BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – In a first for Raleigh County, they unveiled portraits of retired 10th Circuit Court Judges, including the Honorable Robert Burnside, John Hutchison, and H.L. Kirkpatrick.
The trio made significant impacts on the county and state judicial system.
“This is a distinct honor. I’m humbled by this whole ceremony. We’ve never done this before, and I’m in the best of company with Judge Hutchison and Judge Burnside,” said Retired Judge Kirkpatrick. “It’s an awesome privilege for me.”
Sheriff Frank Priddy says he spent his entire career being in front of all three of these retired judges.
“Doing everything from murder trials to burglaries to everything in between,” the sheriff said. “(The portraits) are a great thing and show of respect. They are going to be missed.”
The judges got a lot done and worked well together.
“We helped the county commission in designing and putting together a new judicial facility, which I think is one of the best in the state, and so many things,” said Retired Justice Hutchison (WV Court of Appeals).
The ceremony brought together people Burnside frequently connected with.
“And the other judges I’ve missed over this period of retirement,” the retired 10th Circuit Court judge said. “We get to see everyone, which was quite a pleasure. And a compliment to Tim Tilley for the job he did on the photographs.”
Reknowned local photographer Tilley is the driving force behind the portraits of the retired judges. It took some doing to get them to agree to sit for the photos.
“He kept after us and hounded us and made sure this happened,” said Kirkpatrick.
For more than 35 years, Burnside made an impact on the bench.
“The years flew by. I loved it. I loved the work,” the judge said. “I won’t say I miss it, but I did enjoy it. But I’m enjoying retirement, too.”
All three judges leave a lasting legacy.
“They’ve been such a service to the community for 30+ years,” said Priddy. “I think it’s a great thing they’ll be remembered and have something on display to remind people of who helped lead the county.”
