His illness played a significant role in Sandra Day O'Connor's 2005 decision to retire from the Supreme Court.

[1] O'Connor served within the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corp following his graduation from law school.

He continued to practice law with two firms, Miller & Chevalier and Bryan Cave, while living in Washington.

[1] His deteriorating health played a significant role in Sandra Day O'Connor's decision to retire from the Supreme Court in 2005.

[1] O'Connor died of Alzheimer's disease on November 11, 2009, at a nursing home in Phoenix, aged 79.