In Memoriam of Judge Robin L. Riblet
Hon. Robin L. Riblet, retired United States Bankruptcy Judge and cherished member of the Santa Barbara community, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at the age of 76, after a courageous battle with angiosarcoma. She spent her final two weeks in hospice care, surrounded by compassion, dignity, and the quiet presence of those who loved her.
Robin’s life was defined by intellectual rigor, curiosity, generosity, and a deep appreciation for the world around her. A devoted scholar, she graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Florida in 1971, earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1975, and completed an LL.M. in Corporate Law at New York University School of Law in 1979.
Her distinguished legal career began at Stutman Triester & Glatt PC, where she practiced from 1979 to 1988. In 1988, she was appointed a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Central District of California, serving the Santa Barbara Division with fairness, clarity, and unwavering integrity for more than 25 years.
She retired from the bench in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of thoughtful jurisprudence and deep respect from colleagues, attorneys, and litigants alike.
Robin was an active contributor to the legal community, serving with the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges, the California Bankruptcy Journal, the Los Angeles Bankruptcy Forum, the Financial Lawyers Conference, and multiple bar associations. She was admired not only for her legal acumen but for her generosity as a mentor and her genuine interest in the people she worked with.
In 1997, Robin married John Brennand, the beloved “Godfather” of recreational and competitive running in Santa Barbara. Together they built a joyful, adventurous life filled with travel, friendship, and shared curiosity. They hiked throughout Italy year after year—sometimes with friends, sometimes with family, and often just the two of them—guided by their trusted Italian hiking guide, Peter, whose knowledge and companionship enriched their journeys. These European hiking tours became some of their most treasured shared experiences.
In 2001, they purchased a mountain retreat in Canmore, Alberta, which became a cherished haven for hiking, skiing, and gathering with loved ones. Robin remained a devoted and loving partner to John throughout their 25 years of marriage.
After John’s passing in 2022, Robin continued to embrace life with courage and openness. She traveled frequently, especially to Europe with her close friends. Conversant in French and Italian, she delighted in immersing herself in European culture, language, and food.
Robin was also an avid knitter, finding joy and companionship in the craft. She often knitted with her friends. Many friends and family members cherish the beautiful pieces she created with care and quiet artistry.
A lifelong reader, Robin especially loved novels and mysteries, and she could often be found with a book in hand. She was a devoted supporter of the arts, attending local concerts, theatrical performances, and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, which she looked forward to each year. Her appreciation for culture, storytelling, and creativity enriched her life and the lives of those around her.
Robin was also a generous philanthropist, contributing quietly and consistently to charities and nonprofit organizations that reflected her values and compassion.
Those who knew Robin remember her warmth, gentle humor, and thoughtful presence. She had a gift for listening deeply, offering wise counsel, and bringing calm to difficult moments. Her friendships were marked by loyalty and genuine care, and her home was a place of welcome, conversation, and comfort.
Robin is survived by John’s three children and their spouses: Bob (Sally), Karen (Kent), Scott (Betty) and 6 grandchildren, as well as her sister-in-law Edwina Riblet, nieces and nephews Andrew (Cynthia), Christian (Anne) and Abigail (Alan), 6 great nieces/nephews her North Carolina cousins, dear friends, colleagues and a wide circle of people whose lives were brightened by her kindness, intellect, and grace.
A private gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate Robin’s life and honor the legacy she leaves behind.
May her memory be a blessing.