Flowers, Jr., William Harold
Sonny
3/22/1946 - 7/29/2020

William Harold "Sonny" Flowers, Jr. won many battles as a litigator and civil rights activist. With the love of his life, his wife of 40 years, Pam, at his side, he lost his last battle to an evil and vicious foe: pancreatic cancer. Sonny had a ready and radiant smile for everyone. He was a treasured friend, teacher, mentor, guide, and "uncle" to literally hundreds of people, young and old, lawyer and non-lawyer alike. He grew up in Boulder on Goss street with his mother Ruth, who was his mentor and a pioneer in her own right. He spent a couple of years in the DA's office in Adams County and then entered private practice with Penfield Tate II, former Mayor of Boulder. He practiced primarily in Boulder, with a stint at Denver's prestigious Holland & Hart. He finished his distinguished legal career at Hurth, Sisk, and Blakemore. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and three siblings, Frances, Thurmond and Knight. His remaining siblings are Gretchen (Texas), Stephanie, Alfred, Lonnie, and Daphne (all of Arkansas). There are numerous nieces and nephews, both by blood and just as a result of who he was; you know who you are, and he loved you all! He was a member of too many groups and associations to mention. Among them were the Sam Cary, the Boulder, the Colorado, and the National Bar Associations, the Colorado and American Trial Lawyer's Associations, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Boulder Community Hospital Board. In each of these he was recognized for his leadership abilities and served as an officer or President. He followed in the footsteps of his father, William Harold Flowers, a national legal and civil rights icon and one of the early Presidents of the National Bar Association. Sonny graduated from CU and CU Law in 1975. He was a dedicated Forever Buff and a C Club member. He rarely missed basketball (men's and women's), football, or women's volleyball games in the past 50 years. He is scheduled to receive a Distinguished Service award from the CU Law School Alumni Association in September. In lieu of flowers, etc., Pam and Sonny would like you, if you are so inclined, to direct donations to the Penfield Tate II Scholarship Fund through the CU Foundation at their website in the name of Sonny Flowers. No memorial service is planned. In his last days, Sonny was so gratified to receive the hundreds of well wishes sent his way. He loved you all! Peace be with you.

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Published by Denver Post from Jul. 31 to Aug. 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for William Flowers

Sponsored by The Denver Post.

26 Entries

Gregory Jones

August 13, 2020

I met Sonny through a national trial lawyer association. We became friends immediately. An extraordinary human being. A gentle and kind soul with a huge heart a booming voice and the coolest tattoo. Sonny had keen insight and wonderful talent an an attorney. He was worthy of trust and I trusted him. A truly indomitable spirit.

Eric and Kris Harris

August 11, 2020

"Hey,"
" What's up?", as I was asked so often, when talking with Sonny, and he really meant it. And, if he did not get a response to what he thought the question was asking for, at the time, the question would be asked again, and again...until, the point was made. He was present, yet many times ahead, even when I may not have been ready to talk and share, he made it easy to do so. Sometimes, by breaking up the sticking point, with his chuckle, while leaning his head and shoulders back with an inquiring look, and/or inquisitive smile/attitude.
We are fortunate to have had such a wonderful human and spirit share his life and love of everything, when giving and being there for people, and with us. hlHis continuing presence will be felt, the : caring, kind, gentle, and forceful spirit, displayed in being a son, mentor, friend, brother, respected adivisary, associate, coach, loving person, and, howeverelse he may be referenced, as "the beat goes on", so do the praises that can be bestowed upon him, they can go on as well. Also, as well, he would be the first to say his imperfections, which made him all the more, "The real deal," in his life, play, and work. There are many things said, and, to be said about the person he has been, and, in many ways will continue to be, some of which I know, and other people know better than me, as well, as to what his presence here, in this life, has meant to so many. Still we can all probably agree, they would be, is, and will be an understatement of the meaning and impact made during this life, that will continue forward through all of those touched by him with God's guiding hand. He will be missed , but, he taught us well; have patience, yet, maintain persistence, courage, and perseverance, and your time will come. Without surprise, I believe we will find ourselves saying, when presented, or, when we create a situation we are trying to figure out, make reference to: What would Sonny do, given this mess of an opportunity?
Thank you for allowing me to share a perspective with you.
Eric

Karen

August 11, 2020

Sonny was a law school buddy of my brother, Greg Jones, and through their connection I retained him as my lawyer in a personal injury case (which he handled beautifully, of course) some years ago. Rarely have I met such a warm, welcoming, humor-filled guy ... I really enjoyed his company on those occasions when he shepherded me through a deposition, and the many other legal details required by my case; he was so much more than 'just my lawyer' ... so personable, so open, willing to share a story and offer a comforting word ... he was a true mensch, and I was so very upset and DEEPLY saddened to learn of his passing, today, when I called to chat with him after a long period. My most sincere condolences to his wife, Pam. I cannot imagine having to continue through life feeling the absence left by his passing, and I hope she will find great comfort in the memories of their family, their friends, and even (like me), his clients, who thought so very well of him.

Susan Graham

Planted Trees

James Bartlett

Planted Trees

Frances Marino

August 8, 2020

Pam. I'm so soory. Only met Sonny a few times but knew your love for him was huge. Peace
Frances

Philip Hart, Los Angeles

August 6, 2020

I have know Sonny since the early 1960s. I was a year ahead of him at CU. He always had a smile on his face. He always had a kind word. We were blessed to know each other as friends for well over 50 years. Rest In Peace and Power Sonny Flowers.

Barbara Cohen Ross

August 5, 2020

RIP, Sonny. A good friend from college. A good person. A mensch.

Susan Wilson

August 5, 2020

I haven't seen Sonny for many years but he was unforgettable and a pleasure to have known. Heartfelt condolences to Pam.

Karen Black (Stephenson)

August 4, 2020

I am so sorry to hear about Sonnys' passing. He was in my HS class and was one of the nicest people in the class. He always greeted me with a smile and a "hi" and I remember him fondly. A very genuine person.

Colette Cribari

August 4, 2020

I knew Sonny for many years, starting in 1984 when I was a prosecutor in the Boulder DA's office. Sonny was always a dedicated and highly ethical attorney with an extremely charming personality. He will be sorely missed by the legal community in Boulder.

Tommy

August 4, 2020

We will meet again ... RIP

Bruce Fest

August 2, 2020

I first met Sonny as a kid playing catch in North Boulder Park. We then connected as lawyers, next door neighbors and friends. He was a fine advocate, a dedicated activist and a great friend. He touched many hearts. He holds a special place in mine.

Sharon K.

August 2, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of Sonny's passing. Blessings and prayers for strength and courage to the family.

Art Scott

August 1, 2020

I have know Sonny since he was 15 yrs old living and I was so very proud of his academic achievements as a CU Graduate and being a lawyer. I will miss his legal quit wit and his social being with our family. I’m also proud of his commitment to recruiting black students to CU. He was a blessing to all persons he met .Sonny Rest In Peace . Art Scott family , Oakland Càl.

Judson Hite

July 31, 2020

Sonny! Dammit! I am so crushed by your passing. You were an icon, the brightest of lights, a leader of leaders. Our loss is profound. You will forever live in my heart.

Kathy Broka

Sent Flowers

Dejan Damjanovic, Christine Marsh

July 31, 2020

Dear Sonny
Your towering personae, love of life, and joy you brought to all your family, friends and colleagues will sorely be missed. That smile of yours will live on forever! Rest in your next abode with the certainty of a world made much better by how much you always cared for others.

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