Patrick Artur, 67, lawyer who defended police and firefighters.
His passions included Spanish culture and stray dogs which he saved from homelessness.
BACK IN 1986, when the smoke from the MOVE cataclysm still stained the air over Powelton Village, Patrick Artur and his family had to seek police protection.
Artur, longtime lawyer for the Fraternal Order of Police, represented police officers who were called before the commission investigating the disaster but refused to incriminate themselves.
There was never any real danger to the Arturs, and, in fact, Patrick later became friendly with Ramona Africa, who, with Birdie Africa, were the only survivors of the May 13, 1985, holocaust when police dropped a bomb on the roof of the headquarters of the back-to-nature group, killing 11 people, including five children, and destroying a neighborhood.
"He would see Ramona in court," said his wife, Simone Schlichting-Artur. "He understood both sides of the tragedy."
Patrick Artur, who handled scores of criminal cases involving police and firefighters and others who came to trial in 40 years of practice, died July 8 of lung cancer. He was 67 and lived in Fishtown.
In recent years, Patrick also specialized in cases involving sexual abuse of children.
Besides his devotion to his family, Patrick was a man of other unusual passions, including Spain and dogs.
"He loved the Spanish culture," his wife said. "He spoke Spanish and Catalan fluently."
He met his wife, a native of Germany, when she studied in Spain. They were married in Dortmund, Germany, in 1983. She is assistant head of the culture and communications department and a German professor at Drexel University.
As for pets, the Arturs adopted dogs and then began befriending the homeless ones.
"He would find dogs on the street and bring them home," his wife said. "Four are lying here now, looking at me."
He called Snowdon, Pumpkin, Daisy and Laila his "angels."
Patrick had an equal passion for taking care of the humans who became caught in the toils of the law and needed a friend. He also worked with people caught in the toils of alcoholism and helped conduct them to sobriety.
Patrick Artur was born in Philadelphia to Winifred and Anthony "Doc" Artur. The family ran a motel in North Wildwood, and Patrick got some of his early education there. He graduated from Father Judge High School for Boys. He received his bachelor's degree from La Salle and his law degree from Temple .
"He had an unfailing commitment to his family, clients and anyone in need," his wife said. "His essence and memories will stay with us forever through his sense of humor and his gift of generosity."
Artur served as an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia before starting his own practice. He also worked for a time for the law firm of Mozenter, Molloy & Durst.
He also taught at Archbishop Ryan High School.
Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Chantal; a son, Anthony; and two grandchildren.
Services: Memorial service 6 p.m. tomorrow at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 1904 Walnut St.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Human Society or the Cancer Society.