Photo courtesy of state of North Dakota Photo courtesy of state of North Dakota
“ More than any other justice or judge , Chief Justice VandeWalle has made it a priority to be involved in bar-related and civic organizations ,” said Traynor . “ While I don ’ t expect his involvement will stop , it will be unfortunate that we will not have his example of public service in so many organizations .”
“ The most important legacy of Chief Justice VandeWalle will be his many years of reasoned and researched opinions on our State Supreme Court ,” Traynor continued . “ He will likely be remembered for his opinion respecting the important role of the legislature under the North Dakota Constitution in defining the parameters of sovereign immunity . His opinions on school funding and election law made a significant impact on our state . In Quill Corporation v . North Dakota , Chief Justice VandeWalle was 20 years ahead of the United States Supreme Court with regard to application of state sales taxes on the internet .”
FAMILY PERSPECTIVE
“ Jerry loves what he does . To him , this is his passion and purpose in life ,” said VandeWalle ’ s niece , Nancy Szymialis , of the longevity of her uncle ’ s career . “ He has a deep understanding of the law and has a deep compassion for the people of the state .”
She noted she lost her father at a young age and VandeWalle became a father figure to her and grandfather figure to her children . “ I believe I got my love of flowers from him ,” Szymialis said . “ When I got my first place , he helped me pick out flowers and plant them in pots . He gave me advice on how to take care of them . To this day , I love growing flowers and plants .”
“ What you see on the bench is what you see off the bench ,” added niece , Mary Kuntz , about her uncle ’ s social and friendly personality . “ He was lucky to have a job he loved , and this job became his life . It made him happy to the point that it didn ’ t feel like a job or work .” a positive impact on relationships in both your personal and professional life ,” she notes . “ Find humor in life ; it brings people together and is the best medicine .”
“ He is a true servant of the people of North Dakota ,” Kuntz adds .
Szymialis said VandeWalle ’ s legacy will live on through all he has accomplished in his career and his dedication to North Dakota . “ The people of the state of North Dakota have benefitted from his wisdom and service to the state .”
ENCOURAGING OTHERS
When asked about his approach to his work on the bench , VandeWalle said he kept it simple . “ I try to do my best ,” he noted . “ Try to be current , keep an open mind , and try to not be results orientated .”
He also shared advice and encouragement with many others , like Traynor , who carried it with them through their law careers . “ Chief Justice VandeWalle told me not to have my life planned out . He observed that those who do are sometimes disappointed when they aim for an opportunity and miss ,” noted Traynor . “ He suggested the better course is to take opportunities as they come and accept the challenge of putting your name in the arena .”
VandeWalle echoed this in the advice he gives those new to the law arena . “ I encourage young lawyers to seize the moment , and sometimes you have to be in the right place at the right time . Don ’ t dwell on it too much if you don ’ t become a judge . Practice law first and be a good lawyer .”
“ I never thought of being a judge ,” he noted of his lengthy career and time on the bench . “ I might have still been in the Attorney General ’ s office , but nothing is certain .”
Kuntz noted she lived with her uncle for a semester while student teaching . “ He was both a father figure to me and a great uncle and friend to confide in ,” she said . “ I loved to watch the joy children brought to him with my children and when he became a great-great uncle to their children .”
Both Szymialis and Kuntz said they have learned many lessons from their uncle both through his service to the state and interactions with family . “ Keep educating yourself and never stop learning ,” noted Szymialis . “ Work hard at what you do , no matter what it is , and enjoy what you are doing .”
Kuntz said her uncle ’ s examples of kindness and humor had an impact her own life . “ Kindness is more powerful than indifference and will have
VandeWalle celebrating with family . WINTER 2023 7