PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Superior Court Commissioner Bill Knebes literally wrote the book on family law, or least a part of it.
But it’s the tireless work ethic of the man all refer to simply as “Bill” that is going to be missed the most, say those who have worked with him.
The 17-year jurist announced on Tuesday that he is retiring on March 31.
“People have said we will need two people to replace him,” said Clallam County Administrator Jim Jones Jr., on Wednesday.
“He’s done an incredible job for the people of Clallam County in Family Court.
“He has an old-fashioned work ethic, bright, never takes vacation, never gets sick and works like a fiend.
“Just the sheer volume of work he has done, it’s going to be incredibly difficult to find someone to replace him.”
In 2007, Knebes was honored as the Jurist of the Year for the Family Law Committee of the Washington State Bar Association.
In 1999, he was named the Washington State Bar Association’s Judge of the Year.
Knebes is a founder of the Peninsula Dispute Resolution Center, a nonprofit organization serving Clallam and Jefferson counties that mediates disputes involving family law and other issues.
Knebes also helped organize and promote Clallam County’s guardian ad litem program, which provides representation for children in court proceedings.
He also was asked by the state to write the domestic violence section of the judge’s “bench book” on family law, Clallam County Superior Court Judge Ken Williams said.
The manual instructs judges on procedures for handling cases and implementing various laws.
“I really like this job,” Knebes said.
“It really was tailor-made for me. There’s not a day I don’t enjoy going to work.
“Most people go into law because they enjoy dealing with people and solving problems — that’s what this job is about.
“It really isn’t depressing. I’m astounded at the changes people can make in their lives.”
