Relationships: It’s the number one tenet of the Blum family’s mission statement. First and foremost, we value relationships—with family, with friends, with the Almighty. We’re on the same wavelength with renowned author Arthur Brooks. In his weekly newsletter of Sept. 15, 2025 (“Seven Habits that Lead to Happiness Later in Life”), Brooks affirms that “the best way to maximize your chances of happiness in your 70s…is to pour your heart” into this habit:
“Do the work to cultivate stable, long-term relationships now. For most people, this includes a steady marriage, but other relationships with family, friends, and partners can fit in this category as well…. The single most important trait of happy-well elders is healthy relationships.”
I have been abundantly blessed with relationships in my seven decades on this planet—my wife Laurie, friends, colleagues at work. In today’s post, I want to spotlight one particular relationship—my best friend Talmage Boston. Talmage and I have enjoyed the gift of this extraordinary friendship for 50 years.
I’m proud to announce that a few days ago, Talmage was honored as UT Law School’s 2025 Outstanding Alumnus at the school’s annual gala. I had the privilege of introducing him. It was a challenge to sum up Talmage in three minutes. I narrowed it down to a few themes:
- Talmage is the great connector. He’s the glue that connects the members of the Class of 1978, especially the 22 Canoe Brothers who travel regularly and text daily. By bringing people together, Talmage gives us all the gift of meaningful relationships in our lives.
- Talmage is a role model for an ethical and fulfilling career, following the example of his heroes Abe Lincoln and Atticus Finch (the eminently ethical lawyer in To Kill a Mockingbird). His exemplary volunteer service to the legal profession has earned Talmage numerous well-deserved accolades.
- Talmage is a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and leader in his church and multiple civic causes, always giving from his heart that’s as big as Texas. He lives by the Hebrew imperative “Tikkun Olam”— repair and improve the world, which the Canoe Brothers adopted as our motto. Talmage’s generosity even fueled us to create a UT Law Scholarship, the Marvin Blum—Talmage Boston Endowment for Excellence, in honor of our friendship that started when we were roommates during all three years of law school.
- I concluded by highlighting Talmage’s love of music and singing. One favorite song we share is the Eagles’ “Take It to the Limit.” That song title describes Talmage to a T. In everything he does, he gives his all. In repeatedly “taking it to the limit one more time,” Talmage lives life to the fullest and pulls the best out of all of us.
It’s a challenge to sum up all the life lessons we gain from Talmage in a short speech. I could more easily fill in a book about him. (By the way, Talmage is a prolific writer and author of five books on topics ranging from baseball history to Presidential leadership—including his latest work, How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons from Our Top Presidents.) I’ve featured Talmage in numerous blog posts, but for some more about him, see my post of June 7, 2022, “It’s All About Relationships: My Best Friend, Talmage Boston.”
I’ll sum up by highlighting Talmage’s influence on a value we share: never retire. Moreover, continue reinventing yourself to stay energized and young. I’ll conclude with words from one of the Canoe Brothers’ theme songs, “Forever Young,” that captures the essence of Talmage:
“May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift
May your heart always be joyful,
And may your song always be sung.
May you stay forever young.”
Here’s to my best buddy, Talmage Boston!
Marvin E. Blum
Marvin Blum (right) celebrates his best friend Talmage Boston, UT Law School’s 2025 Outstanding Alumnus, at the school’s annual gala.
Marvin Blum (front row, center) joins members of his Texas Law class to honor Talmage Boston (standing by Marvin).
In introducing Talmage Boston as 2025 Outstanding Alumnus, Marvin Blum extols Talmage’s virtues as an example for all to follow.
Celebrating Talmage Boston with burnt orange UT pride—“Oh, What a Night!”