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1941
2013
1124 Fulton Street
Port Clinton, Ohio
(News article) U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Richard L. Speer, who with an easy command of literary and historic references and a wit that could bite presided over a wide range of cases, died Wednesday in Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center. He was 71.
He completed his workday Wednesday and was getting into his van when he had a heart attack. A federal marshal who accompanied him summoned help. He was taken to St. Vincent, where he was pronounced dead.
Judge Speer presided over one of the longest bankruptcy cases in the Toledo court's history - just shy of 14 years, prompted by the failure in February, 1983, of Bell & Beckwith, an 85-year-old brokerage, after federal investigators discovered a $47 million fraud. To close the "dark page in the financial history of Toledo," as he called it, Judge Speer held a signing ceremony and invited guests afterward to share in cake and coffee.
"The case of Bell & Beckwith has come and gone. May we never see the likes of it again," Judge Speer said.
He also regularly presided over naturalization ceremonies throughout northwest Ohio.
The Port Clinton resident was first appointed in 1975 to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and was the second-longest active bankruptcy judge in the country, according to the federal clerk of courts in Cleveland. He had about 15 months left in his current term.
Most fulfilling was "to be able to help those people who were truly in need," his wife, Anita, said, "to help them get through some difficult times that were financially challenging."
In a memorandum to attorneys who practice in bankruptcy court, the chief judge for the northern district of Ohio, Judge Pat E. Morgenstern-Clarren, remembered Judge Speer for his "sharp wit and warm heart. [He was] the court historian who lived through so many twists and turns in the bankruptcy world over his 38 years on the bench."
"Judge Speer spoke often about what a privilege it was to serve as a United States bankruptcy judge," Judge Morgenstern-Clarren wrote. "To that, I add that it was a privilege to have him as a colleague."
The northern district has eight judges, but the two in Toledo handle cases from 21 counties.
"He thought it was a really hopeful area of law," Judge Mary Ann Whipple, also of the Toledo court, said. "He saw a lot of good in it because of the opportunity it gave people for a fresh start."
He could be empathetic and fair and blunt, attorneys who practiced before him said.
"I think he had a larger-than-life presence on the bench. It was his courtroom," said Elliot Feit, who represents debtors. "He commanded it."
Judge Speer made no apologies for his style.
"I don't think you have to be a potted palm to be a judge," he told The Blade in 2001. "If I'm going to render a decision that's going to affect someone, that person has the right to know why."
He was born Aug. 14, 1941, in Norwalk, Ohio, to Ruth and Lyle Speer. He was a 1959 graduate of Fremont Ross High School and received bachelor's and law degrees from Ohio Northern University. His father was a skilled trades worker for Ford Motor Co. and a United Auto Workers leader. For two summers, he worked on the Ford production line. He taught for a year at Margaretta High School and practiced law in Oak Harbor.
He was a 33rd degree Mason and a member of the Oliver H. Perry Lodge. He was an honorary past grand commander for the Knights Templar of Ohio. He read histories of the Civil War and World War II and mapped his family's background.
Surviving are his wife, Anita, whom he married Nov. 9, 1968; daughter, Gretchen Sivinski; son, Richard L. Speer, Jr.; sisters, Leslie Wiswell and Debra Speer; brother, William, and six grandchildren.
Visitation is 2-7 p..m. Sunday and 1-4 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. Monday in Neidecker, LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home, Port Clinton. A service by the Commanderies of the Sixth Division, Knights Templar of Ohio, will be at 4 p.m. Sunday in the mortuary. Services will be private.
The family suggests tributes to Knights Templar Holy Land Pilgrimage in care of the Rev. Duane Kemerley in Pandora, Ohio, or the Knights Templar Eye Foundation.
Contact Blade staff writer Mark Zaborney at: [email protected] or 419-724-6182.
28 Entries
I was sorry to read the passing Sir Knight Speer. I first met Dick when I was made a Sir Knight in Toledo #7 back so many years ago.And of course during my year as Commander.When I was at Templar events I always seeked out Dick to say hello. The good Lord now has another Christian soldier to help lead his flock of followers. I will keep Richard and your family in my prayers.
Larry Turner
April 28, 2013
He was such a protector of the fairness and fresh start available through the bankruptcy laws. His passion and hard work - his strength - a fighter for the downtrodden.
David Neumann
April 8, 2013
I had the honor of serving under Judge Speer as an extern during my post 1L year.
The Judge was a scholar, a gentleman, and a great Christian steward, all of which he unapologetically would administer from the bench.
A great man has passed onto a better, invisible chapter.
Jonathan Wright
Jonathan Wright
April 8, 2013
My sympathies to the family. The Courtroom can be a scary place for clients and lawyers too. Judge Speer always told lawyers "sit down and be comfortable". His wit was legendary. I often stayed after my hearings just for grins. He will be missed.
Jim Perlman
April 8, 2013
My most sincere condolences to Judge Speer's family. I had the privilege of practicing before him for the past 20 years. It was an honor to know him and belong to the masonic fraternity with him.
