The Grand Rapids Press notes the passing of retired Judge Stuart Hoffius, Kent County’s Chief Judge for 28 of his 29 years on the bench.
Ken Kolker writes (excerpt):
“He never said a mean word to anyone when he sentenced them,” Kolenda said. “I remember him saying, ‘This doesn’t have to be the end of your life. You still have plenty of opportunities to do things with value.’ People would walk out with 20 years to life with their heads held high, saying, ‘No problem, I can do that.'”