The Western District of Washington is saddened to announce that Senior District Court Judge Carolyn R. Dimmick passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at the age of 96, surrounded by family and friends.  Judge Dimmick was a leader in our State's legal community and became a role model for many lawyers and judges over the years.

Judge Dimmick was appointed to the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington by President Ronald Reagan, receiving her commission to the federal bench on April 4, 1985.  She served as Chief Judge of the District from 1994 to 1997. Judge Dimmick assumed senior status on November 1, 1997.  Before becoming a United States District Judge, Judge Dimmick served as the first female Washington State Supreme Court Justice from 1981 to 1985.  Judge Dimmick also served as a State Superior Court Judge from 1976 to 1980, and a State District Court Judge from 1965 to 1975.  In her illustrious and trailblazing career on the bench, Judge Dimmick provided approximately 60 years of judicial service.

A video portrait of Judge Dimmick can be viewed here.