Court announces death of Kootenai County judge

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – A judge who served 17 years on the bench in Kootenai County has died.

Idaho’s Judicial Branch announced Thursday the loss of Magistrate Judge Robert Caldwell.

The Coeur d’Alene native died Tuesday at the age of 59.

A news release announcing his death says Caldwell was set to retire in January 2027 at the end of his term.

Before becoming a judge, Caldwell worked as an attorney across north Idaho. He was a graduate of the University of Idaho College of Law.

“His peers remember Judge Caldwell as a consummate professional with a strong belief in the rule of law and with empathy for the parties who appeared in his courtroom,” the news release said. “Attorneys found him ethical and consistent in his approach to the law. Judges found him a supportive mentor and colleague who continually sought to improve Idaho’s court system.”

His cause of death was not included in the release.


© 2026 KAYU FOX 28. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted without written permission.