s exceptional intelligence, legal acumen, and generosity to other lawyers and the legal profession generally. My fondest memory of Tony will remain quite simple—he was a kind, gentle, and humble person. Barb’s and my thoughts are with Jenny, Derek (Jen), and Heather (Mike) at this difficult time.


A few years ago, I received an anonymous package containing copies of the books 1491 and 1493.  A short while later, during a lunch with Tony, I realized that he had sent me the books because he thought that I would enjoy those books that had transformed his understanding of world history, science, and archaeology.  I very much appreciated Tony's gesture, and I agreed with his take on the books.  Subsequently, we discussed books, read and unread, including Tony's stack of books in the latter category.  
Tony and I lunched together on a regular basis.  He always had interesting thoughts to share about a wide variety of topics.  At a dinner last year with Jenny and my wife Lissa, Tony reminded me of all the photos he had taken of our then-new Ralph Carr Courthouse when I gave him a tour.
Tony and I served together on the CBA's Ethics Committee for many years.  During much of that time, Tony served as amanuensis, or scribe, modifying proposed formal opinions in real time on his computer so that all the committee members could see the effect of proposed changes. Of course, Tony often shared insightful comments.
As others have noted, Tony made special efforts to increase interracial understanding and to promote diversity in the bench and the bar.  Last year, Tony invited me (and others) to attend monthly meetings established to realize that goal.
Tony and I were scheduled to have lunch last Thursday, but, sadly, that did not come to pass.  My condolences to Jenny and the rest of Tony's family.


Tony was a wonderful man and will be missed by many, including his colleagues at the Bar.  I met Tony as a young lawyer, when I first started practicing law.  I was in awe of his insight, intelligence, wisdom, kindness- overall wonderful character and skill as a lawyer.  You have my sympathy and deepest regards for Tony and his countless contributions to our profession.  Julie Warren

I've only known Tony a comparatively short while -- we became acquainted at a Bar conference, and he and Jenny quickly opened their home and hearts to us.  Our friendship has been frank, profound, and covered an amazing range of subjects -- a reflection of Tony's, and Jenny's, uncommon depth of wisdom, curiosity, and feeling.  Beret and I are heartbroken at his loss, but we're so grateful to have received the friendship he gave us so freely. 

I was very saddened to hear of Tony’s death.  I had the opportunity to meet up with him over the years at different Bar Association events.  He was the quintessential gentleman lawyer, in love with the rule of law and the betterment of our legal community.  He will be truly missed as he had the respect of everyone with whom he came into contact.  I am a better person for having known him.  

Tony has been one of the giants of the legal community. Everyone who has interacted with him  is better for that experience.
We would do well to emulate his professionalism,  courtesy and dedication in everything we do.

Very sad to hear of the untimely passing of Tony van Westrum. Our
Families shared overnights, traveling with Heather to Mexico visits to
their lovely home and beautiful gardens. 
Tony helped my husband Glenn, through a very difficult legal predicament
which was satisfactorily settled through Tony’s excellent advice. 
Our thoughts and prayers are sent with love to Jenny, Heather, Eric and
all the family. 
Tony is remembered with fondness..

Tony was such a special friend and colleague.  I was fortunate to engage him just this past year as a potential expert witness in a case that eventually settled.  Tony said to me, "You know, my first engagement as an expert witness in a lawsuit was by you Jack."  "It was?" I said, a bit surprised.  "Yes -- and I still have that first expert report that I prepared for your case."  Well, I said "You have to send it to me."  Which he did.  It's dated February 3, 1995 and it's only two pages.  "You know, " Tony hastened to add, "my expert reports these days are much longer!"  So I am fortunate to have this memento from Tony -- along with a lot of good memories of our friendship over these past 25 years.  Tony:  you're still the number one expert in my book.

