Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert Utter Obituary
Robert French Utter, former chief justice of the Washington Supreme Court and an internationally known champion for human rights and the rule of law, died Oct. 15, 2014, at his Olympia home. He was 84.
Utter was an avid sailor, airplane pilot, law professor and co-author of the definitive book on the State Constitution. As a young King County Juvenile Court commissioner he co-founded the state's first Big Brother chapter. He believed passionately in "the importance of love in every child's life." The YMCA Youth in Government program in 1997 named its top award for citizenship in his honor.
He was born June 19, 1930, in Seattle to John and Besse French Utter. He attended Linfield College, where he met his future wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Stevenson. Utter went on to graduate from the University of Washington School of Law in 1954.
Utter resigned from the high court in 1995 to protest the death penalty, then dedicated himself to mentoring judges in emerging democracies around the world. Utter was an active trustee of the Seattle-based Rural Development Institute, Landesa, which fosters land ownership in rural areas of the world.
Survivors include his wife, Betty, daughter Kimberly; sons Kirk and John (Robin Landsong); four grandchildren, Molly, Anders, Colson and Eli Utter; two brothers, Fred and Tim Utter. A memorial service is set for 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Minnaert Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College, Olympia. For more information on his eventful life and memorial donation suggestions, go to robertutter.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Utter
Sponsored by The Family.
Steven Collier
October 16, 2015
I'm aghast that it's a year later & I'm just now reading this.... The man had a profound influence on my young 12 yr old life back in 1960-61. Even at a young age I definitely appreciated what he did for me. Rest in peace Judge Utter, S. Collier
Tom Pargeter
November 7, 2014
It is always sad to say 'goodbye' to a loving lifetime friend, but Bob has certainly earned his rest. More than a friend, he was a living, loving example of the right way to reflect his faith and therefore to lead others. I was older than he but he was my inspiration ! The world will miss him as shall I!
Donna Blaurock
October 28, 2014
Dear Betty; I'm so sorry to read of Bob's passing. It brings back many memories of our old Sunday School days. "The marry weds" at first Baptist. I think of many of them wondering how they are. My Bill Passed away in Aug 2012.It's lonely but good memories and my Children makes things easier. I know you must have wonderful memories of Bob, what a Great Person he was.
My sincere condolences to you and your family Love
October 23, 2014
As a youth I appeared before "The Judge" in juvenile court several times in the 60's. He was the most caring and understanding of the group of "juvi" judges. I then had the pleasure of retain9ng him in a mediation of my fathers estate in 1997. It was nice to re-connect after 45 plus years. It seemed like he remembered me . I've thought of him on occasion and a smile comes across my face . A real class act,rest in peace F.Johnson
Susan Bell
October 22, 2014
Bob and my father, Robert Miller, were first cousins so I have known Bob since I was a young girl. He was an excellent role model, kind, loving, generous, and a true statesman. His legacy lives on in Washington and around the world. May God bless his family.
Bev Forrest
October 22, 2014
It's been an honor to know Bob and Betty AND to have Kim as a valuable friend in my life!
Bev Forrest
RIP Justice Robert Utter
Michael Sweazey
October 20, 2014
Will never forget this wonderful man. My family enjoyed his Orcas retreat to no end. As a kid I enjoyed watching him plow fire roads on his Orcas retreat with his two bulldozers. If one broke down he would simply jump in the other until the task at hand was completed. Bob told me this was a excellent release after hearing court cases the prior week. He normally would break both bulldozers only to have a local guy repair them for the following weekend returned trip! When I learned he receive local compensation for installing the "fire" roads I thought to myself, what a smart man. I never would have thought of that but I was only 9 or 10 years old at the time. Plenty of enjoyment at Eagle Lake which he also created on his Orcas property as well. Photo attached was taken from one of his waterfront properties looking North towards the Sucia Island.
Matt Kemph
October 20, 2014
Kim and Kirk, thoughts and prayers to you and your families..
October 19, 2014
When it comes to commitment to principle, few of us will ever match Justice Utter.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Utter's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Utter
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Utter's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
