Longtime Humboldt County Judge Timothy Cissna Dies at 75

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Timothy Paul Cissna, a longtime Superior Court Judge in Humboldt County, passed away on February 16, 2026 at the age of 75 from Lewy Body Dementia. Cissna was a beloved figure in the community, known for his passion for the outdoors, sports, and his family and friends.

Why it matters

Cissna's passing marks the end of an era for Humboldt County's legal community, as he served as a judge for 20 years after practicing law as a defense attorney for two decades. He was remembered for his strong sense of ethics and fairness, as well as his commitment to the community through his involvement in local sports and outdoor activities.

The details

Cissna was born in San Francisco in 1950 and moved to Eureka with his family as a child. He attended Humboldt State University, where he was captain of the water polo team and swam on the swim team. After graduating from Hastings College of Law in 1976, Cissna practiced law as a defense attorney for 20 years before being appointed as a Superior Court Judge, a position he held for the next 20 years until his retirement.

• Timothy Paul Cissna was born on July 24, 1950 in San Francisco.
• Cissna passed away on February 16, 2026 at the age of 75.
• Cissna was appointed as a Superior Court Judge in 1996 and served in that role for 20 years until his retirement.

What they’re saying

What’s next

A celebration of life for Timothy Cissna will be held at the Elk's Lodge in Eureka, California on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.