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Robert Shevin Obituary
Gov. Jeb Bush said the flags will fly at half staff in his honor.
Shevin, who capped a long career in public service with a stint on the Third District Court of Appeal in Miami, stepped down from the bench in December.
A Miami native, Shevin graduated from the University of Florida in 1955, where he met "the love of his life," his wife, Myrna. Two years later, he graduated magna cum laude from the University of Miami law school. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives from Dade in 1964, moving up to the Senate in 1966.
He became attorney general in 1970, winning re-election four years later. He was a staunch supporter of open government. He ran for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1978, but lost in a primary runoff to Bob Graham.
The two patched up any differences and in 1982 Shevin served as Graham's South Florida campaign coordinator for re-election.
"He was not only a great colleague and great mentor, but an inspiration to all of us to achieve higher and greater," said Miami lobbyist Ron Book, who practiced law with Shevin for seven years. "He was just a fabulous human being."
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Shevin
54 Entries
Seth Gurgel
January 26, 2010
Dear Mrs. Shevin,
I never knew your husband nor knew of his work prior to two weeks ago. However, I came across his oral argument in the 1972 Proffitt v. Florida case in work I've been doing on the U.S. Death Penalty and was quite impressed. In fact, I listened to his argument three or four times, and after that, determined that I must learn more about the man speaking in that argument.
It was at that point that I learned that your husband attended the same law school that I did, NYU, I learned of his outstanding record of public service, I was moved by the story of his work on the pardoning of two convicted murderers, and I also learned, sadly, of his passing.
It is not my habit to look up the lawyers who argue cases, nor am I one who is want to deify public servants or to write them asking for advice on how to follow in their footsteps. And yet, your husband's words, humility, faith in the political process and in our system inspired me like few have done in the past -- inspired me even though I was inclined to disagree with him.
Indeed, what I was most impressed with in his argument was how obvious it was that he had agonized over the words of the Supreme Court, how he was willing at many points in his argument to acknowledge weaknesses or doubts of his own. It is my belief, that those types of concessions can only be made by a man who has a heart that is fixated on justice, not winning or losing. It was then of no surprise to me to find that many who wrote of him said as much, that he was often above the political process.
So, no matter how out of place I feel in some ways writing this letter, having known neither your husband or known you, I felt compelled to write to say that he has touched my life and my own sense of duty to the law and to my country. Something I have not felt in a while, something I had thought was all but lost in me.
God's blessing to you and your family.
Best,
Seth Gurgel
Edie Case
July 10, 2006
Hi Mrs. Shevin, Do hope as time has gone by since the Judge passed away that you are doing as best you can. Please say hello to the family for me. You are always in my prayers. Dr. Troner tells me he sees you around from time to time. I'm glad you are getting out. Fondly, Edie
Barbara Sager Bow
August 3, 2005
Dear Jerry & Roberta,
I just received the sad news about Bob. Although we have not been in touch for many years, I will always have wonderful memories of the Shevin family - your mother, whom we always went to see when we were on Miracle Mile, our years on So. Alhambra Circle, Beth David ⪯-confirmation & confirmation classes - with Bob as our teacher!!!
Bob was so special to so many. I share in your loss.
Love & hugs to Myrna & the entire Shevin family - Barbara
Brenda Cambron Rogers
August 1, 2005
Dear Myrna, Laura, Hilary & Harry,
We are so very saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Although we haven't seen you in many years (I think Harry's Bah Mitzvah was the last time I saw you) we think of you often.
I will always fondly remember the days at Vistalto: sending Corey and Harry out to play with a kitchen timer so they would know when to come in for dinner, waking up in the middle of the night to the thumping of bull frogs that Harry and Corey gathered in my brass box and carefully returned to the coffee table, Corey not being willing to take a bath alone for a LONG TIME because he watched the movie "Jaws" at your house. I remember the slumber parties at your house where you and Bob let the girls stay up late and fall asleep in the living room but they found themselves neatly tucked into Hilary's bed the next morning. I remember how badly Kim wanted curles like Hilary's and Hilary wanted straight hair like Kim's.
I eventually went back to school and got a law degree. I was so pleased to find a number of precedent setting criminal procedure and criminal law textbook cases bearing the name "Robert Shevin" as Counsel for the State of Florida.
