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G. Wisot Obituary

Wisot, G. Keith April 2, 1942 - July 21, 2012 Judge G. Keith Wisot, 70, passed away after heart ailment on July 21, 2012. Since retirement from the Los Angeles Superior Court in 1994, Keith made his part-time, and then full time, residence in Palm Springs, Ca where he and his family had homes much of his life. Keith continued his career as a private dispute resolution mediator and judge for JAMS, Los Angeles County until the time of his death. Judge Wisot was born in 1942 in Long Beach, California to Judge Max Z. Wisot and Norma (Baines) Wisot. He graduated Wilson High School in Long Beach prior to receiving his BA from Pomona College in 1963. Keith attended UCLA Law School and was admitted to the California State Bar in 1966. He served as a Deputy Public Defender, and appellate attorney until his appointment to the Los Angeles County Superior Court in1981. Some of Judge Wisot?s professional honors and activities include: "Trial Judge of the Year," Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles, 1992; Regional Director of Professional Services at JAMS; JAMS, LLC Board of Directors; Appointed by California Chief Justice to serve on Task Force re Quality of Justice. Keith served on and chaired numerous committees of the California Judges Association, American Bar Association, California State Bar, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Lawyers for Human Rights, and the Association of Business Trial Lawyers; he also was Chair of the Ethics Committee of the California Judges Association for three separate terms. Keith was active in Palm Springs life, and served as a city commissioner. He was a proud member of Lamda Legal, Los Angeles. Judge Wisot was a loving father of Rebecca Wisot (Diego Utge) and Marc Wisot (Sonia Amador Wisot); doting grandfather to Sophia, Nicholas, Sienna and Maya; beloved brother of Valerie Wisot (Bruce E. Schwartz) and Jerry Wisot (dec.) and his wife, Barbara Wisot. He is survived by his partner, Joe Sendra, and his former wife, Sandra Wisot. Above all else, Keith enjoyed spending time with his family and a large circle of colleagues and friends. He loved nothing more than hosting great gatherings at his home. There will be a private celebration of Keith's life at a later date. If desired. please make contributions to a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Jul. 24, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Michele Mician, Sustainability Manager.

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Naji. Hasani

November 24, 2016

Keith was a generous and caring. Friend, I truly miss him

Frank Riela

December 26, 2015

Keith was one of my first friends when I moved to Los Angeles in 1990. We had a great rapport and he later offered me a job as his law clerk/staff attorney while he was a judge in Los Angeles Superior Court. I learned a tremendous amount from him, and he gave me excellent references when I moved on to other jobs. He was thoughtful and intelligent and giving. We remained friends over many years, even while I lived abroad. He will be missed.

Ira Newlander

June 14, 2014

As a court reporter, it was always a treat to be assigned to Judge Wisot's court. He was resolute but deferential. His bench demeanor was spot on.
I regret only now learning of his passing.

scott hill

June 3, 2013

He was kind and loving person I will miss him very much.

Michele Mician

September 5, 2012

I am so saddened by the loss of Keith. He was a kind, thoughtful man who dedicated himself to his community. I will miss him dearly.

Chuck Vogel

August 4, 2012

Keith was an excellent jurist and mediator. But more importantly he was a decent and down to earth friend. He won't just be missed, he will be remembered for the good man he was.

Nancy Warren

August 3, 2012

Keith welcomed me warmly to JAMS in 1998 and served as a mentor for my first couple years. He was very generous with his time and wisdom. He remained a friend as well as a colleague for the following 14 years. I miss him dearly.

Colin Sowa

August 2, 2012

Keith was a client of mine who became a good friend. He was a smart and kind man, and I will miss him greatly.

Neville Johnson

August 1, 2012

August 01, 2012
I clerked for Keith at the Public Defender's office. He was a powerful advocate for his clients, an honorable, ethical attorney, and very smart. He was a top judge and neutral, a great family man and member of the community. It was an honor to have known him. We will all miss him.

Sustainability Summit 2010

Brett Klein

July 30, 2012

We will all miss Keith's friendship and amazing spirit for sustainability projects here in Palm Springs, and his voice and guidance will continue on with all that we do on the Commission. -Brett Klein, Chair, Sustainability Commission.

Nadine Bowers Penn

July 25, 2012

Such wonderful memories of our junior High and High School years!

July 25, 2012

Thank you Jim and Lynne. Miss him more than I can say.

Jim Mahoney

July 25, 2012

Keith was one of my best friends. There will always be a warm place in my heart for his memory. My wife Josephine joins me in sending our sympathy and prayers to his family.

Lynne (Winnik) Rosenstein

July 24, 2012

I've known Keith for 60 years. He was one of kindest men I knew. Keith accomplished many good deeds in his life.

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