– Long-tailed: ‘University of Kentucky law professor’
– Long-tailed: ‘Revered law professor dies at 83’.
Retired University of Kentucky Law Professor Bill Fortune Dies at 83
Retired University of Kentucky law professor William H. “Bill” Fortune, a dedicated academic and public servant, passed away on Monday, Jan. 29, according to his family. He was 83 years old.
A Legacy of Teaching and Service
Fortune spent an impressive 43 years teaching criminal law at his alma mater, the UK J. David Rosenberg College of Law. As a professor, he specialized in criminal procedure and ethics, taking occasional leaves from his teaching duties to work as a public defender.
Robert G. Lawson, professor emeritus and former dean of the UK College of Law, spoke highly of Fortune’s dedication to helping others, saying, “He’s going to leave an unbelievable legacy. He spent his whole life trying to help people.”
Throughout his career at UK, Fortune held various leadership positions, including chairman of the University Senate, associate dean of the law school, and academic ombudsman. Even after retiring from the university in 2012, he continued to teach.
Devoted to Teaching and Real-World Applications
Paul Salamanca, the Wendell H. Ford Professor of Law at UK, praised Fortune’s teaching approach, which focused on a “problem-based approach” to help students think about the real-world applications of what they were learning. Fortune wanted his students to be able to practice law confidently once they entered the professional field.
Salamanca said, “He was interested in methods of teaching that would reach them.”
A Life of Public Service
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Fortune also took on pro bono cases and worked as a public defender on three separate occasions. He served in federal courts in Los Angeles and Lexington during the 1970s, and in the state court system in Pikeville from 1992 to 1993.
Fortune’s interest in the judiciary extended beyond his teaching career. He authored several books on the legal system, including two focused on the federal courts in Kentucky. He was actively involved in organizations such as the Fayette County Bar Association and the Kentucky Bar Association.
Remembered as a Respected and Kindhearted Individual
Colleagues and friends of Fortune remember him as an unconventional academic who genuinely cared about people. Salamanca described him as “a lawyer as well as a professor” and someone who was highly respected by everyone.
Fortune’s friend and fellow bicyclist, Tom Eblen, emphasized his kindhearted nature and his interest in helping others. Eblen mentioned Fortune’s involvement in mission work through Second Presbyterian Church, as well as his volunteer work for organizations like Meals on Wheels and ITNBluegrass.
A Lasting Impact on the Community
Fortune’s impact extended beyond his professional and volunteer work. He actively sought to make newcomers to Lexington feel welcome and helped them integrate into the community. He organized hikes and biking trips to introduce new faculty and community members to others.
Salamanca spoke of Fortune’s generosity and willingness to share his resources, saying, “Bill would do what he thought was helpful to make people feel comfortable in this community.”
An Active Lifestyle and Love for Bicycling
Fortune led an active lifestyle, regularly exercising at the High Street YMCA and participating in the Bluegrass Cycling Club. He was an avid bicyclist who enjoyed exploring the countryside with friends. At 68 years old, he embarked on a nine-week cross-country cycling trip from Seattle to Portland, Maine.
Fortune’s friend, Tom Eblen, noted his passion for biking, saying, “He just really got a lot of pleasure out of riding.”
Farewell to a Respected Educator and Community Member
Funeral arrangements for Bill Fortune are currently incomplete. His passing leaves a void in the University of Kentucky community and the wider Lexington area. His dedication to teaching, public service, and helping others will be remembered as his lasting legacy.
Herald-Leader reporter John Cheves contributed to this story.
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– Unbelievable legacy of revered University of Kentucky law professor
– University of Kentucky law professor’s incredible impact and legacy.