I know you are very sad right now but I hope you can take comfort in knowing that many many people sympathize and share in your loss. He was a great man. Take care. We love you and would love to hear from you.
diana/ jack kuper
July 29, 2005
dear shevin family,
no one who is loved is ever lost.
we hope that all of the wonderful memories that you have of bob will give you the strength to overcome this time of sadness.
bob was a wonderful man who brought enormous joy into the lives of everyone that he touched.
we remember him fondly,always.
our spirit and heart is with you all now.
diana and jack kuper
gene russo
July 22, 2005
Myrna;
Allthough you do not know me,as I left Miami in 1972.I had known Bob and supported him in all the campaigns while I was living in Miami.
I was saddened when my sister called to tell me of Bob's passing.I beleive he was the type of person we wish all of our elected leaders would be.
I will never forget all the good he did for everyone who lived in Florida,my thoughts are with you and the family at this time.God bless you
Myra Gantt
July 22, 2005
I am sorry about your loss. I hope a kind word from someone unknown to the family will comfort you. It did for me when I had the passing of a love one. To know someone took out the time to comfort my family. The Bible promise: our dead one will live they will rise up. Isaiah 26:19
May the God of comfort be with your family.
Seth and Judy Stopek
July 19, 2005
Dear Myrna, Jerry and Arnold,
We are very saddened to learn of Bob's passing and we offer our sincerest condolences. Bob was a great man with the biggest heart. It was an honor and privilege for Seth to have been his law partner and for our family to have known him.
Maribel Diz
July 19, 2005
Dear Laura and family,
Jorge and I would like to express our heartfelt sympathy on your father's passing. His compassion and caring qualities live in you. Although we have not spoken in a long while I often think of you and have you in my heart.
Much love, Mary.
Sharon Dick Rothman
July 18, 2005
Dear Myrna-I am at my home in Asheville, N.C. now and have just received the news by phone. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss of Bob. We all go far back in time, to the days of PiLam in Gainesville and forward through all the years. I remember after first being introduced to Bob by my late husband Barry. Barry turned to me and said there goes our future govenor and he was almost right. I also cannot forget the time when we all met on Mike Gutman's farm for a Sunday brunch after a crazy weekend in Gainesville and there was Bob and a group of the guys riding down the field on a tractor. It was really a hysterical sight. I know this is a horribly stressful time for you and your family and my heart goes out to all of you. I know how it feels. My best regards to all of you. Sincerely, Sharon Dick Rothman
Steven Shapiro
July 18, 2005
Dear Myrna, Laura, Hilary & Harry,
Ellen & I were saddened by the news of Bob's passing. He was a great guy and we both have very fond memories of the days on Davis Rd. Our sincerest condolences to you all.
Sara Leviten
July 17, 2005
Dear Myrna & family,
I was so sorry to hear about Bob. I just returned from my N.Y. vacation today and saw a letter in the Herald about how we'll miss him.
Although I hadn't seen the two of you in awhile, I will miss him. He was a great man. I remember him from both his years at Beth David and his years of public service. I remember working on his gubernatorial campaign phone bank. Most of all, I remember 52 years ago (when I was 5) when he spoke at Jerry's Bar Mitzvah. Even I could tell at that young age that he would someday be important. I wasn't clairvoyant; he was great! Not only was he a mensch in public office; but he was a mench as a human being. Regards to all. Take care.
Roberta Weiner
July 16, 2005
Dear Myrna:
I was so saddened to hear of Bob's death. Even though it's been many years since Bob, you and I have spent much time together, I have thought of you both fondly and with many warm memories.
I'm sure you are comforted to know how many people admired, respected and held Bob in high esteem. We all knew, back in the 50's, that Bob had a spectacular future ahead of him.
My deepest condolences to you and your family, Myrna.
Your college friend, Bobbi
Sharyn Smith
July 15, 2005
Thank you so very much for giving me the opportunity to work for an extraordinary man. You stood for everything that was good and honorable even when it was not politically popular. I will never forget our oral arguments in the Florida Supreme Court. The late Justice Sundberg told me one day that you were the best appellate attorney who ever appeared before the Court. Justice Ervin often spoke of how he wished he had been the AG you were. He admired you so much, as did everyone who worked for you in those glorious years in the 1970's. There will never be another politician and attorney your equal. I will always remember the incredible things our office accomplished under your leadership. Thank you for letting me be a part of that.
