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. Please email notices to wabarnews@wsba.org.
Find the latest obituaries from Bar News here.
Bradley Bartlett
#54680, 7/4/2024
Bradley Bartlett was born in El Paso, Texas, on March 19, 1989. He moved to Federal Way in time for high school and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 2007. Bartlett earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Cornell University and then attended Notre Dame and Cornell Law Schools, earning his J.D. from Cornell in 2014. Bartlett became a confirmed Catholic while a student at Cornell. After graduation, Bartlett launched his legal career in public service. He served as assistant U.S. attorney and as prosecuting attorney in New Mexico, and as prosecuting attorney in Snohomish and Benton Counties. Outside of the law, Bartlett loved cooking, travel, art, being outdoors, and music—he played guitar and also played trombone in his high school and college marching bands. Bartlett met Alexandra Richards in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and the couple moved to Bothell, where they were later married. He is described as a loving father, husband, and friend. Bartlett and his wife, Alexandra Nicole Bartlett, and their two daughters, Scarlett Elizabeth Lynn Bartlett and Violet Clara Eloise Bartlett, died in a tragic car accident on their way to a cabin in southern Washington on July 4, 2024. Bartlett is survived by his 2-year-old son, Grant; his parents, Don and Carole Bartlett; his brothers, Jason and Colin Bartlett; and his grandmothers, Sharon Priegel and Helen Bartlett.
John Black
#13081, 8/22/2024
John Campbell Black was born in Seattle on June 14, 1946, to parents Harold and Dorothea Campbell Black. Black attended primary and secondary boarding schools in the U.S., England, and Switzerland, and then Lakeside High School. He attended one semester at Columbia University before returning home and starting work as an environmental activist. He served as the Washington Environmental Council’s staff representative in Olympia from 1974 to 1976 and its legislative vice president from 1977 to 1979. Among his accomplishments during this time was playing a central role in drafting the administrative guidelines to implement the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). In the 1980s, Black worked with state and local authorities to help Seattle’s Center for Wooden Boats find a home and developed an innovative method for funding major museum projects through public-private partnerships. Black married Linda Andrews and the two sailed to Glacier Bay, Alaska, and cruised the English canals. His many and varied adventures included building 22-foot boats and rowing them to Alaska with three other people, sailing to the South Pacific, and building computers, airplanes, and cars. Black graduated from law school in 1984 and eventually moved into the computer industry, working for US West and later Oracle, where he stayed for the rest of his career. He divorced and later remarried, and he and his second wife, Jeanne Kleyn, continued adventuring all over the world—sailing in the San Juans, rowing around Fidalgo Island, cycling, birding, driving across the U.S. and Canada, exploring the Sawtooth Mountains in self-built dirt speedsters, and spending winters in New Zealand. Black was described as kind, curious, optimistic, fun, and, clearly, adventurous.
Philip Chandler II
#31997, 8/2/2024
Philip Chandler II earned a Ph.D. in history from University of California San Diego in 1974, and in 2001, earned his J.D. from the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law. After law school, he clerked for South Dakota Supreme Court Justice John Konenkamp and U.S. District Court Judge Thomas S. Zilly, of the Western District of Washington. Chandler practiced solo for a short period of time and then worked in New Mexico, as a public defender for five years, and then for various firms including his most recent role with Deschamps Law Firm. Chandler also served on the WSBA’s Board of Bar Examiners from 2006 to 2010.
