Montana Lawyer June/July 2025

COURT NEWS

In The Matter Of Appointments To The Drug Treatment Court Advisory Committee

IN MEMORIAM The United States District Court family is saddened to announce that United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Holter passed away on May 11, 2025, at the age of 98. Judge Holter served the federal bench in the District of Montana with distinc tion from 1988 until his retirement in 2002. He was recalled to service the following year, with his recall extended annually through 2019. He departed the bench January 9, 2019—just shy of his 92nd birthday. A graduate of the University of Montana School of Law in 1954 and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Judge Holter began his legal career in Bozeman, where he practiced for 22 years. He was appointed Montana State District Judge in Libby in 1978, becoming the first to serve in that role, before being named U.S. Magistrate Judge in Great Falls. Judge Holter’s service extended beyond the courtroom. He served as president of Montana Legal Services and the Montana Judges Association, chaired the Sentence Review Division, and led commissions on criminal jury instructions and child support enforcement. He also served as the "wa ter judge" for western Montana and taught at the National Judicial College in Reno. In 1953, while still a law student, Judge Holter served as a smokejumper during one of the most active seasons on re cord. While apprehensive on his first few jumps, he went on to complete 23—a record that stood for many years. Known for his fairness, humility, and intellect, Judge Holter was deeply respected by his colleagues and the legal community. He walked to the courthouse well into his later years and golfed until the age of 87. A lifelong Rotarian, he embraced the motto "Service Above Self," and was active in Judge Robert M. Holter The terms of all members of the Drug Treatment Court Advisory Committee will expire May 30, 2025. The Court expresses its gratitude to each member for their service to the Committee, to this Court, and to the people of Montana. With their consent, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Hon. Heidi J. Ulbricht, Hon. Mary Jane Knisely, Hon. John C. Brown, Hon. Olivia Rieger, and Hon. Brenda R. Gilbert are reappointed to the Drug Treatment Court Advisory Committee for three-year terms expiring May 30, 2028.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Hon. Christopher D. Abbott is hereby appointed to replace Hon. Matthew Cuffe, and Hon. John Kutzman is appointed to replace Hon. John W. Larson, for three-year terms expiring May 30, 2028. The Clerk is directed to provide a copy of this Order to Hon. Matthew Cuffe, Hon. John W. Larson, each member of the Drug Treatment Court Advisory Committee, and to the State Bar of Montana. DATED this 20th day of May, 2025.

numerous civic and historical organizations. He was also known for making jam and for his extensive collection of an tique firearms—more, as some joked, than anyone they knew. The judges and staff of the District of Montana deeply ap preciate Judge Holter’s contributions to the administration of justice and will remember him with respect and gratitude.

Robert John Murphy , formerly of Laurel, MT died in Jacksonville FL April 29, 2025. Born in Laurel 8/23/1930. Predeceased by wife of 67 years, Carol Jean Morgan Murphy, parents John Bernard and Jessie Mae Price Murphy, sisters Margo Jerrim and Joan Jonkel, and brother-in-law Charles Jonkel. Graduated Laurel High School 1948, University of MT Missoula 1958, and JD from Hamline

Robert J. Murphy

University Law School St Paul, MN 1976. Admitted to practice of law in Minnesota, Texas, and Montana. Proudly served with VF51 CAG5 in Korea war, 1951-1953. Graduate of US Navy School of Naval Justice 1952. Retired General Counsel, Law Department BN Railroad Ft Worth TX, following 40 years of service starting with NP Railroad in Laurel train yards, and with successor BNRR St Paul and Ft Worth. Interned in Murphy family plot Laurel Cemetery. Survived by son John R. Murphy, Nephew Jim Jonkel, nieces Elizabeth Jonkel and Kathryn Ybarra, and their respective children. Beloved son, brother, husband, and father. His wis dom and presence will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.

24 MONTANA LAWYER

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