Bruce E. Kaufman

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DePauw University

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Bruce Kaufman Obituary

KAUFMAN, Bruce E.

Captain Bruce E. Kaufman, born November 28, 1929 in Anderson, Indiana, died peacefully in Tucson, Arizona, on January 09, 2021 at the age of 91. The son of Arthur D. and Ann Kaufman, Bruce attended public schools in Waukegan, Illinois, Graduated from DePauw University, and the University of Chicago Law School. He served in the United States Marine Corps, becoming a Captain in the Korean War. He was employed as assistant attorney general in Illinois and practiced law in Lake County, Illinois. Upon moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the 1970's, Bruce practiced law and served as assistant and deputy district attorney in the first judicial district of New Mexico. Additionally, he served as legal advisor to the New Mexico State Police before becoming a district Judge in the first district of New Mexico where he stayed for seventeen years. Bruce and his wife moved to Tucson, Arizona, in 2000. He was proceeded in death by his beloved wife, Hazel, who passed in 2013 and is survived by his two children, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; as well as incredible neighbors, who were his Tucson family. A proud member of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society he was an active rockhound up until a few weeks prior to his death. He leaves behind many loved friends across the country. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Southern Arizona Humane Society would be appreciated. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Feb. 14, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Kaufman

8 Entries

Steve Terrell

February 20, 2021

A true giant in the NM judiciary. I covered, for The New Mexican, many trials he presided over.

One of my favorite Kaufman stories: One day, back in the pioneer days of cell phones, I was sitting in some legal hearing or trial and had forgotten to turn the phone off. Sure enough, at some point the phone goes off.

He didn’t admonish me. He just gave me a look that I’ll never forget, one that told me if I wanted to keep my skin attached to my body I’d better NEVER let that happen again.

RIP, Judge Kaufman. You truly were one of the best.

Trish Bellia

February 15, 2021

A wonderful, honest, gracious human being.
Humane society in his honors name.
Your goodness and kindness will be sorely missed.
Condolences to the family.
He was a very Special soul.

Cheryl Wittenauer

February 15, 2021

I sat in Judge Kaufman’s court many times as a reporter for the Santa Fe New Mexican in the 1980s and early ‘90s. He was much loved by the court community, including journalists, for his fairness, storytelling, kindness, wry humor and authenticity. He was the Real Deal. He always returned my phone calls and helped me understand the law. He treated defendants with human decency and respect. That he loved animals makes him all the more a great guy. I will be happy to make a donation to the animal charity in honor of this good man.
RIP, Judge Kaufman. We loved you.

Dan Cron

February 14, 2021

I have practiced law in Santa Fe for 39 years. Judge Kaufman was my favorite judge of all time. He always treated the criminal defendants who appeared before him with respect. He was the judge that both sides could agree upon to hear a case because he had common sense and was fair to both sides. I appeared before him hundreds of times. Even when he ruled against the position I was advocating, I always felt we were listened to and treated fairly. My only regret is that upon his retirement, Judge Kaufman and Hazel moved away from Santa Fe so I couldn’t visit as much as I wanted. A great judge and great human being. May his family and friends remember his goodness and smile when they think of him.

A Friend

February 11, 2021

Rest in Peace Judge Kaufman. I used to wait on Hazel and The Judge at a Santa Fe restaurant, such lovely kind people. I'm sure their families miss them dearly.

Joseph Rapia

February 10, 2021

Judge Kaufman and Hazel were leaders in Santa Fe in recognizing the freedoms necessary for a vibrant society. I was honored to practice before Judge Kaufman who understood the law and was compassionate towards all. I could go on about his acumen and love for Hazel and for animals. I wish his family, well,

Rena Paradis

February 10, 2021

Bruce was a wonderful judge, lawyer and friend. RIP, judge.

Al Padilla

February 10, 2021

Judge was an incredible asset to the Boys & Girls Clubs Board of Directors in the 80's & 90's. He provided great leadership and wisdom. Everywhere he walked he was respected with awesome creditability.

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