[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 139 (Friday, August 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF JUDGE VERNON SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 25, 2023

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Judge Vernon 
Smith, who passed away at the age of 79 on July 29, 2023. Vernon served 
as a respected jurist and community leader throughout his professional 
career.
  Vernon was born on December 7, 1943 in San Francisco, and moved to 
Sleepy Hollow in Marin County as a teenager. He attended Sir Francis 
Drake High School in San Anselmo, and then completed both undergraduate 
studies and law school at the University of San Francisco, finishing 
his studies in 1968. With a focus on public service, Vernon began his 
law career at the Marin County District Attorney's Office in 1969.
  Vernon served as a prosecutor in the District Attorney's Office for 
five years before joining the Novato law firm Trumbull, Rush & Smith, 
where he would gain experience with both criminal and civil cases. 
During his tenure with private practice, he continued to build his 
reputation as a caring and competent member of the legal profession. 
Vernon returned to public service in 1982, when he was selected as a 
Marin County court commissioner.
  After 5 years as commissioner, Vernon was elected to the Municipal 
Court as a judge. He was instrumental in the court consolidation 
process, and Vernon went on to serve as the first presiding judge of 
the newly consolidated Marin County Superior Court. As he rose in 
seniority, Vernon would serve as supervising judge for the civil, 
probate, juvenile, family law, and criminal divisions. His impeccable 
standing with the community led him to continued electoral success. He 
retired in 2007 after serving 25 years on the bench.
  Vernon enjoyed more time with his family after retiring, but he also 
stayed engaged in his professional community. He served as a mediator 
with Resolution Remedies, a Sausalito-based legal dispute mediation 
service, and taught legal courses at the College of Marin and Dominican 
University of California in San Rafael.
  Vernon is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda, his sons Brent and 
Ryan, daughter Claire, and 4 grandchildren. While he will be greatly 
missed, Vernon's legacy will live on through the positive impact he had 
on his community and beyond.
  Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in extending 
condolences to Vernon's family and friends, and in expressing my 
appreciation for his decades of work for the public good and for 
sharing his life experiences with us.

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