Edward Louis Friedman

Edward L. Friedman passed away on July 19, 2019, in Houston, Texas.  All who knew him will miss his boundless energy, intellect, and wit.   Whether you rode with him in the Krewe of Tucks at Mardi Gras, tramped through the mud with him at Jazz Fest, contemplated life with him in an obscure dive bar, traveled with him to some exotic destination, joined his quest to find the next great chef, tossed tortillas with him at that Tex-Mex restaurant (which shall remain nameless), or walked with him on a beach anywhere in the world, Ed just made it better.  His passion for his work earned him admiration and respect from his colleagues and national recognition as a top trial lawyer in labor and employment.  It was surpassed only by his passion for his partner and soul mate, Mike Bridges, his family, his vast network of life-long friends, and his pets, Gunther, Henry, Hazel, Lois, and Alfie.  We will miss him fiercely because that is how he loved us.

Ed was born on July 9, 1962, in McAllen, Texas.  He was a graduate of McAllen High School – Class of 1980.  Ed graduated cum laude from Cornell University in 1984 with a degree in Industrial and Labor Relations.  He earned a law degree from the University of Michigan in 1987.  Ed spent many fun-filled summers as a camper and counselor at Camp Chickawah in Maine.  He was a member of the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity.

Ed began his law career in Houston at Liddell, Sapp, Zively, Hill & LaBoon (now Locke Lord) where he was a partner and practiced law for 25 years.  He was a Partner for the past 6 years at Baker Hostetler in Houston. 

Ed was preceded in death by his father, Marvin S. Friedman, and his brother, Lester Friedman.  He is survived by his partner of 23 years, Mike Bridges;  his mother, Thea Friedman of Sun Lakes, AZ;  his brother, Arthur Friedman and wife Debbie of Mill Valley, CA; and sister-in-law, Laurie Friedman of Los Angeles, CA.  “Uncle Eddy” is also survived by four nieces and nephews:  Zach Friedman and wife Jacquee, Rachel Friedman, Nicole Friedman, and Ben Friedman.

Memorial contributions may be sent to: Compassion Without Border; P.O. Box 14995, Santa Rosa, CA 95402. https://give.cwob.org/give/40489/#!/donation/checkout.

Services will be held on Tuesday, July 23 at 12 o’clock (noon) at Brennan’s of Houston, 3300 Smith St.