From Michael L . Cook Former Chair , American College of Bankruptcy The College lost a gifted Fellow when Chris Meyer recently died . Many people can rightfully claim his loss : his family ; his friends ; his law partners and colleagues ; and the legal community that valued his credibility and effectiveness .
Others can tell you about Chris ’ s lawyering . He was universally regarded as a star . As his close colleague in the College ’ s leadership for about six years ( he was Chair of the Board of Regents ; College President ; and College Chair ), I know Chris to have been a superior human being . Paul Singer and Jan Baker , my predecessors as College Chair , regularly talked with me about Chris ’ s wisdom , maturity , common sense , and effectiveness .
Chris and I met about thirteen years ago during College events . He was always supremely likeable , but also direct , clear and unpretentious . His easy manner made it easy to solve whatever problem arose . There was no self-promotion , prancing , preening or pandering . You always wanted to spend time with the man . We were partners in fostering the College ’ s public service mission .
Chris ’ s perspective on human relations was superb . When two Fellows got into a nasty public fight at a College event , Chris comforted me . As he saw it , X was just being X , and Y was just being Y . Everybody knew their quirks . We should just move on .
When another Fellow was tarnished unfairly in a public scandal , Chris advised me how to handle the problem for the College . More importantly , he advised me how to support the Fellow during a painful period---with grace and sympathy .
Chris ’ s gentle manner , generosity and wisdom will stick with me to the end . He was not only a wonderful teacher and mentor , but also a superb friend . Above all else , he was what many of us would call a mensch .
From Hon . Laurel Isicoff
Chris Meyer came into my life in 1985 , when I was starting my second year at Squire Sanders & Dempsey . I came to the firm after a clerkship at a state appellate court and was working with the real estate and corporate departments of our Miami office . My colleague was working on a bankruptcy case with Chris , a young partner in the Cleveland office . My colleague left the firm and recommended I take over her position as Chris ’ local attorney on a chapter 11 bankruptcy case . From then on , Chris was my mentor . He taught me bankruptcy , he mentored me throughout my tenure at SS & D , and continued as my friend and mentor until he passed away .
As early as at my formal investiture ( Chris flew down for the day from Cleveland ), and as recently as the mentoring panel at our 2023 Spring meeting , I shared and acknowledged that Chris Meyer is the reason I entered the practice of bankruptcy . Chris was my first example of what it requires , and what it means , to be the best I could be .
Chris was not only my forever mentor , he was also a dear friend . I don ’ t know who or what I would be without having had Chris in my life .
From Melissa S . Kibler Chair , American College of Bankruptcy
Chris loved the College . After joining us in Washington DC this March , Chris expressed his excitement about the trajectory of the College , and what a treat it was to see everyone and be back at the Reynolds Museum . He was an intentional and selfless leader , fostering a special sense of camaraderie , purpose and professionalism in those around him . I would not have had the privilege of serving as College chair were it not for Chris , and I am truly grateful for his
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