RIP to Friends and Clients

by: Marc Risman

This past week, we celebrated the birth of the USA on the 4th of July. I enjoyed several fireworks displays, played golf, and learned to paddle board. But July also marks the beginning of the second half of the year. So, at this time, I’d like to recap some of the events of the first half of the year and memorialize some good friends and clients that we lost.

Davy Jones 1945-2012

Davy Jones rose to fame as a member of the Monkees. David Fishof and Lisa Tenner referred Davy Jones and Mickey Dolenz to me to form a corporation for their tour together. Davy Jones was very personable, polite, and fun both in the office and backstage after a performance. Davy Jones will be missed by all, and I am very grateful for getting to know him and being able to help him, too.

Dennis Gomes 1944-2012

Ron Gomes and I worked together at Jones, Jones, Bell, Close, and Brown. That was when I first met his brother, Dennis Gomes.

I met Dennis Gomes again when I represented the daughter and grandchildren of the late Major Riddle in legal matters concerning his casino holdings. Dennis was in charge of the Thunderbird, which was one of Major Riddle’s properties.

Dennis Gomes and I became good friends. Later, we became neighbors. I recall spending many holidays at Dennis Gomes’s home. He had a wonderful family that my heart goes out to. Dennis is busy making deals and doing finger push ups in heaven, now. Dennis Gomes trusted me to handle some very sensitive and important work for his son, Doug. I was shocked to hear that Doug passed away about the same time that his father did. I hope they both find peace.

Leroy Neiman 1921-2012

I am fortunate to represent current popular artists like Wyland and Godard, but my initial introduction into the world of art was through Leroy Neiman. Leroy Neiman and I traveled to the first Goodwill Games in Moscow. Paul Hornung, Don Chevrier, Leroy Neiman, and I hung out throughout those inaugural Goodwill Games in Moscow.

Through the years, Leroy Neiman gave me two (2) sketchings that I will always treasure. One was of Trevor Berbick before he lost his heavyweight title to Mike Tyson. I was Trevor Berbick’s lawyer and often acted as his de facto manager. The other sketch, which Leroy Neiman gave me, was of Light Heavyweight Champion Virgil Hill, who I did manage. If we look at, and see, a beautiful sunset, maybe it was painted by Leroy Neiman.

Ernest Borgnine 1917-2012

I was saddened to hear of Ernest Borgnine’s passing. Ernest Borgnine was a great actor and his Oscar proved that. Although I never saw McHale’s Navy, I know it provided a lot of entertainment for millions of people.

I met Ernest Borgnine on many occasions through his close friend, Mel Larson. Ernest Borgnine would often accompany Mel Larson and Marilyn Larson to auto races and charity events.

Ernest Borgnine always had time to talk to you and make you feel like you were a special friend. My deepest sympathies go out to Ernest Borgnine’s family, Mel Larson and Marilyn Larson, his other friends and extended family, and the millions of fans who enjoyed his work through the years.