In Memoriam – Hon. William J. Caprathe
With the fondest of memories, ADRoit would like to recognize the life of William Caprathe – a remarkable friend, mentor, and legal lion.
Bill’s commitment to public service began when he moved to Bay City and served in the public defender’s office, continued throughout his 30 years as a respected judge on the 18th Judicial Circuit Court (15 years as Chief Judge), and culminated in his post-judicial years as a colleague of ours as a respected neutral with Professional Resolution Experts of Michigan (PREMi).
Judge Caprathe was truly committed to improving the practice of law and honing his skills as a tireless and compassionate jurist, mediator, and advocate of improving the jury trial process and the practice of law. Some highlights of the remarkable career of giving included his service as a chairperson of the National Conference of State Judges, chair of the jury management committee, co-chair of the Judicial Division’s Judicial Clerkship program, a member of the ABA’s American Jury Project, chaired by Justice Sandra Day O’Conner, the Michigan Supreme Court’s Jury Reform Project, and a chairperson of the Michigan State Bar Standing Committee on Criminal Jury Instructions, chairperson of the Criminal Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, membership on the State Bar’s Equal Access Initiative, past president of the Michigan Judge’s Association, and a member of the Michigan Sexual Assault Task Force.
Perhaps others will consider Judge Caprathe’s most memorable accomplishments to be his long marriage to the love of his life, Linda, the relationship he enjoyed with his three children and twelve grandchildren, or the time spent on the local baseball fields as a little league umpire.
Judge Caprathe uniquely combined his incredible insights and talents with a healthy dose of patience and humility. He always credited his daily transcendental meditation exercises with his ability to keep calm and patient and maintain a humane mindfulness. We are all so much richer for his commitment to the law and his kindness as a friend. The judge will be missed, and his life is an example to all who benefitted from his friendship and many talents.