Long-time US District Court Judge Samuel P. King died this afternoon.
He spent nearly four decades as a federal judge, and tonight is being remembered for his accomplishments both on and off the bench.
We spoke with UH Law Professor Randy Roth tonight, a close friend of Judge King.
He says King had a stroke, was taken off of life support this afternoon, and went soon after.
At 94, Judge Samuel King was still overseeing cases.
"He'd slowed down physically, was using a walker just recently, but mentally just as sharp as can be," said friend Randy Roth.
King was a Senior Federal Court Judge, appointed in 1972, following eleven years as a Hawaii Circuit Court Judge.
"And as a judge he brought an understanding of Hawaii and Hawaiians into law, and I don't think you could find a lawyer in this state that didn't look at Sam King as the epitome of what a judge should be. Fair, knew the law, applied the law, played no favorites," said Roth
Governor Abercrombie released a statement: "Judge King was the heart and soul of Hawaii. His idea of what was good for Hawaii was an extension of his deep understanding of pono, of doing what's right."
Roth and Judge King co-authored an essay and later a book titled: "Broken Trust: Greed, Mismanagement, & Political Manipulation at America's Largest Charitable Trust" -- about Bishop Estate trustees.
"I think the whole thing hinged on Sam's participation. When I talked to Sam, I didn't realize at the time, but I eventually did, but I really didn't understand what I was getting into. And he saw immediately the potential to do some good," said Roth.
Roth says he, Judge King, and Judge Heen are in the middle of writing a book about Queen Liliuokalani's personal estate planning.
Roth considered King one of his best friends.
"He was the kind of husband I tried to be, the father I tried to be, he just absolutely adored his family, wonderful family, delightful sense of humor. He's my role model, and my best friend, and I'm going to miss him," said Roth.
Judge King was the son of former Territorial Governor Samuel Wilder King.
Judge King leaves behind his wife of more than 60 years, Anne, three kids, as well as grandkids.
"Judge King was an outstanding jurist and a warm, caring person. On behalf of the Hawaii State Judiciary, I extend our deepest sympathy to his family." -- Mark Recktenwald, Chief Justice, Hawaii Supreme Court