Tony was—is—my greatest friend.  He remains so, even after his untimely death.  He was always my idea, even back so many years ago in high school, of the best of the best.  Humane, generous, loving, wise, and just all around fun to be with.  I was blessed that he thought I was worth his time and attention.  That our friendship endured years of separation as we lived, worked and raised families 2,000 miles apart was magical, and reconnecting in the final third of our lives gave me enormous satisfaction.  I now think back to 1961 and the early mornings in Indiana picking up Tony and Jenny in my Morris Minor convertible and driving into the North Central high school parking lot to begin the day.  The memories still make me smile.  No, they make me laugh.  In all important ways, Tony’s still with me.

Tony was truly a rock star. I will so miss him. 
I have the dubious honor of having been a co-defendant with him. Tony, I and another attorney were arbitrators on a case on behalf of the AAA. The three of us agreed that the claimant's case needed to be dismissed. As we contemplated that decision Tony said with his great smile, "you realize if we dismiss this claim,  the claimant will sue us." We then agreed to dismissed the case. Sure enough, the claimant sued the three of us. The AAA hired an attorney for us and succeeded in having the action promptly dismissed. 
I say it was an honor to be a co-defendant with Tony because,  with that smile, he showed me what it meant to be an honorable classy professional. He never blinked  even though the decision he was making exposed him to risk. I was a younger attorney at the time and that smile taught me a lesson that forever shaped my career. I will never forget that moment.
I will miss you Tony. This state will miss you. Your incredible legacy will forever impact the people of this state.  

It is very hard to the good that needs to be done when those that do it best are no longer there to guide us. No matter how remote the outpost I was stationed, Tony always found a way to get me a book or a message that not only eased the loneliness, but gave me the wisdom and direction to do the right thing. I will miss him terribly.

Years back, I had a case with issues of corporate structure and governance, among other things, and Tony showed up as an expert for the other side.  I took his deposition, and instead of the usual "advocate" expert, Tony was absolutely fair and straight-forward.  And, I knew afterward that he was right.  I didn't know him well before then, but in later years got to know him fairly well professionally.  He was, in my humble and respectful view,  truly  a man for others.

Jenny

Dave Jenson told me the news and I am so very sorry for your loss.

I feel fortunate to have visited both of you in the past few months to catch up.

Just know---as you do---I understand what this loss means

You are in my thoughts and prayers

Curtis

Tony was an extraordinary lawyer and human being who treated all of us with his utmost respect. At a lunch I had with Tony last December, Tony described with pride his latest project. A few months ago, disturbed because there were not more persons of color in the CBA, Tony wanted to know why.  Rather than going to the DBA or CBA, Tony invited his friends of color to lunch, visited their bar associations, and started the process of  extending the welcome mat.  So typical Tony.  He saw a problem, he listened, and he worked with all parties to begin to find solutions. There are many kind words for Tony. He loved Jenny and bragged about her constantly. He was so proud of his children and Ruby. Most of all, Tony respected his fellow human beings and made us all better just by seeing him in action.

Dear Jenny,
Bob shared your email with me. 
The Morgan family loved you and Tony.  It’s been 50 years,I think, since we have been together, but Bob has so many  stories of good visits with your family. You and Tony are such fine , beautiful people.
I am so sorry and sad, and I send love to you to help heal your heart.
Love,
Molly Morgan Phinny

Tony, I am so very sad that you are gone.  We'll have to schedule that next lunch we always talked about when I join you in your resting place - please save a seat for me.  I'm sorry we didn't get to do it here.

Jenny, Lynnette and I are very sorry for your and your family's unfathomable loss.  One of our fondest memories was dinner at your home with you, Tony, Phyllis Knight, and Mike Sabian.  What a lively discussion, led of course by Tony and his encyclopedic knowledge, penetrating insight, and dry wit! 

I am grateful Tony counted me as a friend, always was there to answer questions, shared his vast knowledge and experience freely and with unwarranted but welcome humility, and even gave me his most detailed expert witness engagement letter when I began to venture into that realm.  Over 30 years together on the Ethics Committee he was always a joy to talk with , and when Tony spoke, the room listened.   

