Judge Sidney Brooks retired this year after 28 years of distinguished service as Judge and Chief Judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Colorado.
In addition to being a fine judge, Judge Brooks is also a scholar on international law and has travelled throughout the world, especially to Russia and China, to help other countries develop their legal systems and learn about American bankruptcy law.
I first met Judge Brooks on a legal study tour to China which he led before he was a judge. In fact, it was that trip that in many ways led to my career in bankruptcy as there were three bankruptcy lawyers on the trip who I met from Denver who inspired me to migrate with my family from Glenwood Springs where I was practicing water law to a whole new career shift to bankruptcy here in Denver, Colorado.
Congratulations, Judge Brooks, on a fine and illustrious career, and I hope you enjoy your retirement, although I know you will keep very busy!