Supreme Court Justice Minzner dead at 63

New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Pamela B. Minzner died today after a long battle with cancer.

Minzer, the second woman to sit on the high court and first to serve as chief justice, was 63. News of her death was released in a statement from the Supreme Court.

“Justice Minzner enjoyed unconditional respect and admiration from the legal community because she was hard working, articulate and an excellent writer,” current Chief Justice Edward L. Chávez said in the release. “Yet her best qualities were her human qualities. With an ever-present, gentle smile, she treated everyone with dignity, respect and genuine thoughtfulness. She will be dearly missed.”

Minzner was appointed to the Court of Appeals by former Gov. Toney Anaya in 1984 and to the Supreme Court by former Gov. Bruce King in 1994. She was chief justice from 1999 to 2001.

Minzner earned her law degree from Harvard University in 1968. She was on the faculty of the University of New Mexico School of Law for 12 years before being appointed to the appellate court.

She is survived by her husband Dick, a lobbyist who is a former state representative and tax and revenue secretary, and two sons, Carl and Max.

“Barbara and I wish to extend our sincere condolences to Dick Minzner and the rest of Justice Pamela Minzner’s family,” Gov. Bill Richardson said in a news release. “… Her death will be a great loss to the judicial system.”

Minzner’s family plans to hold a private memorial service next week and a public service at a later date.

A judicial nominating committee will now be set up to accept and consider applications for the position on the high court. Richardson will make the appointment from among the candidates recommended by the committee.

Update, 2:55 p.m.

Lt. Gov. Diane Denish released this statement:

“She’s been a good friend to me, but also was fair, honest, thoughtful and a trailblazer,” Denish said of Minzner. “I’ve long admired her ability to balance being a hard-working judge and having a family life. Her sons are outstanding people.”

Update, 3:40 p.m.

Attorney General Gary King had this to say:

“The death of Supreme Court Justice Pamela Minzner is a deep personal loss for me and the King family,” he said. “She was appointed to the New Mexico Supreme Court by my father when he was governor and Pam was a friend and mentor to me. Justice Minzner gave so much to so many people in New Mexico. This is a great loss to our state.”