Michael Hall
April 8, 2013
The judge and I were in the same law school class (ONU-66) I followed his career. We all had the greatest repect for him. My sympathy to the family. Richard K. Warren, Retired Judge, Allen Co Common Pleas Court
Richard Warren
April 8, 2013
Anita ,Bill, Debbie,Leslie and your families, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Richard was an amazing man.
Brenda Hylton
April 7, 2013
Having appeared many times before Judge Speer, I found him to be very fair and the Bankruptcy Bench will now be without one of its best Judges.
Edward F. Zoltanski, Esq.
April 7, 2013
Anita,Debbie and your entire family:
We extend our deepest sympathy to you folks with the unexpected passing of Richard. You are in our thoughts & prayers during this time of loss. Reading the articles about him & Knowing him He more than deserved the reference as THE JUDGE.
Mary & Harry MIller
Harry Miller Miller
April 7, 2013
With loving hearts we send our condolences to the family of Richard Speer. Lady Lynn Lahey, High Priestess of Dendarah Court #10, of L.O.S.N.A
April 7, 2013
Debbie & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your brothers passing. Please except our sympathy's.
Patti & John Spears
Patti & John Spears
April 6, 2013
Mrs. Speer, Debbie and family, our deepest sympathies in this difficult time. May your wonderful memories help you heal. Patricia and Kirk Kovacs
Patricia Kovacs
April 6, 2013
God has a new brilliant legal mind on His bench. RIP Judge Speer.
Phil Fry
April 6, 2013
Judge Speer influenced my life in so many ways, from his judicial decisions, common sense, fairness and most of all his wit. His rare combination of wisdom and humor was refreshing and he will be sadly missed.
Jane Valiton
April 6, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Neidecker, Leveck & Crosser Funeral Home
April 6, 2013
RIP Judge Speer,
I don't think we've ever met, but I've read many of your opinions. And, in so doing, I felt almost as though that we have met. Your legacy will have a lasting impact. Thank you for your dedication to the William Howard Taft American Inn of Court.
Ronald Severt
April 6, 2013
Anita and family may god grant you some peace and understanding at this troubling time.Dave and Laura Weimer
April 5, 2013
Dear Mrs. Speer and Family,
I am very saddened to learn of your loss. Judge Speer was a superb judge and very special man.
I appeared before him frequently for 37 years and have many fond memories. Among them was his ability to focus the parties on the real issues at hand. He would begin a court session by saying “We are here to find out who did what to whom and for how much.” You knew then that side issues and extraneous matters were not necessary.
He also had a way of keeping matters civil. When exchanges between lawyers became heated, he would douse the flames with his wonderful wit and humor.
Judge Speer had an innate sense of fairness and justice. As a result, he had an uncanny knack for reaching the right result even in the most complicated cases.
I think what I most respected him for was his “there but for the grace of God go I” attitude. He never looked down on anyone and treated princes and paupers with the same respect.
Judge Speer was a larger than life presence on the bench. I will miss him very much.
Buzz Roberts
Buzz Roberts
April 5, 2013
We will all miss the fun things we all did together, we will never forget you.
Richard & Carmel Holcombe
April 5, 2013
RIP Judge Speer..I will miss your wit and smile.
Diane French
April 5, 2013
Judge Speer- You always had a kind heart and kind words for me and my family. Your smile and wit will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace .
Diane French
April 5, 2013
Speer Family and Friends,
I am so sorry for your loss, Judge Speer is such a fixture in my court experience that it will be difficult to enter the courthouse without thinking of him. Just a few days ago we chatted about our favorite tv programs and reality tv. I will miss him and his commentary.
Deb Spychalski
April 5, 2013
Dear Speer Family - Dick Speer and I were appointed to the Bankruptcy bench the same year, and we first met in Washington in 1975 at what they termed the "Baby Judges School". We kept in close contact for the 7 years I was on the bench, and then I appeared before the Judge many times after that. I offer my sincere sympathy to you on the passing of the Judge. He will be missed by all of us. Bob Sidman
April 5, 2013
Dear Anita and Debbie,
Our thoughts and prayers are sent to bring you and your family comfort at this sad time.
With Love & Prayer,
Ken & Dyane Mikolas
Dyane Mikolas
April 5, 2013
He will be greatly missed. I don't think there was ever a time when I was in his courtroom that I didn't learn something, and it wasn't always something about bankruptcy. My deep sympathies to family and co-workers. Godspeed, your Honor.
Steve Priestap
April 5, 2013
May you rest in peace Your Honor. My sympathies to the family. As a practicing attorney in Bankruptcy Court I want you to know the Judge was highly respected and taught me a lot about the law and about being prepared and on time! It is a very sad time for the practicing bar. It was an honor to know such a great and caring human being. Attorney Tom Luettke
Thomas Luettke
April 5, 2013
Speer family. I had only met him a couple times but I know the special friend and boss he was to my sister Cheryl. Take comfort in the love he had for his family and enjoy your memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Linda Kahler Lawler
Linda Lawler
April 5, 2013
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. While working there I would sit with him for a few minutes some days listening to his classical music, reminding me of times I would listen with my dad.
Denise
April 5, 2013
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