Dennis Cronin
#16018, 1/16/2025
Dennis Cronin was born on Sept. 16, 1960, in Waterbury, Connecticut, and was raised in Naugatuck, Connecticut. He earned his undergraduate degree from Fairfield University in 1982 and his J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1985. Cronin began his career in law as a Rule 9 legal intern through Gonzaga’s Legal Assistance Clinic and a Rule 123 intern in the Kootenai County Public Defender’s Office. In 1987, he was hired by the late civil rights leader and lawyer Carl Maxey, who gave Cronin the moniker “DC.” In 2003, Cronin started his own firm, the Law Office of D.C. Cronin. He had a strong passion for service, which is exemplified in various roles including commissioner pro tem for Spokane County Superior Court from 2005 to 2015, chair of the Spokane County Bar Association’s Family Law Section from 2008 to 2022, chair of the WSBA’s LGBTQ+ Section from 2019 to 2020 and member of the Section’s executive committee from 2015 to 2021, and chair of Spokane’s Human Rights and Ethics Commissions. Cronin also served in a volunteer capacity as the Carl Maxey Center general counsel and the legal director and senior supervising attorney for the Sandy Williams Justice Center, which has provided free legal clinics since it opened in 2023. One significant achievement of Cronin’s legal career was his role in helping to bring about General Rule 40—Washington’s Informal Family Law Trials—adopted by the Washington Supreme Court in 2022. The new rule promotes a less adversarial trial process and greater access to the legal system for people who represent themselves. Cronin is survived by his wife, Theresa; his son, Marvin Rhone; his brother, David Currier Cronin II; his sister, Dana Marie Genarelli; and many other family members and friends.
James Deal II
#8103, 4/10/2024
James Deal II was born on June 5, 1947, in Blytheville, Arkansas. He earned a bachelor’s degree in theology and business from Harding College in 1969. While there, he lettered on the collegiate swim team. Deal then earned a master’s degree in divinity from the School of Theology at Abilene Christian University in 1971. He also attended the Anglican Theological College at the University of British Columbia, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from Western Washington University, and earned a J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law. Deal went on to practice real estate law, specializing in creative financing that allowed struggling owners to keep their homes. He married his wife, Emelyn Lim Pateno, in 2000 in the Philippines. Deal played the piano, guitar, flute, harmonica, and drums, and often composed and jammed with friends. He was also a committed environmentalist, a strict vegan, and an organic gardener. He ran for Washington lieutenant governor in 2012, governor in 2016, and U.S. Senate in 2018 to share his environmental interests, including making public transportation greener. He wrote a book entitled, “What to Serve a Goddess When She Comes for Dinner: A Theology of Food,” in 2014. Deal is survived by his wife, Emelyn; his brother, Chad; his niece, Alexis; and her son, Logan.
David Gaba
#18908, 6/23/2024
David Gaba was born in Aruba on June 24, 1959, to parents Herbert and Rachael Gaba. He moved to Nebraska with his family when he was nine. Gaba attended the University of Nebraska, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1981, a J.D. in 1984, and an MBA in 1987. Gaba worked as an attorney with Compass Law Firm in Seattle, where he specialized in representing broker-dealers and consumers in complex securities cases. Gaba is survived by his wife, Kersten Gaba; his son, Kitridge Gaba; and his sister, Judith Gaba.
Ralph Hua
#42189, 11/14/2024
Ralph Hua, also known as Xia, was born in Wuxi, China, on Aug. 26, 1982. Hua attended Nanjing University, where he majored in English and participated in a language exchange with American study-abroad students. During that time, he told another student, Caitlin, that his goal was to practice law in the United States. Caitlin’s parents, Katie and Dave Ross, were attorneys in Seattle and became Hua’s lifelong mentors. Hua earned his J.D. from Seattle University School of Law in 2009, and the following year, earned a master’s degree in international law from American University Washington College of Law. Hua began his legal career in immigration law with Gibbs Houston Pauw, and then moved to MacDonald Hoague & Bayless in 2015. In 2018, he began working for Fisher Phillips, and in 2021 he became a partner at the firm. For several years, Hua volunteered with Seattle’s Neighborhood Law Clinic, where he loved helping others with their immigration cases. In 2013, Hua married his wife, Marie Baraldi. The couple got a Great Pyrenees dog named Bruce, and later had two sons, Sawyer and Orion. Hua loved hiking, running, biking, traveling, and stargazing. He was an excellent photographer and artist and was always on the lookout for good Asian food. Hua died on Nov. 14, 2024, after a two-year battle with ALS. He is survived by his wife, Marie; their sons, Sawyer and Orion; his parents, Yaping Zhou and Yixing Hua; his American parents, Katie and Dave Ross; and many friends and colleagues.
