Retiring Flathead District Judge Kitty Curtis’ words of wisdom for two incoming district judges were succinct: Don’t be afraid to ask for advice.

Curtis on Monday morning spoke to a courtroom filled with supporters and well-wishers gathered for the robing ceremony of District Judges Bob Allison and Heidi Ulbricht. 

Curtis recalled her early days on the bench 18 years ago.

“It became known that when I said I need to take a break, it really meant I have to go ask Ted,” she recalled with a laugh about seeking guidance from fellow Judge Ted Lympus. “Taking a break and giving yourself time to absorb what you’ve heard is good advice.

“You’re blessed to be stepping into a district with one of highest levels of collegiality,” Curtis told the new judges, adding that she hoped the camaraderie among the four Flathead district judges will continue.

“It’s the people’s court,” she continued. “It only has the respect you command from the people you’re serving.”

U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen joined the slate of new, retiring and sitting Flathead judges for the event, and District Judge David Ortley noted it was a rare occasion to have seven district judges in the courtroom at the same time.

In addition to welcoming Allison and Ulbricht to the bench, Ortley acknowledged the experience and institutional knowledge of retiring district judges Curtis and Stewart Stadler.

“That’s history walking out the door,” he said.

Allison, who said he was honored to be taking over Department 2 in District Court, regaled the crowd with recollections of past Flathead district judges.

He had just begun his law career in 1975 when District Judge Robert Sykes was the presiding judge in a divorce case Allison was handling. Allison recalled how the judge asked him to make an appointment with him, then proceeded to tell him “how I’d mishandled things.”

Allison went on to have a wonderful friendship with Judge Sykes.

“He helped me immensely,” Allison said.

Then Michael Keedy replaced Sykes and he remembered thinking: “Oh, this isn’t going to be good.”

But Keedy, too, had “wonderful qualities and cared for people as well,” Allison came to learn.

“Then Kitty Curtis unhorsed by friend Michael,” Allison said with a smile. “And I thought, oh man, this isn’t going to be good.

“But in a short time I discovered it was good,” he said. “She’s been wonderful and I’ve enjoyed and dreaded many hours in her court. I feel I have pretty big shoes to fill.”

Ulbricht, who is assuming the Department 3 seat that Stadler is relinquishing, said when she started as Kalispell municipal judge in 1994 she looked to Stadler, who was then Flathead County Justice of the Peace, for advice and mentoring.

Ortley, also a past justice of the peace, noted how he and Ulbricht have had “a unique path,” challenging each other in two elections, the last time in 2010 for the district judge seat Ortley now holds. 

“This job changes your life,” Ortley told Ulbricht, adding that he considers her a colleague and friend.

Ulbricht added: “I’m just glad I didn’t have to run against him [Ortley] this year.”

In an earlier ceremony Monday, Lympus administered the oath of office to new County Commissioner Gary Krueger.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.