David Michael Cobin

David Michael Cobin

David Cobin Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 22, 2011.
Cobin, David Michael Died suddenly at his house in St. Paul on Saturday, May 21 at the age of 67. David taught law at Hamline University Law School and helped nurture its growth for 34 years. Every morning David walked in to the school through the administrative offices to say and sing his hellos to all who worked in them. David was the founder and director of the Hamline- Hebrew University Joint Program in Law-first a summer program on Law, Religion and Ethics and for the last several years a program on Conflict Resolution from Religious Traditions. It was this program that he thought was his most important contribution to the school and to the lives of his students. David had strong ties to the state of Israel and close friends and colleagues there whom he was proud to invite to Minnesota to teach at Hamline Law School and in the Twin Cities and Jewish community. He had just received the John Wesley Award for faculty at a dinner Thursday night where family and special friends cheered his accomplishments. He was a founding member of Beth Jacob Congregation which was his spiritual home. David loved and was loved by family, friends, colleagues and students and will be missed by them all. He was predeceased by his parents, Idelle & Irving Cobin and parents-in-law, Dorys & Albert Berg. David is survived by his wife of 43 years, Susan Cobin and his children and grandchildren who were the lights of his life: his son and daughter-in-law, Seth and Mary Cobin and their children Gabriel age 5 and Rosemary age 1 and his daughter and son-in-law, Liora Cobin and Adam Barbanel Fried and their children Meital age 3 and son Doron age 5 months. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and Bernard Kliska and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Judith and Michael Kadens and by nieces and nephews. Funeral service 2 PM MONDAY, May 23rd at BETH JACOB CONGREGATION, 1179 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights MN 55118. Contributions can be made to Talmud Torah of St. Paul, Beth Jacob Congregation and Hamline Law School. SHIVA 1494 Grantham St., St. Paul. Hodroff-Epstein 651-698-8311 www.hodroffepstein.com

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May 25, 2019

Mordechai Erez posted to the memorial.

November 9, 2011

Jane Sprague posted to the memorial.

November 9, 2011

Jane Sprague posted to the memorial.

Mordechai Erez

May 25, 2019

We remember our good old friend David Cobin as a kind person , a scholar, as a fine husband to Susan and good father to Seth and Liora. He was also a true supporter of Israel and, as said ,a good friend of Tammi and myself.

Jane Sprague

November 9, 2011

Such a shock to read about Professor's Cobin's passing in the latest Hamline magazine. I took all the classes I could schedule that he taught. I have thought about him and those classes many times over the years, and I am happy to have such vivid memories of him and of his teaching, a wash of humaneness in the desert of stress.

Jane Sprague

November 9, 2011

Such a shock to read about Professor's Cobin's passing in the latest Hamline magazine. I took all the classes I could schedule that he taught. I have thought about him and those classes many times over the years, and I am happy to have such vivid memories of him and of his teaching, a wash of humaneness in the desert of stress.

Ed Gaffney

October 25, 2011

My deepest condolences to all my friends at Hamline. I am so sorry that I only now learned of David's passing. What a sweet and gentle soul. What a deep and profound soul. I am so grateful to have known him, and cherish your many tributes.

To Susan and all his family I offer this translation of the 23rd Psalm:

A Song ascribed to David.
The Lord rules me. That’s all I need.
In lush green pastures he lets me lie down.
He leads me to refreshing waters.
He restores my spirit.

He goes out in front to show me the right path.
He remains faithful to his name.
Even if I were to trip and fall in a death dark canyon,
I won’t be afraid of any evil, since you’re there for me.
He has two staffs, one for walking, one for rescuing;
They give me comfort.

He sets a banquet table right in front of me
Smack dab in the middle of encircling foes.
He anoints my head with oil.
My cup is overflowing.

Two dogs, “Goodness” and “Mercy,” chase me
all the days of my life.
And I will return to the house of the Lord
and stay for a long while.

Shalom v' berakot, Ed Gaffney

Bernetta Miller

June 1, 2011

Professor Corbin was one of my favorite Hamline Law professors. He was a talented teacher who was able to make a Constitutional law class not only understandable but also interesting. Most importantly, Professor Corbin was a warm and kind man with a gift of gentle humor. My sincere condolences to his family.

