Steven J. Koorse, 49, Was Environmental Attorney

Steven Jay Koorse, 49, died on Oct. 27 in Richmond, Va., after a courageous three-year battle with leukemia.

Mr. Koorse and his wife, Suzanne, discovered the Vineyard in 1979 via Boston, and enjoyed the amazing beauties the Island held out with open arms. In the summers of 1985, 1991 and 1995 they brought back their babies, Brenna (now 18), Haley (now 12) and Jackson (eight).

Mr. Koorse was a partner at the law firm of Hunton and Williams in Richmond, Va., where he practiced environmental law for more than 17 years. He earned a degree in biology from the State University of New York, a master's degree in engineering from the Northeastern University Graduate School of Engineering and a law degree, summa cum laude, from the New England School of Law. He specialized in water quality law and was one of the foremost experts in the country on the Clean Water Act. He was an avid fisherman and loved nothing better than to be fishing off Martha's Vineyard.

Mr. Koorse was uniquely skilled in his combination of legal and scientific knowledge, and had more than 50 articles published in legal, engineering and scientific journals. He was known for his wisdom and good judgment. But all that he did ultimately was for his family, and it is as a loving soulmate and best friend to Suzanne for 26 years and a father to Brenna, Haley and Jackson that he will be most warmly remembered. For them, he has left a great emptiness in the world that will be felt always.

A beautiful memorial service was held at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Richmond on Oct. 30. The family has asked that any memorial gifts be made to the Leukemia Society.