Craig Bailey Jorgensen, 57, died from cancer at his home, 13 Mela Lane, Rancho Palos Verdes, California, on October 4, 1993.
Craig, born in Salt Lake City, September 12, 1936, to J. Norman and Clela Bailey Jorgensen, was a senior litigation partner in the Los Angeles law firm of Kindel & Anderson. He is best known for representing securities brokerage houses. Craig was generally recognized as one of the most skilled trial lawyers in California, being acknowledged by his peers for listing in every issue of "The Best Lawyers in America". Among his notable victories in a career of civil litigation was a landmark decision in which he won $1,100,000 for his client, Bateman, Hill, Eichler, Richards from Paine, Webber, Jackson, Curtis for the corporate raiding of a Fresno stock brokerage firm.Craig attended South High in Salt Lake City, where he lettered in basketball and baseball, and sang in the a capella choir. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Utah in 1958, where he affiliated with Pi Kappa Alpha social fraternity. Upon graduation, Craig served four years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Although invited to serve as adjutant (aide-de-camp) to General Matthew Green, then Commandant of the Corps, Craig resigned his commission to enter the University of California's Hastings College of Law. A member of Law Review, Order of the Coif, and Thurston Society, he graduated second in his class in 1965. Craig began his legal career with Kindel & Anderson in 1965, leaving in 1967 for three years to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney, and returning to Kindel & Anderson where he spent the rest of his distinguished career. He was well recognized for his service as a federal prosecutor during which he successfully prosecuted a number of significant white collar cases.
Craig married Judith Canter in 1963. They have two sons, Eric Todd and Matthew Joseph. Craig's family was central to his life. He lived for the happiness of its members, and he knew how to maintain that happiness through his unconditional love, unstinting support, irreverent and irrepressible wit, and grace as a host. He enjoyed playing tennis and golf with his wife and sons through his adult life, expanding his circle when Eric married Christine Yang. He was proud of Judy's art--water color and oils--and of her skills and unreserved love for him and their family.
An avid reader throughout his life, Craig's pleasures also included engaging his family and friends in spirited political economic discussions, competitive handicapping at the track, arm chair judging of prize fights, attending the theater with his wife, and when possible, cranking up his favorite operas on his hi-fi system--old Jorgensen traits. But among all of his traits, the loving husband, understanding father, deeply bonded brother, unflappable, witty, helpful uncle are paramount. Craig was counselor to family, friends and associates. His counsel was direct and honest.
Craig served on the Board of Directors and also a secretary of the Rolling Hills Country Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Robert Norman. He is survived by his wife, his sons, his daughter-in-law, his brothers, Joseph Gilbert of Newport Beach, California; and David Gary of Portola Valley, California; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, aunts and in-laws in Utah and California.
Memorial services are scheduled for Friday, October 8, 2 p.m., at the Neighborhood Church, 415 Pasco del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.
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