The FBA and its members remember the friends of the association who may be gone, but not forgotten. We value their service to the community through their work toward justice and hope that this may serve as a tribute to them.
Mark B. Sandground, Sr., Esq.
With great sadness, we announce that Mark B. Sandground, Sr. passed away December 30, 2020. He was 88 years old and at the time of his death still practicing law with his own firm. Although his passing is a great sorrow, he didn't suffer much pain and was well-cared for by the medical team at Sibley where he had been admitted 2 weeks prior.
Throughout his cancer treatment which he endured with stoicism and (usually) good humor, he remained steadfast that he wanted to be cured and took on a rigorous treatment plan and continued to work from home when able. When the cancer returned in the Fall, he decided to try another round of therapy, but his body was unable to fight on the way that his spirit would have. Fortunately, his family was able to see him every day he was in hospital at the end of his life. He spoke of all his friends and was grateful for the concern of many who called to support him. (And yes, he even worked a few hours in those final weeks.)
Mark was born June 6, 1932 to Rose and Jack Sandground in Brookline, Massachusetts where his father was a noted parasitologist on the faculty at the Harvard Medical School in the Department of Public Health. An only child and an apt student, he graduated from the University of Michigan (his mother's alma mater) in 1952 and from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1955. He received an Honorary Doctorate from Johnson & Wales in 2000. Mark practiced throughout his entire legal career in the Washington DC Metropolitan region, officing first in the District for 30 years and then in Tysons Corner.
He created a series of law firms after he was established and specialized in matrimonial law. He was known as a legend in the field, a zealous advocate, and aside from thousands of clients drawn from the general community, he represented Senators, Congressmen, Cabinet Members, sports and entertainment celebrities, well-known (and obscure) artists, and even a few rock stars. An omnivore at the Bar, he frequently practiced outside his specialty, representing foreign governments in Washington as well as contractors doing business in the U.S. from abroad. His deep love of France was engendered by long-standing clients from Paris who transacted business in North America. His love of the restaurant community was also legendary. He helped found several D.C. notable eateries in the 1970s including La Nicoise and the D.C. branch of the Palm Restaurant and invested in many others, too numerous to list. He was especially proud of his long association with the late, great Jean-Louis Palladin and great, late Michel Richard and the current luminary Fabio Trabocchi. He was never happier than while at the table of a brilliant chef.
He was especially well-known in the Fairfax County Bar where he was a Circuit Court fixture at Friday mornings 'motions practice' often juggling multiple matters before several different judges. His rivals feared his tactics which were sometimes aggressive (he relished scheduling depositions on weekends and holidays), but most of his colleagues were pleased to be in court with him because of his passion, commitment, and his irreverent and irresistible wit. He made them better lawyers for it.
He was a member of both the District of Columbia Bar and the Virginia Bar for well over 60 years as well as the many local courts.
Dwight F. Jones, Esq.
The Heavenly Father called Dwight Franchester Jones home to his celestial rest at approximately 10:23 a.m. on December 7, 2020. His ascension ended the earthly journey he began on October 28, 1949, when he was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, to the late Robert P. Jones and the late Barbara Bland Jones Newsome.
Dwight accepted Jesus Christ at an early age, was baptized and became a member of Celestial Baptist Church in Portsmouth, where he grew up under the protection of his mother, his grandfather, Thomas "Papa" Bland, his stepfather, Edward Newsome and his large, loving extended family. Around his Mount Herman neighborhood, Dwight, whose nickname was "Penick," was known as a fierce protector of his three younger brothers - Jeffrey, Steven and Craig. He also had a penchant for standing up to bullies on behalf of other children in the community.
As a youngster, Dwight played on the neighborhood football team, where he earned a reputation for being tough despite being smaller than many of his teammates. He graduated in 1967 from I. C. Norcom High School, where he played defensive end on the football team. He continued his education at then-Norfolk State College, where he was a proud and active member of the U.S. Army ROTC program.
Retirement from the military was an introduction to civilian law for Dwight. He enjoyed working as a lawyer and often remarked, in line with his love of the history of the Roman Empire, that he felt the courtroom was the Coliseum and he was a gladiator. He served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Virginia and worked in Norfolk in the juvenile justice system. He prosecuted cases in Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and Circuit Court.
