Tribute to Chief Judge Lawrence H. Cooke 1914-2000.

He was a giant. In every good and important way, Lawrence Cooke was a towering figure. In his profession, in his community, in his family, with his friends and colleagues, and for all who came to know him. He made such a difference, for so many.

His passing is a great loss, an occasion of great sadness for all those he helped, supported, encouraged, counseled, consoled, uplifted, befriended. His achievements, positions and stature as a leading judicial figure of the past century have assured him a place in the pantheon of his profession. But, more than that, his kindness, generosity, humility, charity, gentleness, and moral and ethical decency have placed him indelibly in the hearts of countless individuals and families whose lives he touched.

Lawrence Cooke will long be remembered for his position and service at the pinnacle of the legal profession. For his contributions as a judge, and as Chief Judge of New York and its highest tribunal. As chief executive of one of the world's largest and busiest judicial systems.

He will be remembered for his tenure on the Court of Appeals, as its foremost guardian of individual rights, its most unrelenting opponent of inequity, oppression, and inhumane treatment. For his human dimension to judging. For his sensitivity to individual and community needs, for his commitment to reducing injustice, and elevating the conduct of public officials.

He will be remembered for initiating bold reforms in the administration of justice--usually in the face of fierce resistance from those with other interests or who were comfortable with the way things were. For all his efforts to ensure the speedy, efficient, professional and fair operation of the courts.

He will be remembered for the distinctions and honors bestowed on him--far too many to list or even summarize. He will be remembered for transforming such recognitions into opportunities for further contribution. Such as his selection and service as Chair of the National Conference of Chief Justices, President of the National Center for State Courts, and presidential appointee to the Board of the national State Justice Institute.

He will be remembered as a leading national figure who remained faithful to his roots, always there to lend his hand and wisdom to organizations at home. He gave his time generously, in numerous capacities, to the New York State Bar Association, as well as to local bar associations across the state, to the Fireman's Association of New York, and to his beloved Monticello as a volunteer fireman himself for over forty years. Most recently, he served as a founding board member of two journals produced at Albany Law School, his proud a]ma mater. He helped this law review plan and inaugurate State Constitutional Commentary, and he did the same with the law school's Government Law Center for the Government Law & Policy Journal. He participated actively in the development and direction of both journals, even to the preparation of the very latest issues, always supportive, encouraging, and insisting on excellence.

He was a friend to the students at this law school. And he will be remembered by them, not only with admiration, but more importantly and tellingly, with deep affection. During the last several years, Chief Judge Cooke lectured to classes in various courses on...