Noam Erez

May 31, 2011

I can't think of David without seeing his warm smile. His love of family and of people, music and books as well as his sense of humor and his profound kindness made him first and foremost an incredibly warm and loveable human being. His sudden death is a great shock. My deepest condolences to Susan, Seth, Liora and their families. ??? ???? ???? (May his memory be blessed).

Rachel Poretsky

May 31, 2011

Dear Susan, Seth, Liora, Adam, Mary and all the kiddos: I'm thinking of you all during this difficult time and hope that you find comfort in each other and in your friends and communities. May his memory be a blessing.

with all four grandchildren, April 2011

May 30, 2011

With Susan on the North Shore, Summer 2007

May 30, 2011

With baby Doron, Jan. 2011

May 30, 2011

With Rosemary, April 2011

May 30, 2011

Napping with baby Meital, Sept. 2007

May 30, 2011

Walking in Brooklyn, Jan. 2008

May 30, 2011

Mrg Simon

May 29, 2011

I was saddened to hear of Professor Cobin's death. He was truly a favorite among favorites of all my law school professors. In the week prior to learning of his passing, I shared with my family and colleagues his teachings on service of process in Carter Lake, Iowa and Brown Shoe. His teachings were that relevant to the everyday, and continue to be fascinating more than 20 years later. He brought the law to life in such a remarkable way. I took every class that he taught during my years at HUSL, just as much to drink in his personality as his wisdom. I pray that the fond memories of Professor Cobin and his enduring legacy will be a source of comfort to his family and friends. Mrg Simon, HUSL 1990

Tami & Mordechai Erez

May 28, 2011

Our friendship with David and Susan and their children goes back to 1979, when we came (with our sons Noam, Uri and Yuval) to work and study at the U of M and lived in the Commonwealth Terrace near the Cobin's home at the Grove.
Our youngest son Yuval and their youngest daughter Liora attended the same day care center, together with children of diverse American and international backgrounds.
Years have passed and they now both have children of their own
Since then we have enjoyed spending leisure time with them in the US and later on in Israel, and were looking forward to their next Israel visit
We were shocked to hear that David passed away so unexpectedly
His character was a very special combination of scholarship and wide horizons and care for small details (as well as balancing a deep involvement in research on one hand, with enthusiastically picking up red apples at the Farmer's Market), modesty, and above all his kind nature with affection for almost everybody he came to know. When we think about him we remember him smiling warmly, and always looking to make the world a better place to live in.
Our family will miss him.
Our dear Susan, we are sorry we can not be with you on this very difficult period.
We hug you and send our condolences to Seth, Liora and the whole family.
Noam, Uri and Yuval have asked us to convey their love and condolences to all of you.

Elizabeth Hoffman Ransford

May 27, 2011

My heartfelt condolences to the entire Cobin family. David was a man of deep humanity, kindness, and generosity of spirit. I felt a great joy in living whenever I had the opportunity to spend time with him and Susan. His love for his family was inspiring, and it was so easy to love David in return. I will truly miss him, and I am so, so sorry for your loss. May peace be with all of you and may you take comfort in a life magnificently lived.

Jefferson Coombs

May 27, 2011

Professor Cobin was one of my favorite professors. He always made me smile, even through the dreariness of Civil Procedure. I will always remember the train whistle and other similar things that were unique to a Cobin law class. I pray that each member of the Cobin family will find peace and make this a time to celebrate a wonderful life.

Theresa Mason

May 26, 2011

I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Professor David Cobin's sudden death. From the time I went to Hamline in 1996 as Chaplain, (where I served previously) he was very supportive of Religious and Spiritual Life, especially as a contact for the Jewish Legal Society, and with campus wide programs for Jewish Life and Multi-faith programs. Whether he was stopping to chat in front of the Law School or coordinating the Law, Religion, and Ethics programs, he was an uplifting presence and often wore a smile and a caring heart. He earned the Wesley Award through all he did and who he was. You have my deepest sympathy as you grieve is sudden and early passing.
Rev. Theresa Mason, HU Chaplain 1996-2007

