Spring 2020 Gavel 268650 SBAND Gavel Magazine_web | Page 10

The Lasting Impacts of Leadership:
Honoring Justice Gerald W. VandeWalle’s time as “Chief”
We asked SBAND members to share their memories of the “Chief,” and here’s what they
had to say about the leadership, dedication, and kindness of Justice Gerald W. VandeWalle:
n In 1995, I was hospitalized in Bismarck for an extended period
of time. One day, I got an unexpected visitor. It was Justice
VandeWalle. He had a family member in the hospital at that
time as well, and he had heard that I was in the hospital. After
that first visit, he would poke his head in my door and say hello
and check up on me every time he was visiting at the hospital.
His few moments and brief visits meant a great deal to me, as
I saw the true caring, human side of Justice VandeWalle and
realized that sitting in a black robe on the lofty perch at the
Supreme Court had not really changed him as it does many
lawyers who become judges. It was to me, showing a side of
greatness that cannot be expressed in courtroom performance
or legal intellectual competence. If he cared that much about a
lawyer who only knew him from appearing before him, think
about how much he obviously must care about all lawyers,
people, and the State of North Dakota.

– Dennis Johnson
n I first met Justice VandeWalle (then “Jerry”) in 1968, upon
moving to Bismarck to work as a clerk for the North Dakota
Supreme Court. He was not yet a member of the Court but
worked in the North Dakota Attorney General’s office. At the
conclusion of my clerkship, I then began working at the North
Dakota Attorney General’s office and had frequent contact with
“Jerry” in the office. Additionally, my wife, Diane, and I moved
into an apartment on North Washington Street and “Jerry”
was one of our apartment neighbors. As a neighbor and as a
colleague in the Attorney General’s office, “Jerry” was always
helpful, open, friendly, and pleasant. To this day, whenever we
cross paths with him, he insists that we call him “Jerry.” He has
had a remarkable career and has served North Dakota very well
for many years, and we thank him for his many years of service
to the state and for his friendship.

– David and Diane Peterson
n Of all the wonderful people whose company I enjoyed at the
Supreme Court, Jerry VandeWalle was chief among them. And
no, not just because of his title. He has been an excellent leader
for the Judicial Branch, a leader with a national reputation. He
is an admired and trusted colleague, and a dear and close friend.
I was delighted to learn he will continue to serve the people of
North Dakota as a justice after stepping back from the Chief 's
position. He truly is the people's servant. His career has been a
gift to all of us.

– Bill Neumann
n The pride of Noonan. The pride of Divide County. The pride of
North Dakota.

– Levi Andrist
When I think about Chief Justice Jerry
VandeWalle, what comes to mind is the
consummate legal scholar. In addition, he
is the finest colleague and friend anyone
could hope to work with. I was fortunate
to work with him for almost 18 years. He is
truly a gifted leader.

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THE GAVEL
– Mary Muehlen Maring
Retired ND Supreme Court Justice
Justice Gerald W. VandeWalle