The Honorable Lewis Kimler, general magistrate for the Probate Division of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, retired on May 31, 2018 after 40 years of service and dedication to the people of Miami-Dade County, and will be greatly missed by all at the Eleventh Judicial Circuit.

General Magistrate Kimler was appointed to the Probate Division in 1978 by then-Chief Judge Edward Cowart. During his service in the Probate Division, GM Kimler presided over mental health, guardianship and substance abuse matters with grace and with the gentle and patient demeanor he was well known for. During his 40 years in the Probate Division, GM Kimler presided over thousands of cases in this area of the law and he was instrumental in promoting changes and improvement to the mental health laws in Florida.

For all his contributions to the community and to the Miami-Dade Courts, GM Kimler received a Proclamation from Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez proclaiming May 31, 2018 as The Honorable Lewis S. Kimler Day.

Eleventh Circuit judges and staff held retirement gatherings for him to share fond memories from the past four decades and tearfully wish him well on his next journey.