Skip Dickel

May 26, 2011

Professor David Cobin was inspiring to this HUSL graduate, from his scholarly strength, and with his very engaging personality. He began teaching at Hamline the same semester I entered as a student. He was clearly accomplished, established; a law school teacher, who presented course theories and histories within an academic environment of encouragement and direction. We were the same age. He stayed. I left, to grow on many roots David planted. Professor Cobin continued planting faith and confidence in and for law students year after year. We who spread from his roots continue, and will continue, to remember and think of the brightness with which he led. It is very sad to learn David Cobin left us so early in his life. He will exist in grateful, respectful memories for many ages to come. To the Cobin family, thank you for David’s time, energy, brilliance, and warmth that he shared with others.

SD
HUSL December 1979

Daniel and Kathy Kline

May 26, 2011

I can't tell you how sorry we were to hear of Professor Cobin's passing. He was a wonderful teacher; his smile and good humor always a welcome respite from the stress of law school. He was also a wonderful human being. When we returned to the Twin Cities after many years away, we saw David at Beth Jacob. He invited us to his home for Rosh Hashanah dinner-- A kindness that we appreciated and spoke of often. He will truly be missed. Dan and Kathy Kline, HUSL 1988

Erika Boardman

May 25, 2011

Professor Cobin embodied his Jewish pride in his teaching, his personhood and his daily living. I had the privlege of having him as an instructor several times while at Hamline. Moreso, he was a strong support, during the Israel trip, when on the day of our final exam, one of the bombings took place. He brought a joy to his teaching that years later stays with me. His love for Israel and wanting students to understand the history behind the various rules for Jewish and non-Jewish students was done in a very non-imposing way. Most important to me, he supported the ongoing existence of the Jewish Law Society at Hamline, however small our membership and welcomed all students to his home to celebrate the Jewish holidays. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies to his family. May you be blesssed with memories of an exceptional person.

Greta Bauer Reyes (HUSL 2011)

May 25, 2011

Professor Cobin was a wonderful teacher and mentor to all of his students. I feel very fortunate to have learned from him in more than one class. My heart goes out to my classmate, Seth, and to the rest of the Cobin family. While our law school community has suffered a loss, we all gained so much by having Professor Cobin with us while he was. Peace to the Cobin family.

Cameron Lallier

May 25, 2011

I only had the opportunity to meet Prof. Cobin recently. In the limited time we shared together he profoundly impacted my life, not only as a law student and future practicioner, but more importantly as a person and member of society. Prof. Cobin had a way of inspiring his students and colleagues that is unmatched in my experience. My condolences go out to his entire family.

May 25, 2011

David and I were friends in our undergraduate days at Northwestern University. He seems to have had a wonderful life, accomplishing much in his profession. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy to his entire family on his passing.

Dr. Gerald Schall
San Francisco, California

Keelin Hurley Gaughan

May 24, 2011

It's not easy to keep the interest of a 3L, but Prof. Cobin's Constitutional Law II class truly engaged me. His passion for civil liberties was contagious. It was in his class on Sept. 11, 2001, we learned our country was under attack. We all knew life would never be the same from that day forward. There's no doubt life at Hamline Law School will no longer be the same without Prof. Cobin. Blessings and peace to the Cobin family.

Karen

May 24, 2011

I only knew Prof. Cobin briefly during the year that I worked in the HUSL legal clinic, but he made a lasting impression on me. He took the time to get to know everyone, including me, and would remember details about my life and ask about them later. I found that truly remarkable. I think of him as a sweet and gentle soul, and the entire Hamline community grieves for him. Well wishes to his family and friends.

Jon Hall

May 24, 2011

Prof. Cobin was a wonderful teacher and mentor. He will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers for the Cobin family. Jon Hall, HUSL 1991

Jennie Granmoe

May 24, 2011

Professor Cobin was an incredibly warm person. You could not meet him in the halls without walking away with a big smile on your face. I was very lucky to study abroad in Israel with him, which was an incredible experience. This is truly a loss for every person who knew him.

Jay Hands

May 24, 2011

My deepest condolances to Susan, Seth, Liora and the rest of the Cobin family and many friends. David was the embodiment of exuberance, sincereity, kindness and love - he was the same man for everyone who knew him; he was consistently good. How is that done? His life was a triumph!