In 1992, he became an Assistant Public Defender for the Commonwealth of Virginia in Fairfax, serving as defense counsel in felony and criminal cases. When asked why he chose serving as a public defender, Dwight commented that he felt everyone deserved representation and that without God's grace, he could have been one of the people he defended. Dwight retired from the State of Virginia in 2010 and began a private law practice. He continued to practice criminal law until his health began to fail in 2017. He joked with family and friends that he was "99 percent retired," though he continued as an active member of the Virginia State Bar until his passing.
Richard Louis Camaur, Esq.
In loving memory of Richard Louis Camaur, Esq., who passed away on November 22, 2020. Richard is survived by his daughter, Elisabeth Camaur Crampton, his son, Paul Camaur, his daughter-in-law, Diana Camaur, his three grandchildren, David Crampton, Aleksandra Cramption and Alexis Camaur, his former wife, Nancy Caumar and his second wife, Wendy Burns Camaur. Richard was born in Healdsburg, California, December 21, 1943 to his parents Josephine Camaur and Cesare Camaur. During his childhood, he became fluent in several foreign languages including Spanish, Italian and German. After high school, he attended Georgetown University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science for the School of Foreign Service in 1965; his Masters in Latin American Affairs, with distinction in 1971; and his Juris Doctor in 1976. Richard served in the U.S. Army Reserve 1965-1973 as a Captain and was stationed in Panama from 1967-1969. He served in the U.S. Agency for International Development from 1969-1979 and was an Economic Affairs Adviser for the U.S. Panama Canal Treaty Negotiating Tea, with the United States Department of State from 1977-1979. Richard also was an instructor at the George Mason University Enterprise Center, Business Institute. In 1980, Richard opened his law firm in Fairfax County Virginia where he provided legal services in the areas of civil litigation, domestic relations, estate planning, probate law, business law and international transactions. He also devoted substantial time to pro bono cases and was a long time member on the Lions Club. And, from 2002 until his death, he was a certified genealogist and active member of the National Genealogy Society.
Alan B. Soschin, Esq.
Attorney Alan B. Soschin, JD, 73, died in his home in Springfield, VA, on Monday, November 2, 2020 peacefully in his sleep. Soschin had practiced law in Washington, DC and Virginia for 50 years. He graduated from Columbia High School in New Jersey, Lehigh University, where he was the editor-in-chief of The Brown & White newspaper, and Georgetown Law Center. He subsequently opened his private practice. Alan was frequently named as a "Best Attorney" in Washingtonian magazine. A longtime resident of Springfield, he was active in the community and in various synagogues. In addition to his brilliant legal work, he will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends as a man of keen humor who never met a pun he didn't like, and many interests ranging from his collection of sports cards and wines, to his well-tended gardens. He was famously thoughtful, wise and kind in all situations. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Nancy Soschin, with whom he had traveled the world; his son Daniel (wife Sydney) of Tampa; his son Charles (wife Erin) of Washington, DC; grandchildren Cooper and Fiona, and his brother, David. He is pre-deceased by his son Aaron.
William John Schewe, Jr., Esq.
William John Schewe, Jr., of Oakton Virginia died on May 18, 2020 of heart failure. Born on November 3, 1948 in Washington, DC. He was the son of the late William John Schewe, Sr. and the late Mary Louise Schewe. He spent his primary and high school years at St. Stephen's St. Agnes School, class of "67, where he excelled in sports, made life-long friends, and was later inducted into SSSAS's Sports Hall of Fame. He graduated in '71 with a B.A. in History from Miami University Oxford OH and later received his JD from George Mason Law School. He started his law career as a Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney before practicing criminal law for over 25 years. He is remembered as a wonderful storyteller who loved his dear friends, family and pets, having fun, his garden, and Virginia Beach where he vacationed for over 60 years. He is survived by the love of his life, his partner and wife of 55 years, Regina Schewe, his children, daughter, Sarah Valverde, son, William John Schewe III, his three grandchildren, Max, Oliver and Nora, his brother, Christopher Paul Schewe and his aunt, Elenore Schewe as well as many cousins.
