(1922 - 2012)
During WWII, Charley Hvass was a pilot and Acting Command Pilot, 1st Lieutenant, with the 564th Squadron, 389th Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force. He was stationed in Hethel, England and flew bombing missions over Germany. After the war, he hung his shingle in Minneapolis and became an outstanding plaintiff's personal injury trial lawyer specializing in airplane crash cases. He was known for his thoughtfulness, logic and preparedness. He had a commanding presence, generosity, and was happy to advise: "Be anxious for nothing." In 1977, Charlie was named "best all-around trial advocate" in the Minneapolis Star reader poll.
A June, 1983, case report shows that Charley represented a passenger injured in an out-of-control dive of a Trans World Airlines jet six miles over Michigan. The jury ruled that TWA was to blame, but also ruled that the manufacturer, Boeing, was partly negligent. After four weeks of testimony, the jury deliberated for one day and awarded $350,000 to Charley's client, Holly Wicker of Minneapolis, who suffered back injuries during the dive. Her husband, Tim, received $44,000 for his wife's medical expenses and loss of household services.
Other than practicing trial law, Charley's great passion was golf. He first shot his age at 71 and continued to do so until he was 88.