Love to you, David - and thank you for touching my life, and for introducing my son and I to "Judge Dee"!

Steve Liebo

May 24, 2011

I want to send my sincere condolences to David Cobin's family.

David was a righteous man. He was friendly, open, funny, giving, wise, brilliant, patient, and humble; he was a one of the few complete mentches that I have known. The world will be a smaller place without David around.

I truly enjoyed talking to him at Hamline when we were otherwise not occupied; I enjoyed the warmth of his hospitality,gourmet food and wine on Succoth; and even enjoyed his advice and nudging.

One nudge I waited too long to listen to. He has been on me for years to come to Beth Jacob; and the irony is that he finally got me to come today, but it was for his moving funeral.

May 24, 2011

David Cobin was a significant influence on me at Hamline University Law School. i consider him to have been one of my mentors when I was a law student, most especially with an article that i wrote for the Law Review. While I have not seen him for some time, he will be greatly missed-a good teacher and friend.

Sincerely,

Marlene S. Garvis

Stephanie

May 23, 2011

I didn't have the privilege of having Prof. Cobin for any classes, but I did meet him in the hall outside of his office one day. I asked him about the beautiful photos on his door and his eyes sparkled with joy as he told me all about his family. I learned their names, ages, and favorite hobbies. I could tell that he was bursting with pride as he talked about his family. Every morning after that, he would give me the most sincere smile and say hello. Prof. Cobin made me feel welcome at Hamline. He was such a kind man and I am sorry to hear of your loss.

Maureen Juaire

May 23, 2011

Professor Cobin was one of the best professors I had in law school. After graduation I would ping him with emails about cases I was working on and he would help me out right away. He touched many lives and I am grateful I was one of those.
Many prayers to his family whom he loved so much.

Jennifer Olson

May 23, 2011

My condolences to all of Professor Cobin's family and friends. He was truly an amazing man. His smile every tuesday and thursday this past semester always started the day off right. He was one of the kindest professors I have ever had. It was impossible to see him and not end up getting lost in a conversation full of meaning and laughs. Just last week I was sitting in the atrium in the front of the law school. The sun was coming in behind me. As he was walking towards the door I yelled

Betty Cozatt

May 23, 2011

Professor Cobin was a very good teacher and more importantly a good man. He will be missed. The world is a poorer place without his spirit.

Laurie Savran

May 23, 2011

When I was a shy law student in the late 70's, Professor Cobin gave me some advice which gave me the courage to become an attorney. That advice is still with me today.

Baruch Dayan Emet.

Jessica Kracl

May 23, 2011

I am very saddened to hear the news of Professor Cobin's passing. He was a wonderful teacher who brought great knowledge, as well as humor and kindness, into the classroom each day.

Carole Shlaes

May 23, 2011

Although I haven't talked to Professor Cobin for years, this news makes me very sad. Like others, I was fortunate to have him make an indelible mark on me during my first year of law school in 1982 for Civil Procedure. Further, I was happy to have him for a landlord for a time after my rental house was unexpected sold during that first year. And I was honored to share Passover with him and his family.

Professor Cobin was a lovely and caring man with a big heart and a great smile. I send my sympathy to Susan and the rest of his family and his many friends. He will be missed.

Jessica Timmington

May 23, 2011

I am shocked by this news. The world has truly lost a great man. May his spirit and wisdom carry-on through those who had the pleasure to know him. May he rest in peace.

Brenda Denton

May 23, 2011

I will miss him dearly. He was my mentor in Law school and I was his assistant. He invited me to his home and I studied abroad with him in Israel. I was just thinking about him last week; he got me hooked on these marvelous mystery novels written about an ancient chinese investigator, set centuries ago.......they were some of the best books I've ever read. Be well, Professor Cobin.

Theresa Johnson

May 23, 2011

Professor Cobin had such a love for the law. He was always so excited about the cases he taught and the conversations that developed during class. I purposely took courses at Hamline just because they were being taught by Professor Cobin. He taught so many students but made each of us feel as if we truly mattered. He will be missed.

