Obituary: George J. Bedrosian

George J. Bedrosian, who in 2005 was named the first ombudsman for the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, died Sunday, Nov. 30.

Until his death, Bedrosian remained active in alternative dispute resolution, including facilitations, mediations and arbitrations.

Bedrosian was a partner in the Detroit law firm of Goodman, Eden, Millender, & Bedrosian for more than 35 years.

He was a Fellow in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and served on its Board of Directors; a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers; and, Advocate for the American Board of
Trial Advocates.

The list of groups for which Bedrosian served as chair or president is lengthy, including: president, Michigan Trial Lawyers Association; chairman, State Bar of Michigan Negligence Law Section; and, chairman, State of Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission from 1987-1990 after having already served as a member for three years.

Bedrosian provided service to the Michigan Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions-Civil, serving as a member from its inception in 1975 until 2001.

He became part of the Malpractice Subcommittee, drafting the first set of standard malpractice instructions.

Bedrosian was very involved in creation of the Michigan Model Civil Jury Instructions used today in courtrooms across the state.

He also had an active interest in the arts community and served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

In 2009, Wayne State University Law School honored Bedrosian as a “Treasure of Detroit” and presented him with its Distinguished Alumni Award.

In appointing Bedrosian as the federal court ombudsman, then Chief Judge Bernard Friedman said: “The degree of respect that the bench and bar have for Mr. Bedrosian, along with his outstanding reputation, will enable him to function as Ombudsman with the support and cooperation of all.”

As ombudsman, Bedrosian served without compensation to address and resolve sensitive problems and issues brought to him by attorneys and judges.

“Through decades of service and leadership, George Bedrosian has been a shining beacon of good will, humility, courtesy and integrity, and a model for lawyers who followed after him,” said current Chief Judge Gerald Rosen. “Our court has indeed been fortunate to have George serve as our ombudsman to the legal community for almost a decade, and we have lost not only a beloved and trusted friend and colleague, but a true giant in our community.”

Bedrosian’s wife of 55 years, Gina, preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughter, Georgina. 

A memorial service was scheduled today at 11 a.m. at the Voran Funeral Home, 23701 Ford Road in Dearborn.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Old Newsboys Goodfellows Fund, P.O. Box 44444, Detroit, MI 48244; National Resource Defense Council (NRDC.org); Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO.org); Public Radio and/or Public TV (WDET.org, DPTV.org).

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