Yesterday, we lost our dear friend Ross Kodner to a massive heart attack – far, far too young. We have known Ross, an extraordinary IT consultant in Wisconsin, for 15 years. He visited Virginia to lecture many years ago, was struck by a couple of rookie speakers (yes, John and I) and did us the extraordinary honor of inviting us to speak for ABA TECHSHOW. It was Ross who catapulted us to the national speaker circuit.
Our friendship spanned many years – we were together at conference after conference – enjoying dinner after dinner (Ross’ favorite part of any conference). We spoke with him often – and had to fight to speak because Ross loved the limelight and would, completely unaware, use 50 minutes of a 60 minute time slot. We learned, with love for Ross, how to deal with that.
He LOVED WordPerfect. John once took him on (tongue in cheek) citing the virtues of Word and Ross became apoplectic. It took some time for Sharon the Diplomat to calm him down. Over the years, he became more objective and acknowledged that Word might have a place in the law office.
He was endlessly witty and full of random acts of kindness. For several years, he enthusiastically wrote an introduction and a chapter for our annual Solo and Small Firm Legal Technology Guide published by the ABA. He was always thrilled to be working with us – and we with him.
I remember fondly one night at dinner when he got a bit emotional and said simply, “I really love you guys.” We love you too Ross. Always will.
