Lee Bearmon '56, Former General Counsel of Carlson Companies, Dies at 88

Lee Bearmon '56 passed away on March 14. He received his bachelor’s degree with from the University of Minnesota, and received his law degree with honors. In 1999, he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus of the Law School. 

Bearmon served three years in the Judge Advocate General’s Department of the U.S. Air Force. From 1960-79, he was an attorney and then partner in the law firm of Levitt, Palmer, Bowen, Bearmon and Rotman, which merged with Briggs and Morgan in 1983. In 1979, Lee joined Carlson Companies, where he became senior vice president, general counsel and secretary. 

After retiring from Carlson Companies, Bearmon served five years as of counsel at Briggs and Morgan. He also was a pro bono mediator, facilitating the resolution of disputes among individuals. He served on several non-profit boards of directors including the Jewish Community Center, Sholom Foundation, Talmud Torah Foundation, and Beth El Synagogue. 

Bearmon and his wife Barbara believed in the importance of education and ethical conduct and established a fund for the teaching of Pirke Avot (Ethics of our Fathers) at the Minneapolis Talmud Torah as well as Funds at the Sholom Foundation, Beth El Synagogue and Jewish Family and Children Services. Consistent with his commitment to ethical concerns, he established the Lee Bearmon Award in Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility Fund at the Law School.

In lieu of flowers, contributions preferred to any of the above established funds. 

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