Korbey Hunt
#13518, 3/6/2024
Korbey Hunt was born on May 8, 1953, in Seattle. He spent four years stationed in Iceland with the U.S. Air Force. When he returned to Seattle, he worked as an airport baggage handler while attending University of Washington School of Law. He later became an attorney with Alaska Airlines and then United Airlines. Hunt loved traveling and being on the water. He had countless maritime adventures, enjoyed exploring new cultures and hobbies, and cooking for his friends. He is described as generous, passionate about life, and insatiably curious. Hunt is survived by his fiancée, Tricia, and many friends.
Jeffrey Jacobs
#24981, 7/29/2024
Jeffrey Jacobs was born on Aug. 29, 1951, in Montebello, California, to parents Victor and Joanne Jacobs. He earned an undergraduate degree in classics from the University of California Irvine in 1972 and a J.D. from UCLA in 1975. His career as a trial lawyer spanned 40 years in both California and Washington. Outside of his legal work, his true passion was flying. Jacobs earned his pilot license at age 17 and shortly thereafter became an instructor. In 2017, he received honors from the FAA for 50 consistent years in flight. Jacobs owned many planes over the years—his favorite was a Grumman Cheetah. In addition to flying, Jacobs also enjoyed photography and melded his two passions together, taking thousands of images from the sky. Jacobs’ other hobbies included learning to read classical Greek, playing the acoustic guitar, and telling one-liner jokes. He had an enduring faith in God and volunteered at the local churches he attended throughout his life. He is described as brilliant and kind-hearted. Jacobs is survived by his wife of 51 years, Cheryl; his sons, Tim and Matt; and his grandchildren, Ryan, Cambria, Madison, and Ivanna.
Jeffrey Jones
#7670, 2/27/2025
Jeffrey Jones was born on Nov. 6, 1951, to parents Evelyn and Jack. He grew up in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Seattle. Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Seattle University, where he captained the school’s Division 1 soccer team, and a J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law. Jones worked for a time as a public defender after law school and then entered private practice, focusing on aviation and construction personal injury law. He worked for Krutch Lindell for just over 32 years. Jones was extremely close with his siblings, Mike, Susie, and Donny. He was a loving husband to his wife of 43 years, Jill, and a supportive father to their children, Hilary and Jack. He was also a proud grandfather to his grandchildren, Leo and Tate.
Frank Steven Lathrop
#5243, 5/14/2024
Frank Steven Lathrop was born on Jan. 15, 1947, in Los Angeles, California. He was admitted to the WSBA in 1973 and was a founding partner of the firm Lathrop, Winbauer, Harrel & Slothower in Ellensburg. His legal practice consisted of estate planning, real property, and land use. Lathrop died on May 14, 2024.
Muriel Magee
#22998, 11/6/2024
Muriel Magee was born on July 2, 1963. She was admitted to the WSBA in 1993 and primarily served as in house counsel for various health organizations, including Moda Health, where she worked as an associate attorney providing counsel to the HR Department. She is described as thoughtful, compassionate, witty, and professional. She died on Nov. 6, 2024, at age 61.
Margaret Mawson
#26294, 11/2/2024
Margaret “Mimi” Mawson was born on Dec. 10, 1961, in Joliet, Illinois. She had one younger brother, Brian. Mawson earned her undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Hawaii. There, she met her lifelong partner, Scott. The couple moved to the Pacific Northwest and established a collaborative family law practice in Bellingham called Mawson & Mawson. Mawson loved camping, walking in the woods around her home, hiking, having fires with neighbors, and traveling to new places. She visited at least 38 countries. She is described as someone who always cherished the simple pleasures in life and who lived with intention. Her greatest joy was her daughter, Haleh. In addition to her husband and daughter, Mawson is survived by numerous family members and friends.
