Fall 1983 – Issue 30 - Stanford Lawyer - Stanford University

Edwin Gerhardt '34After almost forty years as an admiraltylawyer for Lillick, McHose& Charles in San Francisco, EdwinGerhardt suffered a serious stroke.His doctors gave him an ultimatum:retire."It was a big blow to me," recalledGerhardt, 71. "I had always been soactive. My work was really central tohow I thought of myself as a man. Iwas a lawyer, period."For awhile I sat around and ragedand sulked," he said. "But when afriend suggested that I do some communityservice work, I decided toinvestigate."Over the past eight years, Gerhardt,a resident of Menlo Park, hasbeen a volunteer with Little House,the Kiwanis Club, and the AdvisoryCouncil of Retired Senior Volunteersfor San Mateo County.He has served on administrativeboards, visited convalescent homes,taught dominoes, driven elderly pa-tients to doctors, called bingo, writtennewsletters, delivered meals,and staged plays for benefits. In1980 he received a special commendationfrom Little House for his servicesto hospital patients."My own frustrations recede whenI attempt to bring out a smile or occasionallaughterto the people I visit,"he said. "When I teach dominoes, I'mnot just teaching dominoes, but tryingto impart some joy and understandingas well."I have gained so much from thiswork, I think about people and valuemy friendships much more now.And I have learned a great degree oftolerance, patience and empathy."Have his views on successchanged? "I think I burned too muchmidnight oil and should have spentmore time with my family. Thosebonds are really important as you getolder," he observed. "I am reallythankful for my wife and daughter. Icouldn't have gotten through thiswithout them."Any advice for younger lawyers?"Yes. I would counsel them to considerfinancial planning from the firstday they go to work," he said. "Get agood investment counselor. Learn toshield money, and figure out the taxconsequences of what you do, so thatyou will still have a fair income whenyou are no longer working.".Gerhardt (center) has beencommended by Little Housefor volunteer service to theill and elderlyFall 1983 Stanford Lawyer21