It is with great regret that the firm learned of the passing of Mr. Francis A. Even, an outstanding attorney, and a mentor and friend to all who knew him. Fran's contributions to the firm were extensive, and his willingness to share his time and expertise with the other attorneys of the firm strengthened the foundation responsible for Fitch Even's current success.

Fran joined the firm in 1949 and served the firm and its clients until he retired in 2005. Fran graduated as a mechanical engineer from the University of Illinois in 1942, and graduated from the George Washington University Law School in Washington D.C. in 1949.

Fran was recognized by the profession as one of the nation's leading intellectual property lawyers and trial lawyers. Fran was honored as Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and served in many leadership positions in the profession, including the Board of Managers of the American Patent Law Association; President of The Patent Law Association of Chicago; and Chairman of the Patent, Trademark and Copyright Section of the Illinois State Bar Association.

Fran also served his country with great pride and distinction during World War II. From 1942 to 1945, Fran was a member of United States Army, earning the rank of Major in the Third Infantry Division, 10th Engineer Combat Battalion, as the Army fought its way through North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, Germany, and Austria. Fran was awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government in recognition of his service in the liberation of France.

Fran remained interested in military history and veterans' affairs for the rest of his life, and wrote two works of military history about the World War II period, "The 10th Engineer Combat Battalion in the Second World War and Korea: A Photo History" and "The Impromptu LST Aircraft Carriers of the Mediterranean in World War II."

Fran, in addition, was a devoted historian of Fitch Even and worked many hours documenting the firm's rich and extensive history within the Chicago legal community and the broader national intellectual property bar. Through Fran's research, Fitch, Even, Tabin & Flannery has been recognized as Chicago's longest continuing law practice, starting in 1859.

Fran met his wife of 62 years, Margaret, while studying at the University of Illinois. Fran is survived by Margaret, his daughters, Janet Even (Osborne) of Redmond, Ore. and Dorothy Even Cermak of River Forest; granddaughter, Jennifer Tyma of Phoenix, Ariz.; sisters, Alice Jensen of Arlington Heights and Rosemary McKinzie of Sedalia, Mo.; brother, Richard Even of Arlington Heights; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Fran will be remembered and missed by all at Fitch, Even, Tabin & Flannery.