Nicole Catlin

May 23, 2011

I am so very sorry to hear of Professor Cobin's passing. He was an amazing professor and an unbelievable mentor. I was lucky enough to go to Israel with him for a study abroad, one of my most cherished memories. I'll be thinking of and praying for his family.

Mary Trevor

May 23, 2011

David Cobin was a lovely man with a contagious smile and a wonderfully positive attitude about everything. I have a great memory of his delight in showing me how his electronic car worked when I happened to meet him in the parking lot at Hamline one day! My condolences to his family and friends.

Linda Hanson

May 23, 2011

We in the Hamline community are so very sorry to have lost David from our learning community. He was glowing just last Thursday when receiving the Wesley Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Hamline Trustees for scholarship, service and leadership,. He will be greatly missed and our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. Linda Hanson, president, Hamline University

Kelli Neu

May 23, 2011

I am very honored to have had Professor Cobin as a teacher. He was passionate about the law and teaching, but what I will remember most about him is his kindness, love of life, and most importantly his love of his family (especially his grandchildren). I loved looking at the pictures of all his grandchildren on his office door, and seeing his eyes light up when he talked about his family! He was so very proud of you all!!! My deepest sympathies to your family for the loss of such an amazing, kind-hearted man.

Chris Tolbert

May 23, 2011

I was fortunate to have Professor Cobin for civil procedure during my first year of law school. I will always remember his morning "Hello!" and many of his stories. His love for life and the law was infectious. He will truly be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Cobin family during your time of grief.

Chris Tolbert

May 23, 2011

I was fortunate to have Professor Cobin for civil procedure during my first year of law school. I will always remember his morning "Hello!" and many of his stories. His love for life and the law was infectious. He will truly be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Cobin family during your time of grief.

Marion Stein

May 23, 2011

I was very surprised to read of David Cobin's passing. I remember seeing him only a few months ago at Doron's brit. I send condolences to the entire family and especially our beloved fellow Kane Streeter, Liora and Adam and the children. May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Marion Stein

Amanda Roll-Kuhne

May 23, 2011

David brought many gifts to our Hamline community and I am greatly saddened by the loss of such a shining light to so many. May his memory always be a blessing.

David Sadownick

May 23, 2011

Dear Susan, Seth, Liora, Mary, Adam, and the entire family,

I am thinking of you and send peaceful healing thoughts. May David's spirit of generosity, care and joy sustain and comfort you.

Barb Castleberry

May 23, 2011

Dear Seth and family, I was so saddened to hear about the passing of your Dad. My heart goes out to all of you. Today I have heard some wonderful things about your Dad. Sounds like he was a grand guy. I know you all will miss him terribly. I am just so sorry Seth. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Barb (from the PD office)

Danielle Holder

May 23, 2011

Professor Cobin had such a beautiful spirit. He always brought joy with him wherever he went. I hope that his contagious happiness continues to spread forever. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and may you have comfort in knowing that he has touched so many lives.

Duane Cady

May 23, 2011

Dear Susan,

Sandy and I are stunned by David's passing. We enjoyed catching up on your family at the Hamline retirees luncheon -- especially Seth, who studied philosophy with me some years ago. It was special to be with you again Thursday and share David's joy in receiving the Wesley award. I have valued David as a colleague for more than thirty years. It's hard to imagine that he's no longer with us.

Take strength from your famliy and friends in these difficult days. Our thoughts are with you.

Michael Flower

May 23, 2011

Professor Cobin was so overflowing with his kindness and warmth that he couldn't help but make that happiness he felt contagious for those around him. He'll be missed.

Rony & Vivi Szleifer

May 23, 2011

we are overcome with shock and sadness on hearing the news. David was always a refreshing, inspiring presence. May his memory be always for a blessing.

Sherry Lode King

May 22, 2011

Professor Cobin was a clear voice of encouragement when i struggled with law school, beginning at age 39. I have always thought of him with such reverence and gratitude. I loved his teaching. After graduation and moving away, I just loved knowing he was in the world. I am so sorry. My condolences to your family.

Chuck Savitt

May 22, 2011

Professor David Cobin, touched many lives in a positive way. One of his favorite quotes in Civil Procedure Class was from the Erie Railroad case, " I hear a train a coming", as one fortunate enough to have the privilege of being one his many students, I know the "train a coming" is bound to heaven with his kindness and spirt.

