Howard Soifer, an accomplished lawyer, shareholder in the firm of Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, Davis & Gotting, P.C., and proud 1977 graduate of the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, died Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at the age of 53. He began his career as an assistant Ingham County Prosecutor and after entering private practice, specialized in litigation, zoning and employment law. He frequently lectured at Cooley Law School and co-authored an article published in the Thomas M. Cooley Journal of Practical Clinical Law regarding the 1998-99 NBA Lockout.

More than anything, Howard loved sports. Born in the Bronx, New York, on March 16, 1949, Howard was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and throughout his 29 years in East Lansing, he was a loyal Michigan State University Spartan fan. Later in his career, Howard’s passion for basketball, baseball and football led him to represent several prominent professional athletes.

Howard was an active member of the greater Lansing community serving on the Boards of Impression Five Museum; East Lansing Education Foundation; Michigan State University Department of Jewish Studies; and Congregation Shaarey Zedek. It was with great pride that Howard served as the President of Congregation Shaarey Zedek from 1998 to 2000 and received the 2001 Community Service Award from Impression Five Museum, which was recently renamed the “Howard J. Soifer Community Service Award.” He was a member of the American Bar Association, and the State Bar of Michigan, where he served as a Bar Fellow.

Howard was a devoted husband and best friend to his wife of more than 30 years, Sandy Soifer, who he met when they attended high school together in Spring Valley, New York. His greatest source of pride was his family: daughters, Halie and Marci; sister, Fern Saltzman; sisters-in-law, Penny Wein and Ellen Kirsch; brothers-in-law, David Kirsch, Bruce Wein and Steven Saltzman; father-in-law, Al Kirsch and his wife, Mimi; and his eight nieces and five nephews. Howard was pre-deceased by his parents, Marvin and Marilyn Soifer of Monsey, New York.

All who were part of Howard’s life will remember him for his great sense of humor and his extreme loyalty, integrity and strength. Howard was truly a warm, caring person and an exceptionally devoted father and friend. Howard touched the lives of all who knew him. His dedication to his family, and his passion and love for life will never be forgotten.

Few, if any, of us truly love the law, or love being a lawyer, as much as Howard Soifer did. He considered every moment of every day as a new and exciting chapter in the great story of life. His enthusiasm and his passion was both infectious and awe-inspiring. He will be truly missed by family, friends, partners, clients and colleagues alike, all of whom know that life without Howard just will never be the same.

Funeral services were held for Mr. Soifer on Friday, January 31, 2003 at Congregational Shaarey Zedek, East Lansing, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to The Israeli Fellowship Program, University of Michigan Department of Radiation Oncology, 1500 Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0010.