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Raymond William “Bill” Fitch obituary 3/10/99


Raymond William “Bill” Fitch, age 67 of rural
Montrose, died Wednesday, March 10, 1999, at Buffalo Hospital.
Bill was born in Minneapolis April 10, 1931, the son of
Ray W. and Eleanor Fleetham Fitch.
Often referred to as the dean of workers’ compensation
in the state of Minnesota, Bill graduated from the University of Minnesota
in 1955 with a doctorate in law. He was admitted to the Minnesota bar in
1957 and to practice before the United States Supreme Court in 1988.
Bill began his legal career as a judge advocate in the
U. S. Army in Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. On return to Minnesota, he practiced
with Tyrrell, Jardine, Logan and O’Brien in St. Paul, and then with Robb,
Robb and Van Eps in Minneapolis.
In February 1968, Bill founded his own firm with the intent
of practicing exclusively in the area of workers’ compensation. The firm
of Fitch, Johnson, Larson, Walsh, and Held continues to be the largest firm
in Minnesota to practice exclusively in the area of workers’ compensation
and employment law.
Bill was tireless in his legal career. He tried hundreds
of workers’ compensation and liability cases and appeared on numerous occasions
before the Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals and Minnesota Supreme
Court.
He testified before the legislature, proposed legislative
changes, and annually presented a seminar on workers’ compensation to numerous
clients. Representative clients include Western National, Federated Insurance,
General Casualty, Ohio Casualty, Risk Enterprise Management and American
States Insurance.
Bill was a member of the Hennepin County and Minnesota
State Bar Associations, the Minnesota Defense Lawyers Association, and was
listed in Who’s Who in American Law 1987-1989 and “Who’s Who in the
World” 1989-1990.
Representative Supreme Court cases in which he was involved
include Lambertson v. Cincinnati Corporation, Joyce v. Lewis Bolt &
Nut Company, Margrum v. Serice Construction Company, Haverland v. Twin City
Milk Producers, Assn.; and Fidler v. North Star Hockey Partnership.
Bill regarded members of his firm as not just business
associates, but as family members. He took a deep interest in their professional
and personal lives. He was also known for extending the same interest to
his clients, forming life-long relationships.
He was proud of all members of his firm and spoke highly
of former firm members Peg Brenden, Janice Culnane, and Kathleen Behounek,
workers’ compensation judges, and Deb Wilson, on the Workers’ Compensation
Court of Appeals.
In February 1998, on the 30th anniversary of the firm,
Bill retired from the practice of law, but stayed active in the firm attending
meetings, handling arbitrations, and attending firm events.
Bill was a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem since
1977 and a faithful member of the Church of St. Mary in Waverly, serving
on the parish council. He sang in St. Mary’s liturgical choir and in the
archdiocesan choir.
Bill is survived by his wife Antoinette of Montrose; sons,
Albert, Robert (Molly), and Michael (Kristin), all of Minneapolis, daughter,
Mary Therese (Anne) of Belle Plaine; grandchildren, Sarah, Grace, Lily and
William; sister and brother-in-law Marilyn and Frank Gibbs of Bloomington;
other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray W. and Eleanor
Fitch.
A concelebrated Mass of the Resurrection was Saturday,
March 13, 11:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Mary in Waverly. The Revs. William
F. Martin and David Suwalsky. S.J. were the concelebrants. Interment followed
at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Friends called at the church Friday, March 12, from 5 to
8 p.m. and also on Saturday one hour prior to Mass. A prayer service was
at 7 p.m. Friday.
John Suwalsky and Larry Pecchia were the readers for the
Mass; Al Suwalsky, Joanie Suwalsky and Mary Barry were gift bearers. Communion
meditation was by Mary Therese (Anne). Eucharistic ministers were John Suwalsky,
Sue Suwalsky, and Bea and Pete Gagnon. Vic Johnson, David Larson and Michael
Fitch gave the eulogy.
Special music for the Mass was provided by the St. Mary’s
Funeral Choir, Schola of St. Anne’s Parish, Jim Noble, cantor; Mark Seerup,
oboeist; Shelby Logeais, bell tree carrier; John Gibbs, bagpipes; and Jay
Huntstiger and Patricia Munson, directors/organists.
Wilbur McLaughlin, Warren Larson and William Haas were
honorary casket bearers. Active casket bearers were Vic Johnson, Dave Larson,
Mark Freeman, Mike Carr, Paul Schmidt, Clarence Birk, David Gillham and
Peter Trebtoske.
Memorials are suggested for the Church of St. Mary or the
Minnesota Orchestra.
The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo served the family.

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