Terence McGee
#6221, 11/23/2024
Terence McGee was born on Nov. 17, 1946, in Roswell, New Mexico, to parents George and Barbara McGee. He grew up in Petaluma, California, with five younger siblings. In high school, he played baseball, basketball, and the violin. At age 17, McGee met Barbara Revard, and the couple married four years later. They were together for 56 years and had two sons, Timothy and David. McGee earned a bachelor’s degree in history from University of California at Berkeley, and in 1969, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard. After graduating from Officer Candidate School, he and Barbara moved to Ketchikan, Alaska, where he served on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bittersweet. McGee fell in love with all things nautical and later became captain of his own boat, a Nordic tug called Bear. McGee’s love of the water inspired him to earn a J.D. from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law and start a career in maritime law. He worked for several firms, including LeGros Buchanan & Paul and Danielson, Harrigan, Leyh & Tollefson, before opening his own law firm in 2004. He loved the practice of law and did a considerable amount of pro bono work; there were stories of some clients paying him with a basket of fish or crab. McGee is described as humble and funny, as having integrity, and as someone who was truly happy when his whole family was together under one roof. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; their sons, Timothy and David; his daughters-in-law, LaVerne and Elise; his grandchildren, Madelyn, Quincy, Michele, Samuel, Emilia, and Alexander; his siblings, Rock, Bonnie, Rob, Nancy, and Suzanne; and many nieces and nephews.
Whitney Miller
#48547, 7/8/2024
Whitney Miller earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and Spanish from Fort Hays State University, where she also captained the school’s volleyball team. In 2012, she earned a J.D. from Washburn University School of Law. Miller worked as a contract specialist, a legislative policy analyst, and most recently as the executive director of district operations and contract management for Mulhern MRE in Colorado.
Mark Moburg
#19463, 11/24/2024
Mark Moburg earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Washington in 1984 and a J.D. from California Western School of Law in 1988. He clerked for three U.S. Bankruptcy Court judges, including two chief judges of the Southern District of New York in Manhattan. He was admitted to practice in Washington, California, and New York. Most recently, he worked as a solo practitioner focusing on bankruptcy law and representing parties in U.S. Bankruptcy Courts.
Jerry Neal
#3323, 1/22/2025
Jerry Neal was born on Oct. 18, 1933, in Wilbur, Washington, to parents Lester and Rose Neal. After graduating from West Valley High School, Neal joined the U.S. Army and served for two years before receiving an honorable discharge in 1958. He attended Eastern Washington University, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics. He then worked for Washington’s Employment Security Department while attending Gonzaga University School of Law, where he earned his J.D. in 1969. Neal’s legal career started in the Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, where he worked for over 10 years, first as criminal deputy prosecutor and then as chief civil deputy prosecutor. Neal later became a partner with the firm Lukins &Annis and then a partner with Preston, Gates, &Ellis. He was admitted to practice before the Federal District Court in Washington, both Eastern and Western Districts, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Neal also served as a board member for the Board of Trustees of Fort Wright College, the Board of Trustees of the Spokane Transit Commission, and as legal counsel for the Spokane Airport Board. He was a longtime member of the Board of Trustees for the Manito Golf and Country Club, where he was an accomplished amateur golfer and competed in local tournaments. Neal’s partner for the last 19 years of his life was Nan Golladay. The couple loved spending time together, cooking meals, attending events, and finding treasures at local auctions. Neal is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Humble; his brother, Terry Neal; his grandchildren, Lucas and Sidney; and his great-granddaughter, Rylee.
