Alan Steven Lieberman

1945 - 2023

ALAN STEVEN LIEBERMAN May 28, 1945 - August 27, 2022 Alan Steven Lieberman was born on May 28, 1945, to Reuben and Sara (Hillman) Lieberman. Alan grew up in a close-knit and progressive family in Chicago, Illinois. He was the older brother to Bob of Grants Pass, OR (Kerrie) and Don of Chico, CA (Kim). He graduated from Mather High School in 1962, the University of Chicago in 1966, and NYU Law School in 1969. Alan met his lifelong partner, Deborah Stein, in the summer of 1968, and they were together for the next 54 years. He and Debbie spent four years traveling in Europe, Micronesia and Asia, before settling in Paradise, CA. They raised a close and loving family of three children (Emily, Daniel and Julia) and later seven grandchildren (Lucy, Lola, Eliza, Jay, Beatrix, Zoe and Owen). His wife, children and grandchildren were the focus and treasures of his life. Alan died in San Francisco, CA, on August 27, 2022, surrounded by his family. In his 5-decade career as an attorney, Alan worked exclusively in the public interest sector, dedicating himself to improving the lives of the underserved. He worked for Legal Services programs in Chicago, Micronesia and Chico, CA, then joined the Legal Services Corporation (which funds U.S. Legal Aid programs) in Washington, D.C., improving program quality around the country. Later, as a California Deputy Attorney General, he contributed significantly to the state's tobacco and alcohol litigation efforts, including a focus on prohibiting marketing to minors. Alan's former colleagues admired his unwavering dedication and commitment, describing him as being "passionate about justice" and "a professional's professional." Throughout his life, Alan played and appreciated classical, folk, rock, and all great music. He was an accomplished pianist and musician, from guitarist in his college rock band to playing the piano for his family and grandchildren. He always sang the harmony. As a card and game player, fruit grower and canner, and family logistics coordinator, Alan always brought joy, efficiency, intellect, and a sense of direction to his pursuits. He loved travel and immersion in other cultures. and, after reading about Servas in a travel book, Alan joined and supported the world peace organization for decades as a traveler, host and regional interviewer. Alan was warm and gentle and easily made friends wherever he went, many of whom he stayed in touch with for decades. Alan was the keeper of family memories. With his prodigious memory, he was able to recall dates and details lost to everyone else. He could recount what had happened on any given date in years even decades past, much to the amusement and amazement of his family. Alan was the glue for his extended family. He stayed close with his brothers and their children Jesse, Aaron, and Maggie and maintained lifelong connection with and between the many cousins from his parents' large families. Alan was kind and thoughtful, with a ready smile and eyes full of warmth. He had a light footprint on the earth but a wide reach. He was able to live his life the way he wanted, without grudges or regrets, right up to the very end, and it was a life well-lived. He will be missed by his loving family and many friends. Donations may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center (splcenter.org) or a favorite charity in his honor. For information about the June 3rd memorial celebration in Chico, contact alanliebermanmemorial@gmail.com.