There are some people in life who stand out as unique and extraordinary, and it’s not always easy to figure out all the reasons why they are as they are. It can be a matter of talent and intelligence, empathy and wisdom, but these characteristics alone do not necessarily define why some of us exert higher measures of both influence and caring on those around us. Norman Dorsen of Cornwall and New York City was such a person. He died at the age of 86 on Saturday, July 1, and leaves behind a void that affects many circles of colleagues, friends and loved ones across the region and the globe.
Norman was surely known best as the counsel (1969), then president (1976 to 1991) of the American Civil Liberties Union, and, since 1961, professor of law and then director of the Hays Civil Liberties Program and founding director of the Hauser Global Law School Program at New York University.
But at The Lakeville Journal, we knew him as one of our investors, a member who was tremendously supportive, kind, wise and funny, always ready to argue a point yet also to encourage this small group’s continuing commitment to community journalism.
He was brought to our ownership by A. Whitney Ellsworth, our then-managing partner, as he was nearing the end of his own life in 2011. Whitney pulled Norman into one of The Lakeville Journal’s meetings (which would be Whitney’s last) with great enthusiasm and with his own high level of persuasion, and Norman then became part of our group after his beloved wife Harriette’s death that year.
Norman Dorsen was a great man, yet a modest man, who always thought of and expressed interest in everyone around him before himself. His profound insight into life and his relentless dedication to the truth and civil liberties for all made him a role model and hero for many, including us at this newspaper. Like many others in this area (especially in Cornwall, where he made his second home), we at The Lakeville Journal feel fortunate and grateful to have known him. He has left a legacy like no other. We, as do so many others, mourn his passing, and will greatly miss him.
If anyone has memories of him they would like to share, they would be most welcome. And, do go to The New York Times website to see his obituary, where the many facets of his life come together and form a full picture of the man, known and loved by so many.
