Vol. 28, No. 6 #7 (December 2005). Honorable Larry L. Lehman.

• Author: Remembering an esteemed colleague and his many accomplishments

Wyoming Bar Journal

2005.

Vol. 28, No. 6 #7 (December 2005).

Honorable Larry L. Lehman

WYOMING LAWYER December 2005/Vol. XXVIII, No. 6 Honorable Larry L. Lehman Remembering an esteemed colleague and his many accomplishments

On November 10, 2005, the Wyoming Supreme Court held a memorial ceremony in honor of Justice Larry L. Lehman. Justice Lehman's official portrait was also dedicated at that time. The Supreme Courtroom was filled with judges, lawyers and friends from throughout the state. Justice Lehman's life and professional accomplishments were celebrated by a variety of speakers, all of whom agreed that one of Justice Lehman's greatest qualities was his gift of friendship.

Chief Justice William Hill, who presided at the ceremony, commented that the official portrait had really captured the Lehman smile. Every time Justice Hill sees the picture, he feels that he can hear Justice Lehman saying, "Are we having fun yet?"

Jason Lehman represented the family. He observed that during the past year he had often been reminded of his father and what his father had taught him. He talked about the fun family trips that they had shared. He also had great stories about how his father had dealt with being bald or "follically challenged." At that point Justice Hill reminded the audience about Senator Al Simpson's retort to someone who had chided him about being bald: "We only get so many hormones and if you want to waste them on growing hair, that's up to you."

Retired District Court Judge Ken Stebner described Justice Lehman as a master builder and visionary, in both his personal and professional life. He remodeled virtually every home in which he lived, often knocking down walls. This talent was carried into his life as a judge. "He analyzed the judicial system in Wyoming and visualized how it could be improved by removing traditional walls or barriers. He somehow knew or could see what needed to be done and how some 'remodeling' would be beneficial to everyone, especially the people of the State of Wyoming."

Several of Justice Lehman's law partners, including Doug McCalla, Skip Jacobson, Tony Vehar and Tim Beppler, were in attendance. Tony recounted memories of law school. His story about how Justice Lehman was able to avoid answering questions in class is worth recounting:

I cannot remember Larry ever directly answering an...