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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Judge Bengtson Retiring Due To Illness

Compiled From Wire Services

Second District Judge John Bengtson has decided to retire on Nov. 1, prompted by health problems.

“While I have thoroughly enjoyed my 11 years as District Judge, I have undergone two emergency surgeries to remedy life-threatening problems within the past 14 months and I have concluded that it’s time for me to ‘smell the roses,”’ Bengtson told Chief Justice Charles McDevitt in a letter.

But while Bengtson said he no longer wanted to cope with the daily rigors of the judiciary, he asked McDevitt to consider him for trial or appellate court assignments as a pro tem, or temporary judge when other judges are not available.

“The physical difficulties which have plagued me for the past year and a half will not affect my ability in any way whatsoever to continue to serve pro tem in any matters,” he wrote.