Rockville construction update: Funeral home conversion (Photos)

This Rockville property transformation aims to put the fun back in funeral. A former funeral home at 1170 Rockville Pike, for decades attached to the Veneman's music store (now a Bassett Furniture emporium), is being converted to a commercial space with retail and office uses.

JUDGE DAVID CAHOON OF ROCKVILLE PASSES, SCHEDULE OF ARRANGEMENTS TONIGHT & SATURDAY

The Honorable David Cahoon, a Chief Administrative Judge in the 6th Judicial Circuit Court of Montgomery County, and volunteer in the City of Rockville, passed away last Sunday.

Friends will be received tonight, May 10, from 5-8 PM, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 520 Veirs Mill Road, in Rockville.

His funeral will be at the church Saturday, May 11, at 11:00 AM. He will be buried in the cemetery at St. Mary's.

A couple of anecdotes:

I did not know Judge Cahoon, but was aware of his contributions to the community.

A number of years ago, Judge Cahoon was asked to serve on the Rockville Charter Review Commission. Changes regarding city elections were on the agenda. Another Rockville resident known for being active in the community, the late Carl Henn, testified in favor of allowing convicted felons to vote.

When Henn finished, Judge Cahoon said, "I've got some advice for your felon. Tell him to get a commutation from the Governor." It was said in the voice of an experienced veteran of the justice system.

Finally, a few years later, in 2006, I met Judge Cahoon in person when I was running for public office.

I was handing out flyers at a candidate forum at St. Jane de Chantal Catholic Church in Bethesda.  Judge Cahoon attended the forum, and took one of my flyers on the way out.  He stopped to talk for quite a while, and encouraged me to continue to volunteer for public service. I certainly appreciated him taking his time to support and encourage younger people running for office. It was quite a contrast to the ugly, cynical discouragement doled out by county business "leaders," many current elected officials, and the local press.

After that, I have always thought highly of Judge Cahoon. He will be missed, but I'm sure his efforts and service to the community will continue to impact Rockville and the county for many years.