The world is richer for his life on Blackacre and the wisdom he dispensed when coming down from the mountain (or on it for those who made the trek) and is ever so much poorer for his leaving.  Goodby my friend.  See you later.

How sad we are to receive such a sad e.mail telling us of Tony’s tragic accident.
Jen and I were school friends in Cottingham England and even though she left to go to America when she was a young teenager we have kept in touch regularly  over many years.
I was lucky enough to be invited over to stay with Jen and Tony in Colorado 25 yrs ago and what a special time that was.
Tony was a wonderful man who made myself and my son very welcome.We travelled all over the area,with Tony always at hand to help make our stay so wonderful
I am so very saddened to hear of his death and I send big hugs to you Jen and to your family too.  Thinking of you. Marion, Jim,Neil, David and Julian

I knew Tony professionally from the Colorado Bar Association Legislative Policy Committee.  I was a younger attorney joining an experienced group of Committee members and Tony always made me feel welcome and listened to my thoughts.  Without him knowing it, or me having the opportunity to tell him, I viewed him as a mentor.  He was whip-smart, diligent, thoughtful and a consensus-builder.  He gave so much of his time to the legal community.  We are all better for having known him.  My sincere condolences to Tony's family on your loss.   

We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Tony's  tragic death.

We well remember his love of photography. During Jenny and Tony's trip to England he took many photos with Jenny excitedly urging, " Take a picture Tony! " or "Did you get it - did you?!"

 During our visit to Colorado Tony drove us many miles whilst we all sang along to a Neil Diamond tape  playing loudly on his Volvo's sound system.  We remember him joining in with gusto to 'Solitary Man' which, even now some 25 years later, we cannot hear without thinking of this trip. The moment was caught on video that also includes a commentary by Tony reminding us of his lovely speaking voice.

We send our deepest sympathy to dearest Jenny, Derek, Heather and Ruby.

I am heartbroken for you, Jenny, and for the entire van Westrum family. I also feel a profound sense of loss that my family won't have the opportunity to get to know this amazing man better. We so enjoyed Tony's charm, warmth, stories and infectious smile in the family dinners that we have shared since Heather and Mike got engaged. Our love and thoughts are with all of you.
Michelle, Rick and Haley Mendoza

I was deeply saddened to hear of Tony's death.   As a lawyer he had the respect of everyone with whom he came into contact.  Tony was brilliant, a lawyer's lawyer.  I fondly recall bar association committee meetings where we jousted over the meaning of esoteric provisions of statutes.  More importantly, Tony was a generous human being.  When my career transitioned into becoming an arbitrator and mediator, Tony was always available as a mentor, freely giving me advice and support.  I will miss him.

Difficult to add to what so many have already said. What a man! If I ever had a question about legal principles, professionalism, value or ethics, Tony was the one to ask. You always had a view from Tony that was solid and thoughtful.  I will miss his company.

Growing up in Golden, we lived on Lookout Mountain near the van Westrums. I had a great friendship with Heather and have so many fond memories of being at their house, it was like a second home to me. I was privileged enough to be invited on a road trip with Tony, Jenny and Heather to the East Coast. We traveled there in Tony's Volvo, listening to a wide range of really great music. Although the trip was just shy of two weeks long, we covered an incredible amount of ground, visiting many States along the way which eventually led us to Maine, Nova Scotia and several other areas of Canada. I kept a journal on this trip and I will always remember what a great adventure Tony made it for all us. I would like to add my deepest sympathy to Jenny, Derek, Heather and Ruby.

I am very saddened by the passing of my friend, Tony van Westrum. I will miss him much.  Tony was a true gentleman and a lawyer dedicated to the profession and its integrity.  I knew Tony more closely as a wonderful human being. To me he has been a true friend for over thirty years. Even after I left Colorado some two decades ago, we kept in touch and spoke frequently over the phone.  I enjoyed our long conversations, which often lasted hours. I will always treasure his insight and the deliberative approach that he brought to our conversations.  

