My neighbor, Chesterfield.

• Author: McGrane, Miles
• Position: Influence of lawyer Chesterfield Smith - Florida - President's Page

Shortly after Hurricane Andrew, Patty and I moved in to our home in Coral Gables.

It is on a quaint little street called Santa Maria. Being an early riser, I was out the next morning picking up my newspaper around 5:30 a.m. when I was startled by a booming voice wishing me "morning, neighbor." Before I could respond, the well-wisher walked briskly past me.

The next morning I was better prepared. After receiving another booming morning greeting, I tried to introduce myself and was told if I wanted to talk, I would have to walk. This is how I met Chesterfield Smith.

My meeting Chesterfield occurred right around the time I was getting involved with the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar. I took advantage of Chesterfield's wisdom and knowledge during these morning walks to seek advice and recommendations from him.

Eventually, there came a time when Chesterfield stopped these morning walks. However, he and I served on a number of committees together, and I found it amusing that when he introduced me to people, I was always introduced as his neighbor.

Over the years, I would call Chesterfield for advice on Bar matters. Without fail, he would give me whatever time I needed to discuss those issues with him. When I decided to run for this office, he was generous with his time, his advice, and his support. He offered to attempt to get all of the past Bar presidents to endorse my candidacy. When I thanked him for his help, he responded "That's what neighbors do for each other."

The last time I saw Chesterfield...