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ALS claims BYU law professor Michael Goldsmith

Former Student | 1:06 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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.

Bryant Bair | 1:20 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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.

Kent | 1:32 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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

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Another former student | 1:36 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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.

Another former student | 1:38 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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.

Michael Hanagan | 1:45 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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.

Stephen Goldsmith | 2:18 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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.

Greg Dyer | 3:40 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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.

Will | 4:33 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

"Only the good die young."

Heber-ite | 4:41 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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.

ML | 5:03 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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

Richard Sopp | 5:09 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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.

JBB | 5:54 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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

Wes Peterson | 7:41 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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.

Yet another | 8:14 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

"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.

Jennifer | 8:36 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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.

A former student | 9:04 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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.

Yet another former | 9:36 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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.

Ed Young | 9:50 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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.

A friend | 10:30 p.m. Nov. 2, 2009

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

Ben West | 12:10 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

Michael was among the finest teachers I had at the law school. RIP, Rabbi.

Ryan | 6:07 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

I'll chime in as another former student who learned "can do" lawyering from this great man. I had Goldsmith for Evidence and RICO, and worked as his TA for a year. He was a brilliant, compassionate, and very funny individual. We've lost a real hero. Rest in peace, Professor Goldsmith.

Another student | 6:57 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

I had the privilege of taking evidence from Prof Goldsmith. I was also fortunate enough to have him selflessly volunteer his time when my trial advocacy team went to the national finals. I learned about evidence, but more about how to be a decent person and attorney. He also continually urged students to look beyond big law firm paychecks to consider how they could use their law degree in public service, pro bono work, and other endeavors. He will be missed.

One More | 8:05 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

Was anyone else in the class when he prank called President Samuelson during class? Or when he called on a student who heard his name called and said, "what's up?", prompting Goldsmith to call on him almost everyday for the rest of the semester? Everyone around Goldsmith could feel of his zest and love for life. It was infectious. Not only was he the best professor/teacher I've ever had (in any subject) he was a wonderful man. He will certainly be missed.

Anonymous | 8:40 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

I never met him, I wish I'd had a class from him, but I have followed his story and his crusade for ALS awareness and have been moved and inspired. My condolences to his family and my sincere appreciation for a life well lived.

Katy Lundquist | 8:46 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

When Ed Young lost his wife I lost a dear friend and amazing example. The thing that Professor Goldsmith and Bonnie had in common is that they didn't let the disease hold them back. They were still amazing examples of courage and faith despite the debilitating disease or maybe because of it. Those of us who are left behind can honor their memories by facing our daily challenges with the same courage and faith that they faced ALS.

Ute | 9:07 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

While at law school at the Univ of Utah I had the chance to take evidence from Professor Goldsmith who was teaching 2 classed during the summer at the U while working on another project in SLC. Just a cool guy and a great professor.

Former Student | 9:39 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

Great man and a great teacher. He will be missed.

jcbrailsford | 9:41 a.m. Nov. 3, 2009

As I have followed the story of this good man, it brought back memories, both bitter and sweet, of the loss of my brother to ALS a few years ago. It is certainly one of the most devastating conditions out there, but I'm grateful that it at least gave us some time to say goodbye and provided opportunities to show our love for him through service.

On behalf of my family, I express our sincere sorrow to the family and friends of Professor Goldsmith for your loss. It's obvious that he was a wonderful man who blessed the lives of so many. May God bless each of you now during this long but, thankfully, temporary separation.

A Former Student | 12:59 p.m. Nov. 3, 2009

He taught us all to be "can do" lawyers who advocate, study, and prepare. I remember him telling us, "The children of lawyers who do not read the footnotes, starve." I still have his mantra on evidentiary hearsay committed to memory. We've lost a great personality and teacher.

Brad Parkinson | 1:06 p.m. Nov. 3, 2009

The most important thing I learned from him was to be a "can do" lawyer. I rely on that specific advice often and I always remember where it came from.

farewell | 1:29 p.m. Nov. 3, 2009

another great one has been silenced. til we meet again.

Former Student | 3:31 p.m. Nov. 3, 2009

By far, the best law professor I had at BYU. His sense of humor kept me coming back to class and his high level of expectation kept me studying hard! To Carolyn, whom he described as the love of his life, and his children, thank you for sharing him with us! His legacy will always live on.

GP | 4:15 p.m. Nov. 3, 2009

Hands down the best professor at BYU! His real life experience as a former prosecutor made him an incredible asset to the school and my education. However, he distinguished himself even more, which is amazing considering his resume, with his ability to inspire! All of these posted remarks illustrate that ability. At the very end of the last class I had with him he read Rudyard Kipling's poem "If." I have the copy of that poem on my desk and it has been there every day since he gave it to me over ten years ago. Thank you Professor Goldsmith for inspiring so many of us. You are greatly missed. God bless your family.

S Wilhite | 9:23 a.m. Nov. 4, 2009

I didn't know professor Goldsmith, but I did have a friend who succumbed to ALS. Thanks to the Deseret News and to all those who have commented on his life for sharing his story and his impact on the lives of students, friends and colleagues. I am deeply touched.

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