‘Someone of Same High Standards’ : Process to Replace Judge Maleck to Begin

Gov. George Deukmejian’s staff said Wednesday that it will seek “someone of the same high standards” to replace an Orange County judge who authorities said committed suicide on Tuesday.

Memorial services for North Orange County Municipal Judge Sidney Maleck will be conducted at 11 a.m. today at Hillside Chapel, 6001 Centinela Ave. in Los Angeles.

“The governor was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Judge Maleck, and he has expressed his condolences to the wife and family,” said Tom Beermann, the governor’s assistant press secretary.

In filling the vacancy, “the governor is looking for someone of the same high standards that were exemplified by Judge Maleck,” Beermann said.

Maleck, 64, died Tuesday of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, Orange County Coroner William King confirmed Wednesday. The results of the coroner’s toxicology tests will be available by the end of July, King said.

The judge, who suffered from high blood pressure and diabetes, left behind a note describing his depression over personal problems. One of his daughters explained that Maleck did not want to cause a “strain” on his family, which included his wife, Charlotte, and their two daughters.

Friends and colleagues shocked by Maleck’s death included the governor, who had appointed him twice to Orange County judgeships.

The judicial-appointment process, to start in the next few days, includes an evaluation of candidates by a State Bar committee. The seat should be filled within one to three months, officials said.

Deukmejian appointed Maleck to the West Orange County Municipal Court in December, 1986, and to the North Orange County Municipal Court in October, 1987.

Three weeks ago, Maleck won a bitter election to retain his seat.