Thirty-four years is not a long time, at least not to two of the most important men in my life.
The first man was my father, Robert Clark Neff, who had just concluded thirty-four years of service as Bucyrus City Law Director when I joined him in The Neff Law Firm, Ltd. in 1996.
The second man was Judge S. Arthur Spiegel, who I had the privilege of clerking with from 1983-1985 and who concluded thirty-four years of service as United States District Judge at 9:15 P.M. this past New Year’s Eve. As Cincinnati radio station WLW reported:
“He was appointed as United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio in April, 1980. He entered duty June 5, 1980. [He] took senior status in June 1995, and continued service on the bench until his death.”
Both men were World War II veterans, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, respectively. Both served in the Pacific Theater. Both knew that nothing in civilian life, including the conflict-ridden legal profession, held any terror for them. And both men personified the wisdom attributed to fellow Ohio native and Shawnee Chief Tecumseh:
“So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and
Demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life,
Beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and
Its purpose in the service of your people.
Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend,
Even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and
Bow to none. When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and
For the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks,
The fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and nothing,
For abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.
When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts
Are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes
They weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again
In a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.”
I am privileged to have witnessed the courage with which my father died. And I know that Judge Spiegel, who remained active until just days before his recent passing, died the same way. May we be so bold as to follow their example.
– Rob Neff