Comments about ‘ALS claims BYU law professor Michael Goldsmith’

I was student of Prof. Goldsmith. He was a great teacher who was gifted at making the subject matter (Evidence and RICO in my case) interesting and he a great knowledge of the law. My prayers go out to children and other family members.

Professor Goldsmith will be missed. I took Criminal Procedure from him in 2007 and he is responsible for my interest in trial work. He was a great teacher.

Farewell, Professor Goldsmith. You will be missed! I am grateful I had you as a law professor for evidence.

Great professor. Made learning interesting, and his example over the past few years makes him even more than the great teacher he already was. My prayers also are with his children and family.

I, too, was a student of Prof. Goldsmith. I was in his Evidence class at BYU. He was a great and caring man whose "can do" approach to life was inspiring. He will be missed by all who knew him.

This is a tremendous loss to the law school and to those of us who were fortunate enough to have this great man instruct us on the law. He taught Evidence, the one class in law school that I not only most enjoyed but also have most regularly used in my career. His manner of teaching was concise, informative, and filled with apt examples. I know that he loved what he did and was devoted to every cause to which he attached his name. May the Lord bless and keep his family.

While we are not related, I had the privilege of spending time with him in Salt Lake City where his inquisitiveness, compassion and good humor were always present. His sense of justice and desire to advance human rights are important legacies his children and the rest of us can carry into the future.

I had the privilege of having several classes from Professor Goldsmith, including evidence and a civil trial practice class. Professor Goldsmith was more than just a teacher, I was proud to consider him my friend.

One of my favorite memorable quotes from Professor Goldsmith was that he would remind us that our law license was like a library card that we could use to research and continue to learn.

His "can do" attitude helped motivate and inspire me as a law student and now in my career. I will miss him as will the entire law school.

"Only the good die young."

I remember seeing Mr. Goldsmith at the local gym and he was always smiling and social. The country is more aware and respective of ALS and the effects because of his efforts. Rest in peace my dear friend.

He was a great example of a fighter. We should all try so hard to make a difference.

I was in the first class Professor Goldsmith taught at BYU. He was an excellant teacher who could even make boring evidentiary concepts interesting. I remember him standing on the desk and shouting "except" while reciting an exception to a rule. He cared about students and will be missed.

Professor Goldsmith was a fantastic teacher and a great man. Rest in peace my friend and teacher.

I took Evidence and RICO and even worked for Prof. Goldsmith for a summer. He was the best teacher and man I met at the law school. It is a great loss for the school but even more so for his family who are in my thoughts and prayers.

"Bold statements persuasively maintained are the law"

I'll never forget Professor Goldsmith. I was lucky enough to be a student in his last class, and it was an amazing experience. His strength of character - and mind - never wavered.

God bless and keep him.

My husband was diagnosed with ALS in December of last year. ALS is an incredibly difficult and challenging disease. Thank you Prof. Goldsmith for raising more awareness of ALS...and MLB is a most fitting way to do so.
I just learned of his passing during game 5 of the World Series - which I understand they are dedicating to him.

Thank you...and my prayers are with the Goldsmith family during this difficult time.
Much love and peace to you all.

The world has lost a giant among its unsung heros. A passionate voice for excellence in the law is now still. Michael’s legacy of service has come to a pause. Yet neither his influence nor his service ended with the closing of his mortal life. Service and can-do creativity was his creed, and he instilled a love of these qualities in many students. His influence looms large and broad.

Until we meet again, shalom dearest friend. I'll continue to honor you by urging each of my students to always be can-do lawyers. Tzedek, tzedek tirdof.

Professor Goldsmith was not only an excellent teacher, he was a man of true integrity and courage who prior to becoming a professor was involved in fighting organized crime, despite the personal risks. He not only talked the talk, he walked the walk. The world is a better place because of him.

I lost my dear wife to ALS on June 12th 2009 after a 3 year badle and can say that it is sad that no cure has been found. They become a prisoner in their body it never affects their mind. Thank you Professor Goldsmith for raising awareness and raising funds to find a cure.

Michael was a great man. I knew him for the last 8 years and watched his struggle with ALS. While it took his life, it never took his spirit. While you may have lost your voice, you gave thousands of others a voice in this fight. You were a true friend.
Dr. J