Jill Epstein (Parnes)
July 14, 2005
Dear Laura and family.... I know it's been years since we've been in touch, but as you probably know, Jami always lets me know what's going on.... I was truly saddened to hear about your father, and my heartfelt prayers and condolences are with you and your family... Love, Jill Epstein Parnes
Wilma and Ed Klein
July 14, 2005
Dear Myrna - Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on Bob's passing. Bob earned the highest respect from all who knew him. He was a great attorney, legislator and judge - and, above all, never lost his touch as being a great person. With heartfelt sympathy, Wilma and Ed.
Fred Michael Shapiro
July 14, 2005
Dear Myrna and Family: I was so sad to hear about Bob's passing. It was completely out of the blue for me. I have such fond memories of him Sunday mornings at the Shapiro tennis court and see him daily on my photo wall with Irvin and all the Sunday morning crowd. I can only hope that Bob has already picked up a single's game with Irvin. My family and I send love and prayers to all of you at this time. Love, Fred
Donna Santana
July 14, 2005
My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. I had the great pleasure of working with Bob and Arnie during their time at Stroock. Bob always took a personal interest in his co-workers lives and was like a dad to many of us. He will be greatly missed.
Dennis Ulmer
July 14, 2005
Mr. Shevin was a good public servant. While I am a member of the Republican Party, I always thought Mr. Shevin was always above party politics, and put the people first. It was sad to hear of his passing. My sympathies to his family & friends. I wish more people in politics would conduct tmemselves as Bob Shevin did.
Tala Engel
July 14, 2005
Dear Myrna
What a sadness to read of Bob's
passing. He was such a dear family
friend. We were classmates as you know and I extend my deepest sympathies to you and the rest of the family. He was a truly great person and did so much for others
and will always be remembered.
Tala
Paul Neumann
July 14, 2005
Dear Shevin Family:
I was fortunate to meet Robert Shevin a few times in my life through my relationships with Arnold, Sandi and Daryl.
It was always apparent the great respect people had for him. Robert Shevin made our South Florida Community a better place. I thank him for all of his hard work and dedication to our state.
Martin Fleet
July 13, 2005
Dear Myrna, Laura, Hillary, and Harry,
We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers. I remember with great fondness my connection with your family through Laura in my Leon High School days. Here's hoping you find comfort soon in this difficult time.
Martin, Sue, Jason, and Alyson Fleet
Rachel (Rae) Small
July 13, 2005
Myrna. It was sad to read of Bob's
passing. My political days in Miami
so closely merged with the Shevins'
our memories will also. Much love
to you and your family. Rae Small
Eric (Ricky) Fregger
July 13, 2005
Dearest Shevin Family,
I am so saddened to hear the news. I will always remember the countless hours we "youth-groupers" spent at your house, usually on the telephone!!! Mr. Shevin never got upset with us, but instead would just smile and ask how we were doing, how our family was and what exciting things were happening in our lives. I took pleasure in following his career and was proud to be a Pi Lambda Phi brother. He was truly a great Statesman, wonderful husband and tremendous father. May all of you splendor in his memory and carry-on with his legacy.
Ricky, Beth, Emily & Hannah Fregger
Lori Shapiro Weil
July 13, 2005
Aunt Myrna, Laura Dawn, Hillary & Harry,
So sorry to hear about Uncle Bob. Your entire family was a very special part of my childhood and I have many fond memories of Uncle Bob. Now Irvin and Bob can get back to playing doubles and watching the Dolphins together! We are thinking about you...much love from the entire Shapiro family.
Bill Kaufman
July 13, 2005
Dear Myrna & family,
Vicki & I want to express our condolences on hearing about Bob's death. We will always remember your kindness to us when we first moved to Tallahassee.
Also, as a Florida Delta Pi Lam (though a good few years after Bob was there), I have always been proud to have been in the same fraternity in which Bob enjoyed such a great reputation.
We always enjoyed working on the campaigns, and agree with others that he would have been a great governor. Though we haven't seen either of you in a while, we will miss him.
With deepest regrets,
Bill & Vicki Kaufman
Irma Rochlin
July 13, 2005
Dear Myrna and family
My deepest condolences on the loss of an unforgettable mench.
