T. Peter Craven
Dec. 23, 1940 - June 20, 2006
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GLENWOOD SPRINGS -- A standing room only crowd gathered Thursday to pay respects
to the late Judge T. Peter Craven, a man revered for his personal attributes as
much as his legal intellect.
"We had to limit the number of people (to speak) so we could get done by dawn,"
District Judge Dan Petre told the audience, comprised of friends, family and
many in the legal community who assembled at the Glenwood Springs Community
Center.
Many officials left work early to remember Craven. The Aspen court closed at 2
p.m. yesterday so his colleagues there could attend the service.
Craven, 65, of Carbondale, died of a heart attack during a bicycle ride on June
20 in Aspen. He had just finished the second day of presiding over a trial in
Pitkin County District Court.
He was the chief justice of the 9th Judicial District, comprised of Pitkin,
Garfield and Rio Blanco counties, and his death sent a chill through the local
courthouse halls.
"We are going on," Petre said, "despite the loss of a very, very key player."
A somber Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey of the Colorado Supreme Court reflected on
her time working with Craven, and the sorrow that accompanied his loss.
"A spontaneous expression of sadness," is how she described the reactions of
colleagues when they learned of his passing.
"We lost one of our best and brightest judges," she said, deeming Craven an
"exceptional public servant and an exceptional human being."
Said District Judge James Boyd: "He made us better judges, better court clerks,
better court reporters, better people."
Craven was remembered as a judge whose legacy included his founding of the local
Drug Court, and also one who took the time to learn the Spanish language, given
the influx of Latinos in the area.
But as far as court reporter Sheila Schiesser was concerned, Craven's most
remarkable trait was his uncanny ability to usher a child through the divorce
process.
"In chambers he would sit next to the children, and ask them about their peers,
about the sports they played," she said. "They would open up to him because he
would be on their level."
During nasty divorces, Craven let parents know how he felt.
"He told parents to step up and be an adult," she said.
And he had a sense of humor, being a fan of both Jeff Foxworthy's "you might be
a redneck" shtick, as well as the irreverent Jon Stewart Show, Schiesser
recalled.
"He was good, he was damn good," was James Boyd's opening statement about his
colleague.
It was a statement that was a nod to Craven, for he would often offer the same
words about "masterful lawyers" after he heard them argue in court, Boyd said,
Craven also had the natural ability to educate juror candidates about their
civic duties, all the while putting their minds at ease about the process.
"He made it simple, he made it interesting, and he picked a jury by noon," Boyd
said.
Aside from his legal prowess, Craven was remembered for his integrity,
compassion and living a complete life.
"Pete, thanks for being our teacher, our friend, our leader," Boyd said. "Thanks
for sharing with us a life lived fully."
Editor:
I am too sad and dazed to be eloquent now about the sudden passing of Chief
Judge T. Peter Craven.
He was a superb judge and facile with all aspects of the law and trial. He
enjoyed not only the respect of the lawyers and people who appeared before him,
but also our abiding affection.
These were not commanded but rather gently earned through his giant intellect,
dedication to public service, kindness of heart and integrity. The cases and
trials will grow foggy with time, but never the memory of Judge Craven's smile
and wonderful wit.
I looked up to Judge Craven. He embodied all that is good in my profession. I
will miss him very much. I offer my condolences and prayers to his wife Carol
and entire family. They shall forever have our gratitude for sharing such a
brilliant and good man with all of us.
Matt Ferguson
Snowmass Village
Editor:
I tried a half-dozen pretty good cases before Judge Craven. Lost 'em all. If I
would have known him earlier in life, I'd be the better for it. Probably
would've done better, too.
Pete Craven exemplified the four best rules for courtrooms and for all of life.
Be good, really good. Be honest. Work hard. Have a sense of humor.
We might get through this a little better now, if we follow another really good
rule: Be like Pete.
Richard Dally
Carbondale
Editor:
As both a prosecutor and defense attorney I spent a lot of time before Judge
Craven over the years.
He was a man of uncommon wit and wisdom and the quality of justice that came
from his court was outstanding. He was not the easiest judge to be before, but
he made me be the best lawyer I could so that my clients -- both defendant and
the People of the State of Colorado -- got the best representation they could
get.
It is my privilege to have practice law before and to have known Judge Craven.
Jim Wilson
District Attorney
22nd Judicial District
Mancos/Cortez
Editor:
That's Pe
te Craven, whose life was dedicated to family, friends, church, community and
Justice.
Tim McFlynn
Old Snowmass
