The Post Waves Farewell to Genial Judge

Beloved Palisadian and Senior United States Appellate judge Harry Pregerson passed away

from respiratory ailments on Nov.25 at the age of 94.

A graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, Pregerson was appointed to the Ninth Circuit Court in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter and assumed senior status on Dec. 11, 2015.

With a career spanning over five decades, Pregerson was the longest-serving judge in the history of the Ninth Circuit and made California history as part of the three-judge panel that ordered the postponement of the 2003 California recall election after six counties were found using antiquated punch card voting systems.

Revered for his kind and altruistic heart, the judge, who once said, “If I had to follow my conscience or the law, I would follow my conscience,” was a known philanthropist and liberal visionary.

The judge was also the grandfather of the late David Pregerson, a 23-year-old UCLA graduate and upcoming filmmaker who was struck down and killed by a Palisades Post Office employee.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Bernardine Pregerson, his daughter, Katie Rodan, son Dean Pregerson, also a federal judge, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

—GABRIELLA BOCK