By Matt Youngfrau
FALLSBURG — August 16, 2002 – The late Murry Gaiman meant a great deal to the Town of Fallsburg.
Gaiman was a prominent attorney who, at different times, served as the Town Justice and Town Attorney in Fallsburg. Gaiman, who died a little over four years ago, was well-respected and liked by town residents.
During a ceremony Tuesday afternoon, town officials named the tennis courts at Morningside Park after Gaiman. This was done after the town improved the tennis courts.
“Murry was a great guy and a great attorney,” stated Town of Fallsburg Supervisor Steve Levine. “He took on many issues and would always see what he could do. He used to give us candy during the meetings. He cared about the town deeply.”
“His loss is still felt by many,” Sullivan County Legislature Chair Leni Binder said. “This is a great tribute to him.”
Over 40 people attended the ceremony, including all of the town board members, the three County Legislators who represent Fallsburg, and Sullivan County Clerk George Cooke.
“Murry was a wonderful human being,” commented Fallsburg Councilman Neil Gilberg. “The town should be very proud we had someone like him. It is an honor that the town can do this for him.”
Gaiman’s widow, Linda, noted that he would have been touched by the gesture.
“Murry would be very proud,” she said. “The courts look beautiful. Murry loved tennis and loved the Town of Fallsburg. He would be very honored.”
“He was a brilliant, outstanding lawyer – but that did not define Murry,” stated current Town of Fallsburg Attorney Bob Krutman, who was Gaiman’s former law partner. “He was honest, compassionate, and loyal. He was a friend to the end. He called it the way it was.”
Cooke noted that it was very fitting to name tennis courts at the park in honor of Gaiman.
“Murry was dedicated to sports,” Cooke said. “It is nice to see Fallsburg taking this step forward. This is a positive for the community and for all of Sullivan County. We are all very grateful.”
Following the brief ceremony, the “new” courts were broken in with a tennis clinic. Those present felt it was a fitting tribute for Gaiman that the courts were used immediately.