Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge is saddened to share the passing of one of the firm’s founding partners, David O. Haughey.
Mr. Haughey passed away in his home on Monday, October 19 at the age of 102.
“We were so sorry to learn of Dave’s passing,” said Smith Haughey CEO, Matt Wikander. “It’s always difficult to lose one of our own; Dave was a pillar of this firm and we are forever grateful for his commitment to both Smith Haughey and the legal profession. We hold his family in our thoughts and prayers.”
Mr. Haughey graduated from the University of Michigan law school. He volunteered for the army in World War ll and served as a Captain of an artillery unit in the Battle of the Bulge and the freeing of Antwerp Harbor.
In 1948, as a recent law school graduate, Mr. Haughey joined the two-partner firm of Mitts & Smith. By 1950 he became a partner, and after several changes the firm became known by its current name of Smith Haughey Rice and Roegge. As a young lawyer, Mr. Haughey developed a practice in tort litigation and real estate and financing matters. Later, he focused on product liability litigation, successfully representing clients such as Dow Chemical and General Motors in important trials. A noted trial attorney, Mr. Haughey was an active member of the Grand Rapids Bar Association and the Michigan Bar Association. He was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Society of Barristers. He retired from practice in 1987.
“Dave was my trusted partner and mentor for 33 years, and a good friend for many years after his retirement,” said Bud Roegge, Smith Haughey founding partner. “I never heard a harsh word from him. He was a superb trial lawyer who was humble in victory and accepting in defeat. He freely gave countless hours in teaching younger lawyers his hallmark practices of thorough preparation and unwavering ethics. These lessons have served our current attorneys well and will continue to do so in future years.”
Mr. Haughey will forever be remembered as a remarkable trial lawyer, caring mentor, and true gentleman.