Paul Miller Haakenson

1964 - 2025

Paul Miller Haakenson
02/18/1964 - 09/10/2025
Paul Haakenson, retired Marin Superior Court Judge, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, after a 22-month battle with brain cancer. Paul faced his illness with the same courage, humor, selflessness, and grace that defined his life.
Born in Covina, California, Paul was the son of Rose Marie and Ryal Haakenson. The second of five children, Paul wrestled, played baseball, and worked a variety of jobs. He received a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from UC Davis, where he played lacrosse and built lifelong friendships.
After working as a research biologist, Paul discovered his true calling: the law. He graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 1993 and spent the following 13 years as a prosecutor for the Marin County District Attorney's Office. In that role, he prosecuted numerous cases and supervised the Domestic Violence Unit, Child Abuse/Sexual Assault Unit, and Felony Trial Team. Paul also volunteered with "Every 15 Minutes", a program that works to prevent drunk driving in teens, and he spent many years working with Marin County Mock Trial, serving both as a coach and a judge. Through these programs, he educated and mentored high school students, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.
Paul was appointed to the Marin Superior Court bench in 2006, and for 17 years he served with distinction. He acted as Supervising Judge of the Civil, Criminal, and Appellate Divisions, and he also headed the Mental Health Specialty Court. In his work, he earned deep respect not only for his brilliant mind, but also for his fairness, warmth, compassion, and humor.
Paul was most proud of his family. He and his first wife, Caroline Brooks, welcomed their daughter, Hannah Rose, in 1998. In 2010, he met Amy Kobalter and embraced her daughters, Kendall and Nicole, as his own. Together, they built a joyful life filled with travel, laughter, and the company of their beloved dogs.
Outside the courtroom, Paul generously dedicated his time to support his community. He was known for his IT skills, magic tricks, legendary videography, and photography. He found happiness fixing things, spending time outdoors, cooking, watching college football, and relaxing with those he loved.
Paul leaves behind his wife, Amy Kobalter; daughter, Hannah; stepdaughters Kendall and Nicole Kobalter; siblings Joe, Ann (Steve), Kristin (Joe), and Jennifer; multiple nieces and nephews; pups Brady and Callie; and countless friends and colleagues who will carry forward his legacy of kindness, justice, and devotion to family and community. In honor of Paul, please enjoy every day - for life is a gift.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, October 13, 2025 at 5:00 pm at the Bill and Adele Jonas Center, 1800 Ignacio Blvd, Building 19, on the College of Marin's Indian Valley Campus in Novato. Please RSVP to CelebrationPMH@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Brain Tumor Association https://abta.org or to brain cancer research at UCSF, where Paul received exceptional care. https://braintumorcenter.ucsf.edu/ways-to-donate