Martin Bruce Vidgoff

I met Martin when I clerking at the Court of Appeals '77-79. He was a genius/eccentric--so brilliant, gentle, and funny. One day I commented to him that he only walked on the front of his shoes (toe first). After a slight pause he responded, "The secondary evidence would support that observation, the heels of my shoes never show any wear." Once when he needed to call my attention to an important issue which was raised in a case I was assigned to he softly mentioned that it was "hidden"...

What a lovely obituary for Martin. I laughed reading about his muttering, which he did often when we worked together at Multnomah County. What a character, and a good friend during that time. Rest in peace, Martin.

My parents Jack and Ethel Cohen were close friends of Martin's parents, Ben and Laura Vidgoff. I remember many wonderful Thanksgivings spent together with Martin and Jackie, and their parents Ben and Laura, and with grandpa Boris who lived on the third floor of their big Dunthrop house. Boris' parakeet spoke with a Yiddish accent which all of us children enjoyed. Rest in peace Martin.

I met Martin when I began clerking at the Court of Appeals in 1978. I was the latest clerk hired to assist Judge Jason Lee-- challenging task. Martin would read the opinions I drafted and very gently offer suggestions. I treasured his kindness and his sense of humor. Once I observed to him that he seemed to only walk on the toes of his shoes. He responded, "the secondary evidence would support your observation, I only wear out the toes of my shoes!" He came to visit me and my husband...

I worked with Martin during his time at the County. His dry wit and excellent advice made him a favorite among the many stars working at the time in Chairman Don Clark’s administration. Bene dessit.