Thanks to Tony, he will always be in my thoughts. My book shelf is crowded with the many books that he sent my way over decades.  He introduced me to many fine authors and to remarkable books and articles that have brought a lasting influence on current thought.  I am greatly indebted to Tony for keeping me connected to the world of ideas and to movements that such ideas foster.   

I will sorely miss Tony.  I will miss him being around and speaking with him. It is not something that often happens in our busy and easily distracted times.  I am grateful to have known him and to have befriended him for so long.  I mourn his passing.  I wish his beautiful family all the strength. 

Jenny, Derek, Heather and Ruby, you are all in my thoughts.   


Tony was a wonderful friend of the family and became a mentor to me after I started practicing law.  He had a unique combination of curiosity, practicality and intellectual fearlessness.  Tony always  listened with genuine interest and had something insightful to say.  He set a good example both in terms of his thoughtful approach to the practice of law, his concern for social justice the way he treated others in everyday interactions.  My heart goes out to Jenny, Derek and Heather.

I have worked for the Colorado Bar Association for over 21 years.  Tony was a dear friend and mentor to me and so many others.  My heart goes out to the family.  Please know that your Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle was loved by everyone who met him.  I have seen him make those who disagree with him love him almost more than the ones who agreed with him.  He never once told me no, when I asked his help with a project or to volunteer for something.  I watched him raise up young lawyers around him and become a champion for Diversity.  He was always the smartest person in the room and you could see his mind always working for a solution.  He is a man we should all live to be like.  His memory will live on in all of us for many many years to come, and as he taught me, may it live beyond that in those who we also teach to be like him.  

I was heartbroken to hear about Tony. Working nearly 20 years for the Colorado Bar Association, I had the privilege of seeing Tony often at bar events.  Such a kind and classy person, and an outstanding attorney, he will be greatly missed. He was always willing to donate his time and wisdom on any number of subjects.  The Colorado legal community was so lucky to have him.

Great guy, great lawyer, great colleague.  I mainly know Tony through all of our bar association activities.  He was a huge contributor to the Colorado legal community.  I had one case against him years ago.  He was always a professional.  I vividly remember sitting with him at lunch trying to get him to dismiss the case and he finally said, "I will bow to superior fire power."   I don't think that was true, but it reflected the often humorous way that Tony expressed things.  We shared a love of Brooke Wunnicke as a mentor to us and he was a good friend to Brooke's daughter, Diane, as well.  He appreciated the sacrifices and contributions of others and was always the first to offer selfless gratitude.  We are all better to have known him.   

I grew up with Derek and Heather, and as such I got to see the dynamics of the van Westrum family up close and personal.  I was always so fascinated and jealous how everyone, even the "kids," were regularly discussing politics and art and sociology and music....it was such an intelligent and interesting family where you felt that anything could happen.

Derek and I lived together in the dorms in our freshman year at CU-Boulder, and when we came home on the weekends, Tony would frequently drive us back to Boulder on Sunday night.  One memory that has stuck with me for 30 years was when Tony and I were discussing music.  Now, I was actually a huge Monkees fan, but in front of such a cool and smart guy, I didn't want to admit that.  So, I made some sort of disparaging remark about the "pre-fabricated" nature of the Monkees and how they weren't a real band....but Tony wasn't going to have any of that.  "Why does that disqualify them as a band?  Are they less authentic because they didn't play for hours in a Hamburg club?  What is the definition of a "band," anyway?"

I was so struck how he would not be lulled into the conventional wisdom of the nature of the Monkees, and how he challenged me intellectually to disregard all of the "cool" talking points and really think about what I was saying.  I really just wanted to impress this cool guy with my cool credentials, and instead he taught me a very valuable lesson.   I will never forget that moment.