William D. Cremins, Esq.
William "Bill" D. Cremins, age 81, passed away peacefully in Southport, NC on March 18, 2020, following a brief battle with lung cancer.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts on February 21, 1939, Bill grew up in several places in the United States, including Boston, MA, Dallas, TX, and Springfield, VA, where he was among the first graduating class (1957) of Annandale High School. He then went on to graduate from St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, NY. Following his graduation from college, Bill served two years in the U.S. Army. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, and while married, with two children, Bill worked full time as an insurance adjuster for Traveler's Insurance Company and attended The George Washington University Law School part-time in the evening. Bill earned his JD in 1967 and began his almost 40-year law career in the City of Fairfax. Bill was past president of the Fairfax Bar Association (1980-81) and was active in the Virginia State Bar.
Bill is survived by his wife, Patricia Mennonna Cremins of Southport, NC; his son, Michael Cremins and his wife, Andrea, of Ashburn, VA; his daughters, Kathryn McBride Baker and her husband, Rodger, of Potomac Falls, VA and Jennifer Markley of Fairfax, VA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Patrick and Sarah McBride, Eileen and Brendan Cremins, and Selia and Aidan Markley.
The family would like to extend their gratitude for the loving care Lower Cape Fear Hospice of Bolivia, NC provided to their husband and father in his final weeks.
Bernard S. Gild, Esq.
On April 17, 2020, Bernard Gild passed away due to COVID-19. Born in Brooklyn, New York on May 26, 1929, Bernie was the youngest of six children. He enlisted in the US Navy at age seventeen, serving in WWII and forever identifying himself as a sailor. The GI Bill permitted him to earn an education at the University of Pittsburgh where he became a CPA. He subsequently relocated to the Washington DC area to work for the General Accounting Office. He went on to attend night school at George Washington University School of Law, becoming a member of the Virginia Bar in 1961 and setting up his own firm "Gild & Associates" in Fairfax County where he practiced as a general law attorney for fifty years.
He was a well-known jokester whose joyous, fun-loving disposition made him a magnet for friends. He loved art and reading and played trumpet for the Vienna Community Orchestra. He loved sports of all kinds, playing touch football into his eighties. He was a member of first the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church and later the Fairfax Unitarian Church.
Bernie is survived by his second wife Jo Anne, children Mimi, Max and Christina, and stepsons Chris and Ben. He will be laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery.
Larry J. Tracy, Esq.
Laurence J. Tracy, age 75, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2020 after a sudden and long struggle with heart problems. After 55 years of marriage, he is survived by his wife, Susan of Reston, Virginia, and four children, Laurence J. (Jay) Tracy, Jr. (Judi) of Odenton, Maryland., Stephen Tracy(Isabelle), Christine Stone (Rick) and Michael Tracy (Meaghan) all in Ashburn, Virginia, along with 11 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. Larry came to Virginia in 1951 from Springfield, Massachusetts, where the Tracy family eventually settled in the Lake Barcroft area with his father, Thomas A. Tracy and mother Grace (Collins) Tracy and 7 siblings. He proudly attended Gonzaga College High School (1961), in Washington D.C., Fairfield University in Connecticut, and finishing at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He then received his law degree from George Mason University in 1989, and setup his law practice in the City of Falls Church, Virginia in 1991 and continued to practice law until this year.
Larry was not only proud to be 100% Irish, but was humbled to be sober in Alcoholics Anonymous for 47 years where he learned to grow spiritually and be of service to others. He also carried that same practice of being of service to others in his law practice. In addition to family and friends he leaves behind the joy of playing golf (a spiritual experience!!!), avid reader, the stock market, and great conversations with just about anyone about anything.
The Honorable Charles Henry Duff
On February 7, 2020, Charles Henry Duff peacefully passed away at age 95. Born in Houston, Texas, on February 11, 1924, Charles grew up in Richmond, Virginia, where he attended Benedictine High School. He was a member of the Class of ’45 at Virginia Military Institute but had his college education interrupted in 1943 by World War II. Charles Duff became a commissioned officer in the United States Army, stationed in the Philippines until his return home in 1945.