Aaron Nyquist

May 22, 2011

Professor Cobin was such a kind, gentle man, and an educator in the purest sense. He treated every student with respect, and loved coming to teach each day. Despite being afraid of when he would pull my card in civil procedure, I will always remember talking about the Twins with him, or when he invited me to his home for Sukkot. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this terrible loss.

Amy Holzman

May 22, 2011

Dear Susan, Seth, Liora, Mary, Adam, and David's beloved grandchildren,

I am so shocked and saddened by David's untimely death. On Thursday, as I was leaving school with my mother, cap and gown in hand, David drove by and rolled down his car window. We had a wonderful conversation, which included my mother thanking him for providing me the opportunity to give her an original painting from Jerusalem. Then, with his trademark smile, David drove off - so he could get home to prepare to be honored at school that night. He was SO excited!

I can't get out of my head the "Gooooood Morning" that I heard from him each Tuesday and Thursday this semester. I am so grateful for the time and experiences that I had with David, and for everything that he taught me. I hope that knowing how David touched so many people - so profoundly - and in so many ways, may somehow offer a morsel of comfort in your time of grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Alex Bernstein

May 22, 2011

I just found about the death of Professor Cobin. I was his assistant from 1993 to 1995. I will never forget his good heart, and his wisdom that I am caring in my life. His memory will be with me, as long as I am alive. He was true mentor.

Jeffrey Willett

May 22, 2011

Despite knowing David Cobin for only this year as my Civil Procedure Professor, his kindred spirit deeply impacted me. Professor Cobin was also my academic advisor who truly cared about his students learning the law. His balance of morality and law was truly a benchmark for academia. He always had a smile, and loved to engage his students. He will always be apart of my being.

May he rest in eternal peace, and may his family find peace in his passing.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Cobin family.

Anna Solowiej

May 22, 2011

Professor Cobin was an inspiration as a passionate human being and as a strong advocate of rights for all people. My prayers are with his family at this time of loss.

Kathy Vaughan

May 22, 2011

How fortunate we were to have David as a loyal member of Hampden Park Co-op. We will all miss him. He was a wonderful guy.

lisa burger

May 22, 2011

I had the privilege of being a student of Professor Cobin. I will always remember him for his passion for justice, deep empathy for all and his smile. My heart is with his family and friends at this difficult time.

Elizabeth Adinolfi

May 22, 2011

I am so sorry. Professor Cobin was an amazing professor and an even better person. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from him. His loss will be felt across the globe.

Ann Levin

May 22, 2011

I was a law student at Hamline in the early 1980's and one of the youngest students at the time, being only 21. I was also one of the only Jewish students and far from home. I remember finding it very comforting to be invited over to Professor Cobins home for an enormous Passover dinner every year. I have always remembered his kindness. He will be missed. My condolences to the Cobin family.

Jeffrey Goldstein

May 22, 2011

I was fortunate to have had Professor Cobin at Hamline and enjoyed being in his class very much. My condolences to your family and I will be sure to say Yarzheit for him.

May 22, 2011

I am shocked and saddened to learn of David's death. My heart goes out to Susan, Seth, Liora and the grandchildren who have lost a one-of-a-kind presence in their lives. There are so many things to say. David was exceedingly helpful and kind to others. He had a great spirit and was a great friend. I am fortunate to have known him. I will miss him.

Mary Kearney, Lake Oswego, Oregon

Jill Barclift

May 22, 2011

To the Cobin Family: I am said to hear the news of David's sudden passing. David was a kind and caring colleague. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Naomi Jackson

May 22, 2011

Susan, I'm so sorry to hear of David's death. I'm not able to attend the service, but will hold you in my thoughts.

Jenni Thompson

May 22, 2011

Professor Cobin was a unique teacher with such a wonderful sense of humor. He was able to inject some laughter in what is otherwise a very daunting first year of law school. His passing is such a shock. Even in retirement, he had so much more to teach and experience. He will be sorely missed. My prayers go out to his family, he spoke of you fondly. I have a vivid image in my mind of the door to his office which was a beautiful photo collage of those he loved so much.

