Attorneys and advocates, academics and activists alike gathered Saturday to honor the life and legacy of University of Hawaii law professor Jon Van Dyke.

By all accounts a brilliant legal mind who made his mark both in Hawaii and abroad, Van Dyke died of a heart attack Nov. 29 in New South Wales, Australia, where he had been expected to be the keynote speaker at a conference on ocean law. He was 68.

Speaker after speaker urged the audience at the East-West Center’s Imin Center/Jefferson Hall Saturday to continue Van Dyke’s legacy to, in the words of eldest son Jesse Broder Van Dyke, "fix injustices and make the world a little better."

When Molokai resident Joyce Kainoa was charged with trespassing for camping on Kahoolawe in 1977, she became Van Dyke’s first Hawaii client. The newly arrived UH law professor got her acquitted.

Kainoa said Van Dyke inspired her.

"I became an advocate for Native Hawaiian rights," she said.

Colette Machado, chairwoman of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees, said Van Dyke played a key role in advancing Native Hawaiian rights. As an attorney for the 1978 Hawaii Constitutional Convention, he helped establish the legal framework for what led to the creation of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Machado also issued a challenge to those assembled at Van Dyke’s memorial.

"I ask that you folks continue his legacy," she said. "The work is not over."

UH law professor Mari Matsuda remembered Van Dyke as a teacher who would challenge his students and who trained them to ask penetrating questions and provide informed answers, especially when it came to constitutional law.

Van Dyke taught his students to "speak quietly, litigate fiercely, love deeply," Matsuda said.

Several speakers spoke of Van Dyke’s significant contributions in the fields of international and ocean law.

Navy Cmdr. Jonathan Odom, deputy staff judge advocate for the Pacific Command, said he and Van Dyke often found themselves at the same conferences or conventions on international and ocean law.

Van Dyke’s opinions on complex or sensitive areas were highly sought, Odom said.

"Jon was like the E.F. Hutton of international law — people would stop and listen to what he had to say."

Eric Broder Van Dyke, the professor’s youngest son, continued the day’s theme of urging the audience to continue his father’s work.

"Jon was a gentle genius who strived for peace, justice and pono in the world, fighting for the rights of those who had no way to speak for themselves."

Of those against what he felt was right, Van Dyke would say, "’If we do nothing, they win,’" Eric Broder Van Dyke said.

Van Dyke’s family and supporters have found another way to continue his legacy through the establishment of the Jon Van Dyke Fund at the William S. Richardson School of Law. The fund will go toward creation of the Jon Van Dyke Institute for International Law and Justice that would promote peace and reconciliation, human rights, environmental and ocean law, and the rule of law around the world.

Checks can be sent to the "UH Foundation (Jon Van Dyke)," Director of Development, WSRSL, 2515 Dole St., Room 216, Honolulu, 96822. Or give online at www.uhfoundation.org/JonVanDykeFund.

Van Dyke is survived by wife, attorney Sherry Broder; his two sons; and daughter Michelle.

Hawaii News Now video: Hundreds pay tribute to law professor Jon Van Dyke