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February 1, 2008

In Remembrance

~ written by Richard Vickers

David H. Bodiker served as the Ohio Public Defender from 1994 until last month. His untimely and unexpected death this week deeply saddens those in our office who knew David as an advocate and colleague.

I served as a supervising attorney in the Ohio Public Defender’s Death Penalty Division throughout David’s tenure as Public Defender. I consider it my good fortune to have worked for him as an attorney and to have known him as a friend.

David was a seasoned lawyer who brought a wealth of trial experience to his position as Public Defender. Yet he was keenly interested in, and supportive of, the post-conviction and appellate litigation that is the primary work of our office. David also maintained a true open door policy and was always available to thoughtfully discuss difficult case related issues. He continually sought to broaden his knowledge of all aspects of the representation of death sentenced prisoners and provided his full and unwavering support for our endeavors to secure justice for them. He also was a committed advocate for reform in Ohio’s juvenile justice system.

David was truly a kind and humane man. He was utterly loyal. If a member of our office needed assistance either professionally or privately he was the first to volunteer. He was also a man of great intelligence, conversant on many subjects, yet in my experience, he valued the thoughts and opinions of all persons who sought his counsel. He will be deeply missed but not forgotten.

Richard Vickers