Gene Franchini
The current justices of the New Mexico Supreme Court say they were saddened to learn of the death of former Chief Justice Gene Franchini, who died Wednesday while giving a lecture to first-year law students at the University of New Mexico.
Franchini served on the high court from 1990 to 2002, and was chief justice from 1997 to 1999.
“He was an authentic person with exemplary integrity. His passion for life and the law was contagious,” current Chief Justice Edward L. Chávez, who succeeded Franchini on the Supreme Court, said in a news release.
“He always stood steadfast and was truly a solid anchor for the cause of justice,” said Justice Patricio M. Serna.
“Justice Franchini was a real role model and a strong advocate for the judiciary,” said Justice Petra Jimenez Maes. “I admired his passion for maintaining the integrity of the legal profession and his willingness to tackle the elephant in the room.”
“Justice Franchini was a dear friend, a source of great inspiration without whose help I would not be on the court. I will never forget him,” said Justice Richard C. Bosson.
“Significantly, Justice Franchini passed away at the very moment when he was passing the torch to the next generation,” said Justice Charles W. Daniels.