Obituaries : * Harrison Dunham; Retired Public Defender

Harrison Dunham, who spent more than 50 years representing people accused of crimes in the Ventura and Los Angeles County courts, has died. He was 83.

Dunham’s career in the courts was stopped short in August, when he was forced to retire because of cancer. On Wednesday, Dunham succumbed in the company of his daughter and longtime companion.

He was honored for his career as a public defender and founder of Ventura County’s Conflict Defense Associates at a roast in August, shortly after he stepped down. His daughter said 25 people were expected, but about 250, including judges and prosecutors, showed up.

“He was the most beloved man in the county,” Penelope Dunham said. “He was most beloved mainly to all the poor folks because he would help people for free.”

Dunham was recruited away from Los Angles County 30 years ago to help train deputy public defenders. After retiring at the age of 70, he founded Conflict Defense Associates, a group that represents people who the public defender’s office cannot handle.

Dunham graduated from Harvard Law School in 1936, but had not always spent his days at the courthouse.

During World War II, Dunham ran a Fresno cannery given to him by a former Chicago mobster he successfully defended. When the cannery went under, Dunham returned to law and spent several years as corporate counsel for the Los Angeles Times. When The Times opened television station KTTV in 1950, Dunham was named general manager, but returned to the courtroom when the station was sold a few years later.

In addition to practicing law, Dunham also enjoyed painting, and several of his works decorate the walls of the public defender’s office.

Dunham was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Carroll Dunham, and son, Peter Dunham.

In addition to his daughter, he is survived by another daughter, Pamela West of San Diego, companion Esther Edwards, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura. No memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the newly established Harrison Dunham Legal Services Fund, Ventura County Bar Assn., Suite B, 4475 Market St., Ventura 93003.