Lee Phillip Forman

Some people live one lifetime. Lee Phillip Forman seemed to live several.

Lee believed that life was meant to be beyond fun, adventurous, and exciting. He approached every day with boundless curiosity, endless energy, and an enthusiasm that inspired everyone around him. Whether he was practicing law, flying an airplane, coaching his kid’s teams, cheering for the Cubs, or spending time with the people he loved most, Lee embraced life with his whole heart.

Lee was the devoted father of Spencer Louis Forman and Melissa Lynn Levin; the proud and loving grandfather of Alex Jacob Forman, Jack Tanner Forman, Zachary Forman, Ryan Tilly Levin, Briar Rose Levin, Samuel Elliott Levin, and Alexander James Levin. He was the beloved brother to the late Judi Canel (née Forman); cherished son of the late Max M. Forman and Ida E. Forman (née Maydet).

A lifelong Chicagoan, Lee graduated from Rogers Grammar School and Sullivan High School before earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Illinois in 1962 and his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 1965.

For more than fifty years, Lee built a distinguished legal career as a trial attorney, founding Lee Phillip Forman Ltd., where he specialized in medical malpractice litigation. His reputation for excellence, integrity, and dedication earned him the respect of colleagues throughout Illinois. He later served the State of Illinois as an Administrative Law Judge, Tenured Teacher Dismissal Judge, and Appellate Judge in Special Education. He also served as an arbitrator and mediator for the Circuit Courts of Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties. In recognition of fifty years of exemplary legal service, he received a commendation honoring his unwavering commitment to the profession.

Among the many highlights of his career was representing the families of two pilots who tragically lost their lives during the filming of Top Gun. As part of the litigation, Lee attended TOPGUN School in Miramar, California, where, as a pilot himself, he became familiar with the Martin-Baker ejection seat and the F-14 Tomcat aircraft. One of the proudest moments of his legal career came when the Illinois Supreme Court selected him to administer the oath admitting a new class of attorneys to the bar—a class that included his son, Spencer.

But if you asked Lee what defined him, it likely wouldn’t have been the courtroom.

Lee was, above all, an adventurer.

He earned his private pilot’s license and became an instrument-rated pilot, finding freedom among the clouds. He was equally at home on the water, where sailing his own boat brought him peace and happiness. Whether in the air or at sea, he found joy in the journey.

Sports were woven into every chapter of Lee’s life. A lifelong and passionate Chicago Cubs fan, he rarely missed a home game as a longtime season ticket holder. Watching the Cubs finally win the World Series in 2016 was one of his greatest sporting joys.

Baseball was far more than a pastime—it was a lifelong passion. Lee played on a championship B’nai B’rith Northbrook baseball team before dedicating decades to coaching. Through the Northbrook Park District, he coached Little League baseball, youth hockey, and even a state championship women’s baseball team. Generations of young athletes benefited not only from his knowledge of the game but also from his patience, encouragement, and unwavering belief in them.

His athletic pursuits extended well beyond baseball. Lee was an avid golfer who belonged to several golf clubs, including Mission Hills Country Club, Geneva National, The Grove Country Club, and Doral Country Club. He celebrated a hole-in-one, bowled a perfect 300 game as a young man, played competitive doubles tennis, and captained the Northbrook Stallions hockey team, continuing to play well into his sixties.

Lee’s curiosity never stopped. Fascinated by the art of magic, he represented numerous Las Vegas magicians during his legal career and developed a lifelong appreciation for illusion and performance. He also loved cards and poker, where Thursday nights often found him enjoying the camaraderie of a local poker tournament.

Another of Lee’s great passions was horse racing. As both an owner and syndicator, he earned Horse of the Year honors and later chronicled his experiences in his book, In Pursuit of the Big Horse.

Yet none of these accomplishments truly capture the measure of the man.

Lee’s greatest gift was making life exciting for the people he loved. He was the father who believed every day held the possibility of a new adventure, the grandfather who celebrated each grandchild as if they were the greatest blessing imaginable, the coach who encouraged confidence, the mentor who generously shared his wisdom, and the friend whose optimism and sense of humor always stayed with you.

His family was the center of his world. He loved fiercely, celebrated enthusiastically, and left those around him believing that life should always be lived boldly.

His legacy lives on not only through the countless lives he touched as an attorney, judge, coach, pilot, and mentor, but through his children, grandchildren, family, and friends, who will carry forward his adventurous spirit and boundless love.

He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and loved always.

Please consider making a donation in Lee’s honor to a charity of your choice