It was an honor to provide a speaking platform at my Gulfstream Democratic Women's Club luncheons as Bob launched his political career and to work with you both through the years. Our scrapbook is part of the archives of the Ziff Museum but the memories are deeply etched in my heart and mind. The whole state has suffered the loss of a dedicated and
brilliant public servant and we
mourn with you his passing. May his memory forever be a blessing
Sheila and Bob Bergen
July 13, 2005
Dear Myrna and Family, Both Sheila and I want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to all of you. I imagine very few people go back with Bob as long as we do, Sheila in particular. From our High School and college Days[my roomate for 3-years in the garage apt], to Bob being an usher in my wedding and Myrna singing. Our friendship and brotherhood will be eternal. Rest well ,Bob Shevin, you did a great job.
Helaine Clein-Yancey
July 13, 2005
Dear Laura & Family...So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was a role model to everyone who knew him...May he rest in peace.
Edie Case
July 13, 2005
Dear Mrs. Shevin and family,
May God be with you in this time of your great sorrow. The sun will shine again for all of you soon. I will miss Judge Shevin forever because I was truly honored to have worked for him as his Judicial Assistant. He was one of my favorite bosses. My prayers are with you all. Fondly, Edie
Richard Donnell
July 13, 2005
Mrs. Shevin and Family,
I graduated from the University of Florida Law School in 1974. Upon my arrival there in March of 1971, I participated in a skit in which Judge Shevin participated. The skit was a version of the old game show "To Tell the Truth". I was one of three persons who stood before the audience and said "My name is Robert Shevin". Of the three of us, one was a Judge Shevin, one was a female, and the last one was me...an African-American! I was chosen by the panelists as the real Robert Shevin. Judge Shevin, the audience, and I all got a real good laugh out of it. He gave me his card, and told me to keep in touch with him. I am saddened to hear of his passing.
Susan Starr
July 13, 2005
Mrs. Shevin and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I first met Bob as a child through my dad, news broadcaster Ray Starr. Later my brother, Joe Mellichamp, worked for Bob as a Deputy Attoney General. Bob was very much admired and liked by my family. I hope he and daddy are catching up on politics right now and having many good laughs. I pray that God comforts all of you and helps you through this difficult time. Bob touched so many lives and so many people have such wonderful memories of him, please never forget that.
Diane Sepler
July 13, 2005
My deepest sympathy to you Myrna and the family.
Fondly,
Diane Sepler
Judi Hurwitz-Lubel
July 13, 2005
Dear Myrna,
I am so sorry to hear about Bob. I know he has been ill. I can't help but to think that he is now with my dad and catching up on the years. I remember working on all of his campaigns and the dedication he displayed for so many issues. He will be missed. God bless you and your family during this difficult time. I will see you at Shiva.
Warm regards........Judi
Stuart Rose
July 13, 2005
My deepest condolences to Myrna and the family.
It is a very sad day. He was a great and honored public servant and I will always be greateful to the opportunity he provided me early in my life.
Thank you Bob!
Marilyn (Scourtis) Lawhon
July 13, 2005
To Myrna and all the family,
It was with great saddness to read of Bob's passing. I recall many good times at Beth David functions with the Shevin family. It was an inspiration to see how they loved and supported one another. He was truly a great man of wisdom and charm and has made significant contributions to the state of Florida. I extend my condolences.
Crisele Torres
July 13, 2005
Mrs. Shevin and family: I wanted to express my sincere condolences to all of you. I worked at Sparber Shevin many years ago. My former boss (Gregg Truxton) reported to Arnie. I didn't have a lot of direct contact with Bob but I do remember him very well. I remember Harry working in our office as well one summer. Bob was someone we all admired and respected very much. Sincerely,
Dick RuBino
July 13, 2005
Myrna,
In memory of some mighty fine cookouts at Vistalto, in Tallahassee; my condolence.
Wilma Graubert Felder
July 13, 2005
Dear Myrna
I was so saddend to read of Bob's death. He was a part of the Legislative high point of our State and made us so proud to be from Dade County. To you and your children, I want to say, be strong. Life will be good again, different, but good because of the wonderful years and foundation you had together. Sincerely,
Donald Neiss
July 13, 2005
Myrna -
You wouldn't know me. Bob used to live across the street from Riverside Elem. where we went to school and on through MSH 1951.
