The territory is losing one of its three territorial court judges with the retirement of Judge Heino Lilles.

The long-serving judge's retirement was officially announced through a press release today.

Lilles' last sitting day will be Sept. 29.

'Judge Lilles' retirement is a great loss for our court. His unique combination of dedication, tirelessness, inventiveness, intellect and humanity will be impossible to duplicate,' says a statement sent out by chief territorial court Judge John Faulkner.

The press release goes on to note Lilles came to the territorial court in 1987 from Queen's University in Kingston, Ont., where he had been a professor of law.

During his years in the Yukon, Lilles played significant roles in creating many alternative justice initiatives, including the domestic violence treatment option court for those charged with assaulting or abusing their partner.

If an accused pleads guilty immediately in the alternative option, he is assessed by staff in the territory's family violence prevention unit to determine if he's eligible for the spousal abuse program. The program includes counselling and check-ins with the alternative court judge to prevent it from happening in the future.

Lilles was recognized for his work on the domestic violence treatment option when he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by then-Gov.-Gen. Adrienne Clarkson.

The long-time judge served as the territory's chief judge in 2004 and 2005 and was the president of the Canadian Association of Provincial Court Judges.

He also headed the then-NDP government's 1988 inquiry into the prices of petroleum products shipped into the territory.

'We all wish Heino and his wife, Sheila, the very best in their retirement,' Faulkner wrote in his statement.

Lilles was unavailable this morning to comment on his plans.

The territory's judicial council will begin the lengthy process of recruiting his successor and making a recommendation to the government.