Susan Johnson

May 22, 2011

I was a non-traditional law school student at Hamline, being much closer in age to Prof. Cobin than to most of the students. When my son died in a avalanche just as I was graduating, Prof. Cobin was the very first Hamline person to send me condolences. May you be comforted by the words of so many whose lives were enriched and touched by him.

Deanna Thompson

May 22, 2011

Dear Susan and family: I'm so shocked and saddened to hear of David's sudden passing. The conversation I had with the two of you on Thursday night will be one I'll always treasure. Just as David said prayers for me at Beth Jacob when I was ill, now I will say prayers for all of you at my church in the coming weeks. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Ellyn Rapaport

May 22, 2011

Professor Cobin was a wonderful man. He not only cared about his students in the classroom but he also took time to ask about life outside of school. He took a personal interest in his teaching and his students that is very rare. He will be deeply missed.

Joseph Sanow

May 22, 2011

Professor Cobin,

Your warmth, humor, and gentle nature will remain in our hearts and minds for the rest of our days.

It was my privilege and pleasure to know you, if only for a short time. May G-d bless your family.

Jacqueline Schmiedlin

May 22, 2011

Professor Cobin was my favorite professor at Hamline. He was a passionate teacher and a wonderful man. I feel privileged to have been in his final civil procedure class and experienced his fun, one of a kind personality. I will never forget the "Cobinisms" my classmates and I came to love. Keeping your entire family in my thoughts.

Sheldyn Himle

May 22, 2011

So many good things to say, in so little space. What a life well lived ... and shared. I will always be grateful for the time spent with David, I am a better person for it. The world is a better place for having had him in it. Taken from us too soon, he will be missed but always remembered fondly.

Kelly Mickelson (Hamline)

May 22, 2011

My sincere condolences to the entire family, law school community and everyone else who was touched by David.

Barb Kallusky

May 22, 2011

David Cobin was a joy to work with. His kindness and goodness shone through every thing he did and said. His eyes always had a sparkle in them, and when he spoke of his beloved grandchildren, that light got even brighter. His presence was a blessing I shall not ever forget. To his family, I pray you find peace and understanding as you grieve his loss.

Alexandra David

May 22, 2011

Professor Cobin brought light and laughter to the room. He was compassionate, caring, loving, and passionate, and truly an amazing professor. A "teacher" in the truest sense of the word. The world will miss his smile, humor, and love of life.

My deepest condolences to you, Susan, and your family. I feel honored to have been able to share a meal with you and Professor Cobin in your home.

Dean Lambrecht

May 22, 2011

Professor Cobin was a truly humane and decent man with a wonderful sense of humor. His mastery of the law in furtherance of justice rang through in all of his teachings, and he will remain a profound inspiration for me and so many of his HUSL students and peers.

Jamie Miller

May 22, 2011

A truly amazing professor and an even more wonderful human being. Professor Cobin had a way of always making me smile. I'll truly miss him.

John Medeiros

May 22, 2011

Clearly of the most widely respected professors I've ever had. The world is an emptier place without him.

Madeleine Wilken

May 22, 2011

God-beloved David, you can never be gone from us because your bright eyes and smile brought our inner light into our own faces, your depths of love and decency taught us to love and be decent. What a blessing it is that we have known you! I hold your family in loving embrace.

Scott Vidas

May 22, 2011

I had the pleasure of being one of Professor Cobin's students and fondly remember how he guided us through civil procedure. My life and career is better because of this wonderful man and what he did with his life.
Scott Vidas Class of 1982

Cathy Deal

May 22, 2011

David was always such a cheerful spirit and colleague at the law school. I'll remember his enthusiasm and humor always.

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Hodroff-Epstein Memorial Chapel - St. Paul

671 Snelling Ave S, Saint Paul, MN 55116

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How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

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Attending a Funeral: What to Know

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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

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Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

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How to Write an Obituary

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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

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The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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Ways to honor David Cobin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

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How to Write an Obituary

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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

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Sign David Cobin's Guest Book

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May 25, 2019

Mordechai Erez posted to the memorial.

November 9, 2011

Jane Sprague posted to the memorial.

November 9, 2011

Jane Sprague posted to the memorial.