This In Remembrance section lists WSBA members by Bar number and date of death. The list is not complete and contains only those notices of which the WSBA has learned through correspondence from members. When available, obituaries are linked below.
Please email notices and requests to link obituaries to wabarnews@wsba.org.
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Harold Brown, #18845, 11/12/2022
Timothy Coogan, #16508, 4/12/2023
Derek Dohn, #44885, 4/20/2023
Steve Eugster, #2003, 4/18/2023
Ramon Gomez, #37539, 2/8/2022
Marvin Gray Jr., #5161, 3/26/2023
William Orr, #39958, 4/15/2023
Rex Stratton,
#1913, 2/9/2023
Robert “Bob” Welden, #5947, 5/23/2023
WSBA General Counsel, 1988-2011
Robert “Bob” Welden earned a B.A. degree and a J.D. from the University of Washington and was admitted to practice law in the state in 1970. After a brief time in private practice, Welden began a long career dedicated to public service, practicing with the Seattle Indian Center Legal Services Office and the Seattle-King County Public Defender. He joined the WSBA staff as Bar counsel in 1981, and in 1988 was promoted to the role of general counsel, a position he held for 23 years. In 1994, Welden’s leadership was crucial in the Washington Supreme Court’s adoption of Admission to Practice Rule 15, which established permanent funding for the WSBA Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection (now the Client Protection Fund). Welden also served in other leadership capacities, including as president of the National Client Protection Organization, as chair of the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Client Protection, and as administrator of the WSBA’s Practice of Law Board. “Bob’s work on behalf of client protection, on the character and fitness of Bar applicants, and in developing the Practice of Law Board is confirmation of his commitment to the protection of the public, the advancement of our professional values, and a lifetime devoted to the cause of justice,” said WSBA Past-President Mark Johnson when Welden received the WSBA’s Lifetime Service Award upon his retirement in 2011. Welden is remembered for his professionalism, diligence, geniality, and unfailing sense of humor. He died on May 23 and is survived by his husband of 23 years, Jeff, and their beloved miniature pinscher, Gracie.
A memorial service will be held on Aug. 27, 2023, at the Elks Club in Shilshole Bay. The gathering will begin at 2 p.m. and the service starts at 3 p.m.