Herbert J. Ludwig

Herbert J. Ludwig, 58
     PORTLAND - Herbert Joseph Ludwig, 58, attorney, singer, songwriter and poet, died unexpectedly Monday in a local hospital.
     For more than 30 years he practiced law in South Portland, first with the firm of Nisbet, MacNichol & Ludwig and later with friend and fellow musician, Thomas Dyhrberg. He often defended clients who had few resources but knew they could depend upon HerbÕs compassion, generosity and integrity. He was a respected member of the bar who enjoyed great camaraderie with his colleagues.
     A prodigiously talented singer and songwriter, Herb was a founding member of Devonsquare, the Maine-based folk-rock ensemble. As a senior at Cheverus High School in 1965, Herb and classmates Jeff Rice and Steve Romanoff formed the Devonsquare Trio, named after a neighborhood street (Devonshire) and square (Fessenden). Driven by his love of writing and performing original music, the group evolved into the current configuration of Ludwig, Alana MacDonald and Tom Dean. The trio remained together for over 29 years and recorded five albums, one with Atlantic Records under the tutelage of the legendary Ahmet Ertegun. Nationally acclaimed, Devonsquare enjoyed a faithful following and received accolades from artists as diverse as Aztec Two-Step, Melanie Safka and Allen Ginsburg. Devonsquare is renowned for its unique arrangements, lyrics and exquisite vocal harmonies.
     Herb was a man of many passions: art, poetry, travel, cuisine and baseball, which he considered an art form. His love of art extended to an appreciation of architecture which he shared with longtime friend Neil Martin. Together, they bought and managed several Victorian buildings in the West End over the last three decades, making a conscious effort to maintain their architectural integrity. As a testimony to the value he placed on their partnership, he often said, ÒThirty years, and never a harsh word.Ó
     Herb engendered strong and deep friendships. He valued intellect and imagination. His intellectual curiosity led to eclectic friendships that blended in harmonies that no one expected. He was acutely aware of our ephemeral existence, often exhorting friends to join him in play, saying, ÒWeÕre only here for a minute.Ó In 1987, he married Ann Skelton, M.D. with whom he shared his love of life and their many good friends.
     Born in New Brighton, Beaver Valley, Pa., son of William ÒRedÓ and Thelma ÒTillieÓ Nisbet Ludwig, Herb moved to Maine in 1964 and entered Cheverus High School as a senior, graduating summa cum laude in 1965. He graduated from Boston College in 1969 and Boston College Law School in 1972.
     He is survived by his wife of Old Orchard Beach; his mother and brother Thomas Ludwig of South Portland; a sister, Nancy Ludwig Pease of Winthrop; beloved nephews, Joseph and Jared Lemieux and Jesse and Maxwell Ludwig; and a niece, Danielle Pease.
     A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Oct. 9, at 1 p.m., at Portland Yacht Services, 58 Fore St., Portland.
    
     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
    The Portland Museum of Art
    7 Congress Square
    Portland, Maine 04101
    
     Those who wish to are encouraged to donate blood in HerbÕs memory through:
    The American Red Cross
    524 Forest Ave., Portland Phone: 775-2367
    
     Arrangements made by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 172 State St., Portland.
    Herbert J. Ludwig
    172 State Street, Portland, Maine 04101
    1024 Broadway, South Portland, Maine 04106
    (207) 773-6511 Fax (207) 773-9622
    INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & FAMILY OPERATED
    Attorney, Singer-Songwriter