In Memoriam: Dennis I. Belcher
April 28, 2017
Dennis Belcher, one of America’s pre-eminent trusts and estates attorneys
and co-chairman of McGuireWoods’ nationally renowned Private Wealth
Services Industry Team, died unexpectedly during a medical procedure on
April 27. He was 65.
Belcher was long recognized as a visionary within trusts and estates law. A
past president of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and
former chairman of the American Bar Association's Section of Real Property,
Trust and Estate Law, his insights were sought out by clients, colleagues
and Congress, where his testimony helped influence the direction of federal
tax legislation.
His greatest impact, however, was on the people who knew him.
“What a wonderful person to know and what a great lawyer to work with,”
said Managing Partner Tom Cabaniss, Dennis’ friend for more than 30 years.
“There was never a time when I saw Dennis that we didn’t talk about — and
usually laugh about — some experience we’d shared over the years.”
A lawyer with McGuireWoods for 41 years, Belcher’s contributions were many.
He joined the firm on May 11, 1976, and became a partner in 1983. He was
recognized numerous times for his professional prowess, including being
honored as a “Most Influential Lawyer” and “Trusts and Estates Trailblazer”
by The National Law Journal.
A national thought leader, news outlets such as Forbes and The Wall Street Journal routinely turned to him for his
unsurpassed expertise. Under his leadership, McGuireWoods’ Private Wealth
Services Industry Team received the highest national ranking for wealth
management from Chambers & Partners, one of the world’s most
authoritative guides to the legal profession. Dennis was “the sort of guy
you want in the trenches with you,” Chambers quoted one client as saying.
“There was no more popular lawyer at the firm than Dennis and no one at the
firm had a better reputation in their field of practice than he did,” said
Chairman Richard Cullen. “His sunny personality and infectious laugh will
be forever missed."
Partner Anne Marie Whittemore added: “Let us remember that infectious grin,
the hearty laugh, the sense of humor and wonder at human foibles and the
uncanny ability to muddle through any complex situation with excellent
judgment and a touch of cleverness. How fortunate we are to be his dear
friends.”
Dennis is survived by his wife Vickie; two sons; and a daughter, son-in-law and grandson.
Visitation will be Monday, May 1, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond. Services will be Tuesday, May 2, at 11 a.m.
at
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1627 Monument Ave., Richmond. A reception will follow at the
Commonwealth Club, 401 W. Franklin St., Richmond.
In lieu of flowers, Dennis’ family asks that memorial donations be made to
the charity of your choice.