Kootenai County Magistrate Judge Robert Caldwell died April 14 at age 59, the Idaho Supreme Court confirmed.

Caldwell spent 17 years as a magistrate judge chambered at the court facilities in his hometown of Coeur d’Alene. He was to retire from active service at the end of his term in January 2027. 

Before becoming a judge, Caldwell worked for 15 years as an attorney in various legal settings across North Idaho. He graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law. 

“His peers remember Judge Caldwell as a consummate professional with a strong belief in the rule of law and with empathy for the parties who appeared in his courtroom,” said a statement published by the Idaho Supreme Court. 

Attorneys found Caldwell “ethical and consistent in his approach to the law,” while judges saw him as “a supportive mentor and colleague who continually sought to improve Idaho’s court system.” 

“Judge Caldwell’s death is a loss for the legal community in North Idaho and across the state,” the statement said. “Idaho’s Judicial Branch mourns with Judge Caldwell’s family and with all who knew him.”