Tribute to Bernard G. Peter, Jr.

The Officers and Section Council of the Corporate Law Departments Section were shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Bernard “Bernie” G. Peter Jr. in August. Although Bernie had been ill for some years, he always seemed to bounce back from any relapse, more than once attending a Section Council meeting from a hospital bed. Once when we suggested that he needed to focus on his medical care, Bernie brushed away the concern by stating that he was bored waiting for somebody to come to the room, and he would rather be participating in the meeting than staring at the ceiling.

Bernie had just been recognized for his service as Editor of the Corporate Law Departments Newsletter, a post he cherished and diligently fulfilled. Under his stewardship, the newsletter went from nearly moribund to publishing almost every month, offering substantive articles on a wide range of topics. Bernie set the example for others on the Section Council by finding articles written by law firms and appearing in other newsletters, culling the best for the Corporate Law Departments newsletter.

At the same time, Bernie edited the newsletter for the Employee Benefits Section, sometimes utilizing an article in both newsletters. However, the breadth of the articles published in the Corporate Law Departments newsletter, whether written by members of the Section Council or contributed by others, was vastly broader. Even when he was not familiar with the topic, Bernie recognized strong writing and interesting content. The ninety newsletters he produced for the Corporate Law Departments Section, totaling over 570 pages, brought timely information and provided true value to the members.

Although he was not able to attend in person, Bernie had just ascended to the Chair of the Employee Benefits Section Council, having progressed through the leadership of that Section while editing both newsletters and fighting his personal battle. Both sections will miss him greatly, not just for his contributions, but for his depth of knowledge, his sly humor, and his willingness to give advice when asked.

In addition to his roles on the Corporate Law Departments Section Council and the Employee Benefits Section Council, Bernie was a staunch (and very vocal) supporter of the Illinois Bar Foundation, even when he was not a member of their Board. The IBF posted the following tribute:

It is with profound sadness the Illinois Bar Foundation shares the passing of longtime Board member and dedicated supporter Bernard “Bernie” Peter.

Bernie was a true champion of the Illinois Bar Foundation. A passionate advocate for pro bono service and the Foundation’s Champions Program, he believed in expanding access to justice and inspiring members of the legal community to give back. He will be deeply missed by his fellow Board members, colleagues, and friends.

We are grateful for Bernie’s years of service and the lasting impact he made on the Foundation and legal community. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In recognition of Bernie’s longstanding support of the Illinois Bar Foundation, the Section Council recommends that anybody wishing to honor his legacy do so by contributing to the Illinois Bar Foundation, in any amount. The Corporate Law Departments Section Council is naming an upcoming CLE on pro bono activity of in-house counsel in his honor.

Tribute authored by Margo Lynn Hablutzel, Chair, Corporate Law Departments Section Council.