Jerry Riedinger
#25828, 5/19/2024
Jerry Riedinger was born on May 30, 1954. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rice University in 1976 and a J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in 1982. He practiced patent, trade secret, and complex intellectual property litigation for several decades, first with Allegretti & Witcoff, then Seed & Berry, and beginning in 1997, with Perkins Coie, where he became a partner and worked for more than 25 years until his death in 2024. Riedinger was also an accomplished aviator and aerobatic pilot. He flew in the upper levels of competition, served as an aerobatic judge and contest director, and served on the International Aerobatic Club’s government relations team. Riedinger is described as witty, pragmatic, humble, and an inspiration and mentor to many. Riedinger died on May 19, 2024, in an airplane accident while he was flying from Arlington to Ephrata. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Riedinger, and his children and grandchildren.
Terry Roberts
#14507, 4/13/2024
Terry Roberts earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in 1982. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1982, the WSBA in 1984, and the Oregon State Bar in 2012. He practiced labor and employment law in Eugene, Oregon. He was also admitted to practice before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
William Romaine
#21364, 1/3/2025
William Romaine earned his J.D. from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1986 and to the WSBA in 1992. He practiced with his firm Romaine Lokhandwala Law Group in Visalia, California.
Matthew Rutt
#16949, 2/7/2025
Matthew Rutt was born on Feb. 23, 1959, in Richland to parents Frederick and Mable Rutt. At age 5, Rutt was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which he would deal with for the rest of his life. In 1981, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Whitman College, where he played on the school’s rugby team. In 1985, he earned his J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law. For much of his legal career, Rutt practiced criminal defense law in the Tri-Cities. Rutt met his future wife, Barbara, in Colfax on a blind date set up by his legal secretary at the time. The couple married in 1991 and had a son, Matthew Frederick Rutt, in 1995. In 2008, Barbara died unexpectedly, making Rutt a widower and a single father. Rutt is described as a fighter, as completely devoted to his son, and as someone who had strength in the face of overwhelming adversity. He is survived by his son, Matthew; his daughter-in-law, Martha Rutt; his sister, Mollie Rutt; his mother, Mable Rutt; and many nieces and nephews.
Hon. Scott Sparks
#20775, 1/10/2025
Scott Sparks was born on July 9, 1963, in Ellensburg to parents Roger and Rita Sparks. He attended the University of Washington, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1985. Sparks earned a J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law and then accepted a commission as an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve, graduating from the Naval Justice School in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1991. During his service in the Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, he was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and spent time in Japan and aboard the USS Blue Ridge. In 1994, Sparks returned to Ellensburg and opened a law firm focused on criminal law and trial practice. He also did contract public defense work and served as city attorney for Kittitas and as a prosecutor for Cle Elum. In 1998, Sparks was appointed court commissioner for Kittitas County Superior Court and in 2004, he was elected to a judgeship with Kittitas County Superior Court. Sparks held this position until his passing in 2025 and also served as chair of the State Board for Judicial Administration and as presiding judge for Kittitas County Superior Court for more than 10 years. Sparks married his wife, Dawn Wooster, in 1987. The couple had two sons, Zachary and Jacob. Sparks treasured family time and loved camping and road tripping throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. He was extremely active; he completed marathons, triathlons, and ultramarathons. He hiked Manastash Ridge 180 times in a single year and climbed Mount Stuart twice. Sparks enjoyed working on his family’s farm with his father and brothers throughout his life as well. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dawn Sparks; his sons, Zachary and Jacob; his parents, Roger and Rita; his brothers, Gary Sparks and Doug Sparks; and many other family members.