Tony was my friend.  I knew him for over 30 years.  He was always generous, with legal forms and otherwise. My favorite memory of Tony is when one day, almost fifteen years ago, he called me and said, "Allen,  I think Title 7 (which has all of Colorado's business statutes in it) should be gender neutral. Would you like to help with that?" I said I would, and then Tony and I spent at least one weekend, maybe two, scouring Title 7 to make it gender neutral. Tony wasn't responding to any bar association or other directive when he called me. He just thought it was the right thing to do. 

I knew Tony as a colleague on the Colorado Bar Association Ethics Committee, as an expert witness, as an esteemed advisor and as a hospitable dinner companion.   Tony was a  delight in all those capacities and many more.   

Others have mentioned Tony's wide knowledge especially about travel in the mid-west and west.   On one occasion he regaled us with descriptions of the Nebraska Sand Hills which I determined to see.   The road through the Sand Hills is quite narrow and lonely; soft, deep sand lies on the road shoulders.  I was very afraid of getting stuck in that sand so I drove through the area slowly, slowly.   Weeks later I mentioned my journey to Tony.  "Oh,  yes," he said cheerfully,  " I drove slightly off the road and was stuck there for hours," a fact not mentioned in the original telling.   Getting stuck was, for Tony, just another opportunity to see hundreds of beautiful birds.   What I would have experienced as a worrying  aggravation intrepid Tony saw as a delightful adventure.  .   

I am deeply saddened by this loss and especially send my love and concern to Tony's wife, Jenny,  who shared with Tony a deep sense of adventurous delight and love for family and friends.  

   

 I came to Colorado because of my cousin, Tony van Westrum.  He spent many hours with me, showing me the Rocky Mountains that he loved so dearly.  He gave me an education about Colorado and was the key to me moving there.  I idolized his easy gentle ways,  his family and home,  and they welcomed me.   I like to remember the hikes, the trips in the Volvo,  and his zest for life.  He gave so much to me.  He changed my life forever  and I will always be in his debt.  He brought fresh air and sunshine into a curmudgeon's life,  sweeping away drab years of war,  and with his wife Jenny,  allowed me to change.   Even with the slow realization that the Rocky Mountains have reclaimed one of their own ( he is truly a Fourteener)  and that we all have lost that which we all must loose in the end,  I can hear his voice, see his smile,  and feel the love that I have for him.  Tony van Westrum is an outstanding man that I had the gift of knowing. He will always be in my thoughts and heart. 

Tony was a great friend and a tour de force in the Colorado legal community. His unique sparkle touched the lives of many, my own included. I had the pleasure of collaborating with him during my time at the Colorado and Denver Bar Associations. We had one last leisurely lunch together shortly before Christmas. I am grateful for his support of my own ventures and for his determination to foster a more diverse and inclusive legal community. His flair for conversation and profound knowledge of everything from  bylaws to the Brontë sisters made him someone that people from all walks of life could relate to. Tony will be deeply missed!

I knew Tony to be a brilliant, kind gentleman who was also a lawyer and a light to those of us committed to legal ethics and professionalism.  I will miss the good sense and good judgment he shared with the CBA Ethics Committee.

Rabbi Earl Grollman tells us that the worst loss is the one we are dealing with now.  It just seems impossible that Tony will not be at the end of some table furiously taking notes.  I watched him in awe for nearly three decades.  No one made as much noise typing on a laptop. We will miss that endless clicking of the keys at the end of the table. We all knew that what was said, important or not, was safe with Tony. Over the years we occasionally disagreed, but I always felt more comfortable knowing he was at the table.  When Tony disagreed, he was nonthreatening and nonjudgmental…like a good friend.  We lost the gift of more time with him.
To Tony’s family, my hope is that in the face of your loss you know that many of us share your grief. Good-bye to a friend.  



