Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 25, 1994 TAG: 9406290069
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By KATHY LOAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PEARISBURG LENGTH: Medium
Gibb, a Giles County lawyer, was sworn in Friday as a Circuit Court judge for the 27th Judicial Circuit.
He will preside over courtrooms in Giles and Pulaski counties, replacing retiring Judge Dow Owens of Pulaski.
About 175 people attended the ceremony, which also honored Owens and Circuit Judge Duane Mink who also has heard cases in Giles County but will do so less frequently now as part of a reorganization of judicial duties in the circuit.
Owens' retirement next week brings an end to 27 years of public service. He was commonwealth's attorney in Pulaski County for 16 years and was Circuit judge for 11 years.
Gibb, who lives in Blacksburg, will keep the judge's office in Pulaski County.
Richard Chidester, assistant commonwealth's attorney for Giles County, said it was a "grand occasion for us to have a member of our bar be appointed to a Circuit Court judgeship."
"We're very pleased ... We'll be looking forward to him holding court in Giles County."
Gibb's long-time friend Steve Haga, a Christiansburg lawyer, said earlier this week that Gibb's experience on another court - the tennis court - will aid him as he faces tough decisions on the bench.
Tennis is a complete diversion for Gibb, a former University of Richmond player and current president of the New River Valley Tennis Association, Haga said. It will provide Gibb, 44, the opportunity to relax and leave behind the tough decisions he may have had to make by day.
Haga, who also played tennis at Richmond, said Gibb's diverse experience as a trial lawyer as well as in litigation, commercial work and other proceedings well prepares him for the bench.
"He has been getting ready for this position his whole life and I have never known anyone who is any more adaptable to different situations that Colin," Haga said.
Gibb's father is a retired British officer and his mother is an American who has traveled the world. Gibb attended boarding schools in both countries.
"His background is a little bit more elitist but he's very comfortable with people of all walks of life. I frankly have always admired that about him.... I think people are going to be impressed with him as a judge," Haga said.
As Gibb's children Emily and Robert held the Bible, he took the oath of office from Robert Powell, retired judge designate from Giles County.
James Warren, senior partner at Warren, Gibb and Scheid, where Gibb practiced law for 19 years, led the robing ceremony.
"My friend, it is with mixed feelings that I perform this duty," Warren said. "My best to you and may God go with you."
Gibb, in brief remarks, thanked the audience for sharing the day with him.
"I'm excited about the opportunity that's been presented to me and I look forward to the challenge," he said.
by CNB