Career of prominent lawyer Edward Greenspan remembered at funeral

WATCH ABOVE: A giant in the legal community, taking on many high profile and difficult cases, Edward Greenspan’s family and friends honoured him at his funeral

TORONTO – Family and friends gathered at the Beth Tora Congregation in the city’s north end Sunday to pay their respects to prominent lawyer Edward “Eddie” Greenspan.

The prominent criminal defence attorney – known for his high-profile clients – passed away at his home in Phoenix, Arizona on Christmas Eve.

Allen Linden, one of Greenspan’s former professors, said he will remember the late lawyer for his kindness and generosity.

“For me it’s the kindness, the generosity, helping kids, helping students, helping old friends,” Linden said Sunday. “He did a lot of eulogies. He really would’ve loved to have done his own but Julie did him proud.”

READ MORE: Renowned lawyer Eddie Greenspan dies at 70

Greenspan’s daughter Julianna was among those who spoke at the funeral and delivered a touching and often funny speech.

“They covered every facet of his life. His daughter Julianna’s speech was particularly outstanding and particularly funny,” said Grant Issac, a Mississauga attorney. “The audience was in stiches at times even though it was a funeral. His brother Brian’s speech was also outstanding.”

Greenspan’s legal career spanned more than 40 years, where he defended many high-profile clients including Conrad Black, Robert Latimer, Garth Drabinsky, and a member of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.

WATCH: Famed lawyer Edward Greenspan dies

He was also a staunch opponent of the death penalty and played a large role in educating Canadians about the issue.

Fellow attorney John Rosen said “Eddie” will always be remembered.

“He was somebody who will be long remembered and forever mourned,” Rosen told reporters.

Greenspan leaves behind his daughters Samantha and Juliana, who is a law partner in his firm, and his wife, Suzy. His brother Brian is also a defence lawyer, and his sister Rosann Greenspan works as the executive director of the Center for the Study of Law and Society, University of California Berkeley.