We need more good men like him. Goodby Bob.
Lou Holtzman
July 13, 2005
Dear Myrna, Laura, Hilary, and Harry:
I send my deepest condolences. I have many years of memories with you all. My thoughts are with all of you and your families.
Alan Berger
July 13, 2005
Condolences. South Florida will miss a true pioneer.
Bill Kahn
July 13, 2005
Dear Myrna and family:
It has been many years since I have seen you and Bob, as Fran and I don't get to Miami as much as we used to. I have very fond memories of Bob from our days at the fraternity in Gainesville. I always remember how much he cared for other people; one episode always sticks in my mind. Bob was President and I was Vice President of the fraternity. He was coming down from the third floor and I was going up. I said hi, and couldn’t remember his name (a problem I still have with names but not as bad, heck I still remember my name). Bob said let’s stay here until you get it. I went through every name of the brothers that lived in the house, room by room, got his roommate, but not Bob’s. After about 10 minutes I got it, but he stood by until that time, smiled and said I’ll see you later Billy!
There are not a lot of people that you meet in life, especially politicians that you can say were great guys, but Bob was one of them. Fran and I are truly sorry for your loss. Yep, he would have made a great Governor!
Fran and Bill Kahn
Deedee England
July 13, 2005
Dear Myrna and family
How saddened I am to learn of Bob's passing.
Although it has been forever since we've met, I have always been so proud in knowing Bob and all the good accomplished in his lifetime.
My love and prayers are with you all.
Deedee
Neal Sonnett
July 13, 2005
Dear Myrna and Family,
You have my sincerest condolences on your loss. Bob has been one of my heroes since I first met him more than 40 years ago. He possessed a rare combination of lofty intellect, the highest ethical standards, distinguished leadership, and a deep love for his family, his profession, and his community, state, and nation that was greatly admired by all who had the honor to know him.
I pray that your grief will be eased by the knowledge that Bob’s lifelong dedication to the law and public service has left an important legacy that will be long remembered.
Sincerely,
Neal Sonnett
Michael Fleet
July 12, 2005
Dear Myrna, Laura, Hilary and Harry:
I was saddened to hear of your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Michael, Beth, Josh and Ariella Fleet
July 12, 2005
Dear Myrna,
Although there are no words that can lessen your loss, we want you to know that you and your familhy have our our heartfelt sympathy and sincerest condolences.
Phyllis and Sam Harte
Alison Shevin Glicken
July 12, 2005
Dear Aunt Myrna, Laura, Hilary & Harry,
I wanted to express my sorrow and grief for your loss. I am blessed to have known and loved Uncle Bob for all these years. He will always be remembered in our hearts as the almost larger-than-life patriarch of our family; a strong, proud man who dedicated his life to public service, making our world a better place, but even more importantly as a man who deeply loved his wife, children & grandchildren more than life itself.
FRED A. HARRISON, JR
July 12, 2005
Myrna:
My thoughts are with you at this time.
Bob was a good man, a friend and classmate from 1951.
If I can help in any way, all you need do is ask.
FRED HARRISON
Arthur Sheldon
July 12, 2005
Dear Myrna, and family,
You know that my friendship with Bob dates back to 1944, our Beth David days. Yes, he has been a friend for over sixty years.
The Shev, Charlie La, was Rex when we were in Gainesville together. Lots of good times and many choruses of "Senor".
I was so proud to have worked on his campaigns. Marvin and I even went to jail for putting his signs on utility poles.
On the serious side, and recognizing the need to be brief, please accept my condolences and know that my heart is with you even though I cannot return from South Carolina to attend his funeral.
As our song, "Brother Mine Forever", goes..........even death can't break the tie of Pi Lambda Phi
Love
Art Sheldon
Art Sheldon
howard & barbara glicken
July 12, 2005
We send our love and support and hope you will take some comfort in knowing the contributions he made in his life made this a better world to live in.
Jeff Sloman
July 12, 2005
Laura and family,
Hayley and I send our deepest condolences. I have been a long time admirer of your dad's since my days at Pi Lam when he came to the fraternity house during his campaign for governor. He was truly a great leader, lawyer, and judge. We pray that the legacy of his extraordinary achievements brings you and your family some consolation and peace at this difficult time.
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