In Memoriam: Bob Heiserman: A Consummate Gentleman
Remembrance by Howard S. “Sam” Myers.
It is fitting that I'm starting to write this remembrance of Bob Heiserman while awaiting a flight in an airport. Bob seemed to always be in and out of airports flying somewhere around the world. It amazed me how little luggage he carried. "How many clothes does a person really need?" He told me, with that sparkle in his eyes.
His sparkling eyes; that's what I noticed when we met, in Jamaica, at the first AILA midyear meeting I ever attended. Bob's eyes were always animated, as were his wry and witty observations.
The sad news of Bob's passing unleashed a flood of poignant reflections from his many loving AILA friends. Characterized as "a founder", "mentor", "genius", "colossal intellect", "possessing encyclopedic knowledge", "a consummate gentleman", "collegial", "trust and integrity", "truly honorable", "platinum, inspirational", "sharp and knowledgeable", "brilliant", "generous", "beloved", "smart and creative, yet humble", "a selfless person"-attributes that most of us can only aspire to leave as a legacy after this life.
Bob was a long-time member of our organization, holding AILA member number 265. He was one of a relative few who helped created today's modern organization. Bob founded the "Association of Immigration and Nationality Lawyers" Colorado Chapter and was a longstanding and respected member of the Texas Chapter. But, in a way, he was a de facto member of all AILA chapters, traveling to legal education events everywhere to help us learn.
He was among the first of us to focus on ethics as a crucial part of immigration law practice and taught many of us much of what we know. He presented papers and led discussions on professional responsibility and immigration law before civic and professional groups, trade associations, and government agencies both in and outside the United States. He served AILA on its national Board of Governors. He was chair of AILA's national Professional Ethics and Grievances Committee for nine years. Bob was an adjunct professor of law at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.
Humor and irony were important tools in Bob's way of dealing with life as an immigration lawyer. I think that one of his core beliefs was that it is not possible to deal with the challenges and uncertainties we face in life without a humorous perspective. I have not learned as much immigration law and practice from another AILA colleague while laughing. That is one of Bob's legacies that sustains us these days.
Bob's daughter, Laura Heiserman, is having a Memorial Service for her father on Thursday, January 18, 2018, at The University Club in Denver, Colorado from 5:00 - 7:00pm. The University Club is located at 1673 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203.
Laura hopes to hold another service at a later date, so that more people will have the opportunity to honor Bob.
Condolence cards may be sent to the following address:
7880 W. 87th Dr. Unit G
Arvada, CO 80005
We should celebrate Bob's life and feel lucky that we could share it with him. Bob, we love you, we will miss you and treasure our memories.