Following the War, Charles completed his college education at Georgetown University, where he continued to obtain his law degree – but not before marrying his wife of 67 years, Jean Marie Kelleher of Richmond, who predeceased him in 2013.
In 1954, Charles Duff began what would become a most prominent legal career, as an associate attorney with Jesse, Phillips, Kling & Kendrick in Arlington, Virginia. In the early ‘60’s he started his own law firm in Arlington, focusing on insurance defense law. In 1972, he was appointed by Governor Linwood Holton to sit as a judge on the Arlington Circuit Court.
In 1985 he was appointed by Governor Charles Robb to be one of the original 10 judges of the newly created Virginia Court of Appeals. Judge Duff continued to hear and decide appellate court cases until his retirement in 2000.
Charles Duff is survived by his daughter, Anne Marie Chappell, and husband, Jay, of Leland, NC; and his sons, Charles H. (“Mac”) Duff, and his wife, Holly, of Virginia Beach, VA and David L. Duff, and his wife, Nancy, of Fairfax, VA. His third son, Edward Joseph Duff, predeceased him in September of 2012, as well as his daughter-in-law, Glenna Cofer Duff in 2004. Charles Duff is also survived by his grandchildren, Lee Duff, Dr. Mary Hendricks, Kelly and Katie Chappell, and Nicole Coletta, as well as his great grandchildren, Quinn and Wesley Hendricks. He is also survived by his dear companion at Ashby Ponds, Mrs. Barbara Rose. The family further wishes to acknowledge his loving caregiver, Gita Kaderi, who made our father’s final years pleasant and comfortable.
William G. Thomas, Esq.
William Griffith Thomas of Irvington, VA and Livingston, MT, died of heart failure on January 23, 2020. He was born on November 1, 1939 in Washington, DC. He is predeceased by his parents, Henry Phineas Thomas and Margaret Carr Robertson; and his brother, Henry Alexander Thomas. He graduated from Randolph-Macon Academy, attended Williams College and Richmond College, and received his J.D. degree from the University of Richmond Law School. He was married to the love of his life, Suzanne Campbell Foster, in 1960. After graduating from Law School, the couple moved to Alexandria, VA where he opened his own law office. He was a founding partner of Thomas, Kent, Haddock, & Sewell, in 1970 which evolved over the years to Hazel & Thomas, which merged with Reed Smith, LLP in 1999. He continued to practice law with Reed Smith, LLP, primarily in Richmond, VA until his retirement in 2018. Much of his practice was devoted to representing clients before the Virginia General Assembly and Virginia governmental agencies. He was an active member of the Episcopal Church and served his church in many ways including: Senior Warden of St. Paul's, Alexandria; President of the St. Paul's Alexandria Foundation; and as a vestry member of St. Paul's, Millers Tavern. He was active in politics for much of his life. In 1968 he was appointed Secretary of the Virginia Democratic Party and in 1970 was elected Chairman of the Virginia Democratic Party. He was a close adviser to both Governor Charles S. Robb and Governor Gerald L. Baliles during both their campaigns and terms in office. During his life he served on a variety of professional civic, educational and corporate boards and commissions including: The Uniform Law Commission; The American Law Institute; The American College of Real Estate Lawyers; as a fellow of The Virginia Bar Association; Virginia State University; the University of Richmond; the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts; the Center for Innovative Technology; the Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority; the Federal City Council of Washington; Virginia Electric & Power Company (now Dominion Energy); and Perpetual Savings Bank. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed duck hunting, shooting in England, golfing and fly fishing with all of them. He was a member of many clubs including at his death, the Commonwealth Club of Richmond, the Metropolitan Club of Washington, DC, and Burning Tree Club in Bethesda, MD. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Suzanne Foster Thomas; his two sons, William Griffith Thomas, III (Heather) and Alexander Young Thomas (Brigid); and his daughter Margaret Campbell Thomas Konkel (Brian); five grandchildren, Caroline Margaret Thomas, Sarah Lamont Thomas, Liam Alexander Thomas, William Guy Thomas, and Jane Alexander Thomas; and many nieces and nephews.
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