William Goldfarb

I got a business letter from Bill in the early 1970s discussing environmental law, but when he mentioned flyfishing on the Beaverkill, he quickly became, in equal parts, a dear friend and an inspiration. In hour after hour spent with him & his fishing rod, or with him & Illse, one was constantly engaged and never bored. Bill’s mind was broad, deep, and imaginative – tying a special fly, or inventing a clarifying concept for the environmental protection law book we launched together

I got a business letter from Bill in the early 1970s discussing environmental law, but when he mentioned flyfishing on the Beaverkill, he quickly became, in equal parts, a dear friend and an inspiration. In hour after hour spent with him & his fishing rod, or with him & Illse, one was constantly engaged and never bored. Bill’s mind was broad, deep, and imaginative – tying a special fly, or inventing a clarifying concept for the environmental protection law book we launched together, now carrying Bill’s concept into its sixth edition. Bill was unique, and will be uniquely missed.

Illse, so very sorry for your loss of Bill. May he rest in peace. Tom Kearns

Professor Goldfarb was a legend and a giant in the environmental field. The unique insights that he offered in his environmental law classes were unmatched, and far exceeded most of what I later experienced in law school education at UVa Law. His passion for this field, and his devotion to his students was exceptional. He single-handled changed the course of my entire career!

I still remember the lessons Dr Goldfarb taught in Environmental Law. He was an amazing professor.

I am very sorry to hear of Dr. Goldfarb´s passing. His environmental law courses at Cook inspired me to pursue a career in environmental law. More than 40 years later, I am still working in that field today. His teaching and guidance had a meaningful impact on my life - more than possibly any other teacher I ever had - and I wish to express my sincere condolences to his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing.

Sending wishes of comfort to the Goldfarb family. I had the immense pleasure (and challenge) of knowing Bill as an undergraduate and for years afterwards doing environmental work in NJ. He was a gracious soul who could always be relied on to challenge our intellect, ethics and morals.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of my teacher, mentor and good friend, Professor William Goldfarb. A man of great integrity, passion and substance. One of my favorite teachers years ago who inspired me to be a better teacher and a better academic.