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David Wagoner Obituary
David Everett Wagoner died on July 5, 2014 in Palm Desert, CA surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Jean Wagoner; sons Colin, Elon, and Peter; stepdaughters Dr. Jennifer Frost, Melissa White, Constance Lucier, and Dana Hawkes; and 15 grandchildren. He was born to Claude and Katherine Wagoner in Pottstown, PA on May 16, 1928. He graduated from Lawrenceville High School, Yale University, and University of Pennsylvania Law School. After law school he clerked for US Supreme Court Justice Harold Burton. David served as a lieutenant in the US Army and was stationed at Walter Reed Hospital.
He moved to Seattle where he joined the Perkins Coie law firm and began a long and successful practice as a trial lawyer which included recognition by being invited to become a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He found time to serve as an elected member of the Seattle School Board for eight years including service for two terms as President of the Board. Later he served for twelve years as a Governor of the Evergreen State College Foundation including a term as Chairman.
After retiring from Perkins Coie, he embarked on a new career as international arbitrator and mediator, which he came to love for the intellectual challenge and the opportunity to travel. He merged this new skill with his interest in education by teaching courses on international arbitration and mediation at American University and serving as a coach for students at the University of Washington School of Law engaged in international arbitration competitions in Vienna and Hong Kong.
David was known for his insatiable curiosity, love for reading, and generosity of spirit. He had an amazing ability to cultivate and nurture relationships with friends and family. He shared with his wife a passion for baseball, football, the arts, and travel all over the world. David discovered a talent for painting later in his life and especially loved creating colorful desert landscapes.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alliance for Education for student scholarships in the Seattle School District at www.alliance4ed.org. There will be a celebration of David's life at the Rainier Club on July 30, 2014 at 3pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Wagoner
Sponsored by The Family.
Hunter C. Phelan II
July 7, 2025
All of us miss you and think of you often.
Hunter Phelan II
July 7, 2019
David was a class act. He was such a gracious person and devoted to his family, wife and friends. Always a pleasure to be around. So smart and such a great conversationalist but put you at ease. The law profession lost a stalwart. He was known and respected in many countries. It was an honor to have known him.
Nicholas Chen
October 13, 2014
I am saddened to learn of David's passing. I met him in Asia in the 1990's. he was a great teacher, friend and wise soul. We are all blessed to have been touched by this gentleman. Nicholas V. Chen [email protected]
Jeffrey Beaver
October 9, 2014
I was thumbing through he State Bar News and saw his memorial. I was sunned! As a young Associate I always enjoyed chatting with Dave. He was sharp as a tack and always with a little twinkle in his eye.
Craig Beles
July 17, 2014
David was a giant in the field of international dispute resolution. I had the pleasure of judging the Willem Vis Moot Court competition in Vienna with him on two occasions. He brought great honor to the legal profession. Craig C. Beles
At a Seahawks game with dad. I love his mischievous smile.
Colin Wagoner
July 15, 2014
I was really glad to have made it down to California to be with dad during his last week of life. I am even more grateful for the time we spent together over the last ten years or so. When he was in Seattle, we'd have lunch almost every week, taking the time to catch up on the latest books we were reading, world events, sports, or family. More than anything, he wanted his kids and grandkids to be happy and to live up to their potential. He had kind words for everyone and great loyalty for the people in his life. I'll miss the gentle guidance he provided over the years.
Hunter Phelan II
July 13, 2014
David's passing has left a huge void which cannot easily be filled. Always the consummate gentleman, scholar, gracious host and bon vivant he had a disarming demeanor which put everyone at ease. Conversations with him were educational and enlightening. He doted on his family and made them his top priority. Men like David do not come around very often and he has left a lasting impression on many people through his professional and personal activities. All in all, he was a great guy and will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touched. Goodbye David, please watch over us.
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