Justice David G. Roberts

The death Tuesday of Justice David G. Roberts, Maine’s senior judge, was a severe loss not just to his family, friends and admirers and not just to the state’s courts, but to Maine’s sense of dignity and fairness. Justice Roberts exemplified as few can the best aspects of the judicial system.

The second-longest active judge in Maine history, Justice Roberts’ talents were recognized early. He was appointed to the Superior Court bench while still in his 30s. He served there for 13 years, followed by 18 years on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. Chief Justice Daniel Wathen recently paid him a high compliment when he said, “I don’t think anyone literally enjoyed the law as much as he did.”

The northern half of Maine, in particular, will miss him. A County native, Justice Roberts began his law practice in Caribou in 1960, then shortly afterwards moved to Bangor. His work at Penobscot County Superior Court will be held as a standard against which other judges will be measured.

When well-known Bangor lawyer Lew Vafiadis retired last month from a long and distinquished career, Justice Roberts was not only effusive in his praise, but his admiring comments about Mr. Vafiadis showed clearly what the judge valued most in lawyers and in people generally. “A judge could count on his honesty,” he said. “He never took advantage of anyone and never tried to mislead you. Juries felt the same way. They had confidence he was telling the truth. Integrity and honesty go a long way in the courtroom.”

More than one person thought Justice Roberts could have used those words to describe himself and, equally impressive, know he never would have.