Marcel Molins 1936-2021

Marcel Molins, 84, passed away on March 1, 2021, at his home in Chicago, Illinois.

He was born in Granollers, Spain, during the Spanish Civil War.

Although he grew up in challenging circumstances, he was studious and hardworking. He graduated from the University of Barcelona with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree in 1958. He had a thirst for knowledge, an adventurous spirt, a desire to see the world, as well as knack for finding (and then taking advantage of) opportunities. Through a series of scholarships, he studied in London, Strasbourg, Hamburg, Trieste, and Helsinki, before coming to Chicago in 1963 on a Fulbright Scholarship to study comparative law at Northwestern University School of Law. He received a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree in 1964, after which he attended Loyola University School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree just two years later in 1966. Marcel then started working as a lawyer for the Chicago office of Baker McKenzie. His practice focused on international transactions law, and he mainly advised companies investing and doing business in Latin America and Europe. He was extremely devoted to the firm, so much so that he worked at Baker McKenzie for 50 years, finally retiring in 2016.

Although he considered himself a Chicagoan long before that, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2016. He was principled and firm, yet kind and generous. He was extremely smart, but had no ego. He was deeply loved and is sorely missed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Martina Molins; devoted children, Tom Molins (Elizabeth Persichetti Molins) and Nicole Molins Nash (Arnold Nash III); adoring grandchildren, Emily Molins, Sophie Molins, Chloe Molins, Marcel Nash and Arnie Nash IV; and caring sister, Marina Molins Viaplana (Antoni Mestre Prades). A private funeral service was held for immediate family members, and a memorial service will be held in the near future when people can safely assemble.