JEFF WINIKOFF, MAN OF HONOR

From: Steve Alpert
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 11:37 PM

Hi Marge, The funeral service was overwhelming. SRO.... Jeff Winikoff asked not what people can do for him, but what can he do for people. He was greatly admired by his fellow jurists. All of the 15th Circuit Court judges attended. A few spoke to the congregation about what a great judge and man he was. Several politicians spoke about him today. After listening, it can be said that Jeff Winikoff made the world a better place. He left behind thousands of people whose lives he changed for the better. He died a man of honor.
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From: Sydney Smilowitz Ross
Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2008 12:23 AM

Margie, I was going to call you tonight but got involved with other things and got too late. Will speak to you by phone, but in the meantime wanted you to know that Jeff's funeral was what I expected...and even more. Hundreds of people attended...SRO.... Entire court system closed down from his judicial district because all 40 fellow judges from his circuit attended...they actually entered in a procession all together in their robes and were seated by his coffin.

His brother-in-law is a rabbi and he led the service and eulogized him so beautifully along with other superb and heartfelt eulogies by Mark Goodfriend and another of his friends and one fellow judge. One of our very well known and respected county commissioners also eulogized him magnificently. They were friends. It appears that Jeff was very active in the Boca Raton area where he resided and they are going to propose that a specific street be named after him because of Jeff's efforts on behalf of the community.

According to his wonderful eulogies, he was a very loved and respected person who had high ethics, true concern and empathy for others, a quick wit, a great sense of humor, and was highly intelligent, and very gracious and humble. He had only become a judge five years ago, but in that short time he obviously accomplished much.

I introduced myself to his wife, Ellen, who seemed like a very lovely and friendly person, and I was amazed by how she presented herself at this terrible time...she was amazing. I met his two sons, Ben and Sam. Sam is the spitting image of his dad. Both boys seemed lovely and were very gracious as well and handled themselves amazingly well for just losing their beloved father. Jeff's parents seemed to be taking his passing the worst of everyone, which is very understandable. It is very sad when parents outlive their child.

It appears that Jeff was supposed to be shortly having a bypass operation, but unfortunately that did not come to pass so obviously his family was aware of his health problems. The only good thing I can say is that he thankfully did not have a death of suffering and that his send-off was an amazing tribute to him and his family.

Jeff went out in STYLE and others remarked that they hoped when they passed on that they would have such a "send off." My husband attended with me and remarked that he really would have liked the opportunity to meet Jeff and I am so sorry I did not have the opportunity to reacquaint with him,

There is a foundation set up in his name. When I speak to you, I will tell you about it and give you the particulars. The family will be sitting shiva. I will send a condolence card with a note to Ellen and a donation to his foundation.

On Jeff's tombstone they said it would read "CARPE DIEM" because that is how he lived his life. He put a lot of living into his 59 years and accomplished much. He is a tribute to himself....and what a legacy he left!!!!!! I hope he is now busily presiding over cases in heaven.

Fond regards, Sydney