Stephen Smith
#15414, 8/11/2024
Stephen Smith was born on Aug. 12, 1955, in Seattle and grew up in Boise, Idaho. While in high school, Smith worked as a sports reporter for the Idaho Statesman, and later as a reporter for the Associated Press. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a J.D. from Tulane Law School. After law school, he clerked for Chief U.S. District Judge Walter T. McGovern in Seattle. For the rest of his legal career, he worked in maritime law, most recently for the firm Holmes Weddle & Barcott. Smith volunteered with the WSBA for many years, including as chair of the Disciplinary Board from 2000 to 2001 and as a member of the Editorial Advisory Committee from 1996 to 1999. For 22 years, Smith and his family lived on Bainbridge Island, where he volunteered for the Bainbridge Island Fire Department and as a Little League coach. Later in life, Smith volunteered as park commissioner and for the Historical Preservation Council for the city of Boise. He loved the people of Idaho, as well as the mountains, rivers, and trees there. Smith was also an avid reader; he enjoyed history books and read nine newspapers almost every day. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Kathleen Cornelson Smith; his daughter, Kellan; his son, Grayson; his brothers, Thomas Smith and William Smith; his sister, Patricia Smith Cassell; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews, and other family members.
Patricia Stuart
#20250, 1/8/2025
Patricia Stuart was admitted to the WSBA in 1990 and practiced law in the Tumwater area. She died on Jan. 8, 2025, at age 64.
Kim Tran
#29734, 2/6/2025
Kim Tran was born in Saigon, Vietnam, to parents Kim Chi Tran and Hung Tran. When she was a toddler, Tran along with her older brother and parents fled the fall of Saigon on one of the last airlifts in 1975. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and political science from Tufts University, a J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School, and a certificate in human resources from the University of Washington. After law school, Tran joined Stafford Frey Cooper, where she developed an employment law practice. Tran went on to work for Seattle City Light, Microsoft, and most recently, GitHub, where she served as in-house employment law attorney and head of HR legal. Tran’s impact on her community and on the legal profession was extensive. She was the first woman of color to serve as president of the King County Bar Association, from 2015 to 2016. She was a distinguished fellow of the American Bar Foundation and participated in the inaugural class of the Washington Leadership Institute (now a collaborative effort between the WSBA and the University of Washington). She also served as board president of Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS), as member and 2006 president of the Asian Bar Association of Washington, as chair of the Joint Asian Judicial Evaluations Committee, as a board member of the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Washington, as a board member of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and a member and Best Under 40 honoree of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. In addition, Tran volunteered as a naturalization teacher, helping immigrants apply for U.S. citizenship. Her leadership and dedication to community service is exemplified in the statements released after her death by the many organizations she was a part of, including the King County Bar Association, Washington Leadership Institute, the Asian Bar Association of Washington, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice. Tran loved baseball, had an infectious laugh, and was always generous with her time and attention. She was a kind friend, a loving mother, and a mentor to many. Tran died on Feb. 6, 2025, a few weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She is survived by her husband, Angelo; their three sons, Amilio, Elias, and Dante; her mother; and her siblings.
Carl West III
#5456, 10/8/2022
Carl Joseph “CJ” West III was born on Dec. 11, 1943, in Meridian, Mississippi, to parents Sally Menaul and Carl J. West Jr. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Idaho and then joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He served two tours in Vietnam and was honorably discharged at the rank of captain. After his military service, he earned a J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law and an LLM in taxation from New York University. West spent much of his legal career with the firm Foster Pepper, focusing on corporate tax law. He is survived by his wife, Deborah; his sons, Aaron and Alexander; and his grandchildren, Barrett, Charlotte, Henry, and Keaton.
H. James Zachor Jr.
#6327, 7/27/2024
H. James Zachor Jr. earned a bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Oregon, where he played football and baseball. He then served five years in the U.S. Air Force as a French interpreter and was assigned to the National Security Agency. During that time, he attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, where he studied French and Italian. Zachor then earned his J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law. Throughout his legal career, he worked as prosecutor for Mountlake Terrace, conflict prosecutor for Lynnwood, and with the firm Zachor & Thomas, which represented several Washington cities. Zachor was a member of the Snohomish County Bar Association, Association of Police Legal Advisors, National College of District Attorneys, and Washington Women Lawyers. He was also admitted to practice before all federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.