My life has been greatly enriched by my relationship with Tony.  He was Of Counsel to our firm (Burns Wall Smith & Mueller) for several years. We were privileged to have him. His knowledge of corporate and partnership law was without equal. More than that I’ll remember our times together sharing life experiences and love of family. Tony loved each of you, Jenny, Derek, Heather and Ruby and often spoke of your accomplishments. He was so very proud of you. 
I’ll miss you Tony.
George Mueller 

I have known Tony for more than 30 years from bar association activities, legislative drafting, and occasionally being opposing expert witnesses.  Tony very often was the smartest person in the room, and I frequently listened intently.  Socially, Tony and his wife Jenny were always a joy, and so obviously in love after so many years.  I will miss my friend.

I worked for the CBA and frequently saw Tony at various CBA events. It was obvious that his colleagues respected him and his work, and it was obvious that the CBA valued the work he did as well. Whenever Tony spoke up, it seemed to be really important to listen because he always had something to say. To me, he changed my viewpoint on a couple of issues, and reaffirmed my beliefs in others. Tony will be missed extraordinarily throughout the Colorado legal community. 

Tony was one of the most generous lawyers I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with.  If you had a question for Tony (and I had many) or if you just needed a sounding board, Tony was always eager to help.  He was usually the smartest guy in the room (or on the phone) but as kind and humble as they get.  Tony's was a life well-lived and he will be sorely missed.

I got to know Tony when we served together on the CBA's Legislative Policy Committee from 2008-2011.  I was a total novice and was on the Committee due to my service as the CBA President in 2009-2010.   Tony's encyclopedic knowledge of the law and his ability to analyse and parse through a statute or proposed legislation just astounded me.  Tony was always soft spoken and never given to verbosity.  When he spoke, everyone listened and almost always nodded in agreement.  His contributions to the law in Colorado are without parallel.   But more than his brilliance as a lawyer, Tony was the consummate gentleman and a wonderful human being.  He was extremely kind to me (the new kid on the block who was clearly in over his head on the LPC).  When I was wrapping up my term as President in the late spring of 2010 at the Board of Governors meeting in Estes Park Tony took the time to take me aside and complimented me on my leadership style  and my work as President.  I was was moved to tears hearing this giant of our profession pay me a compliment.  I have never forgotten that kindness and what it meant to me.  Over the last several years I have seen Tony  at various bar association functions and he always made a point to say hello and ask about how I was doing.  Tony was and will always be a true exemplar for me and I will miss his friendship.  Our profession has suffered a tremendous loss.  The news of his sudden death saddens me.  My heartfelt condolences to his wife and kids and grandkids on their loss.   

I am deeply sorry for your loss.  Last week I told a group of people how volunteering with the CBA gave me the opportunity to walk with the giants of the legal profession in Colorado.  Tony was at the top of my mind as I told that group how I felt.  I am a better lawyer, a better professional and a better person because of the example Tony set in every interaction with him.  I will always regret never making the effort to tell Tony thank you for all he did for me and so many others.  Andy

Tony, rest in peace my friend. I will miss your wisdom, wit, and kindness.

I was heartbroken to learn of Tony's passing.  He and I shared many meals together (including lunch just a couple of weeks ago), and I valued him as a colleague, as a wise counselor, as a co-conspirator in our joint efforts to promote diversity and inclusiveness in the bar and on the bench, and, most important, as a dear friend.  The world is a better place for having had Tony in it, though he is gone too soon.  I will miss him beyond measure, and I send my heartfelt condolences to Tony's beloved family.  Thank you all for sharing Tony with all of us for so long.  He truly made a difference!  May his memory always be a blessing.  Rich Gabriel 

A brilliant man with a warm heart.  As CBA President he worked with me, challenged me and most importantly he made me a better person for knowing him.  His love for the law was only outweighed by his love for mankind.

OBITUARY

Anthony Colby van Westrum

April 10, 1944 – January 20, 2019

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