E X E C U T I V E
D I R E C T O R ’ S
M E S S A G E
J o h n F. K y n e s - H i l l s b o r o u g h C o u n t y B a r A s s o c i a t i o n
Barry Cohen’s lasting legacy
“Barry Cohen’s legal skills were matched only by his willingness to
take on the causes of those who have no voice in the judicial system.”
C
—tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn
hampion for the underdog. Relentless
Cohen’s widow, Barbara, family members and close
advocate. Voice for the voiceless. Dedi cated
friends eulogized Cohen and talked about his dogged
to protecting the most vulnerable. These
determination, his generous heart and compassion for
are all characteristics that have been used
others, and his keen sense of humor.
to describe the late Barry Cohen, one of
“Barry Cohen’s legal skills were matched only by his
Tampa’s legal legends, who
willingness to take on the
died this past September of
causes of those who have
leukemia at the age of 79.
no voice in the judicial
Cohen had a larger than
system,” said Tampa Mayor
life personality and a unique
Bob Buckhorn.
style all his own — in and
“Barry’s love of the law
out of the courtroom — and
was equally matched by
his impact on Tampa’s legal
the size of his heart,”
community will not soon
Buckhorn added.
be forgotten.
Tampa attorney Steve
And no doubt everyone
Yerrid talked about Cohen’s
associated with the HCBA
illustrious legal career and
and the Bar Foundation, and
some of the memorable
all those who visit the
cases he handled over
Chester H. Ferguson Law
the years.
Center, will continue to feel
“Barry was one of the
Cohen’s presence well into
finest trial attorneys who
the future.
ever walked into a criminal
That’s because, as I’m
courtroom,” Yerrid said of
Barry
Cohen
with
this
wife
and
children
at
the
Chester
sure most know, a large
his close friend.
Ferguson Law Center ribbon-cutting in 2008.
portrait of Cohen hangs in
Yerrid also told those
Cohen Hall, the large
gathered about the tremen -
banquet room named for him at the Ferguson Law Center.
dous grace, strength and courage Cohen showed in his
Cohen was a one of the strongest supporters of the
final days as he battled the disease that ultimately took
HCBA having its own building, and he was one of the
his life.
largest financial benefactors of the project, which was
Finally, at the end of the memorial service, they played
completed in 2008.
a recording of the song “My Way” sung by Frank Sinatra.
And his portrait in the Cohen Hall is a constant
After the song ended, people started to filter out, and
reminder of his dedication to the enduring principles of
everyone smiled.
fairness and equal justice under the law for all.
They all agreed it was a fitting way to end the service,
More than 400 people attended Cohen’s memorial
and to remember their good friend and a life well lived.
service at the Bryan Glazer Family Jewish Community
Center in September.
Continued on page 9
8
NOV - DEC 2018
|
HCBA LAWYER