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John Budlong Obituary
John Griffin Budlong, born on October 2, 1953, died at his home December 24, 2016 from glioblastoma, with his wife Starla at his side. He was graduated from Ingraham High School in 1971. He attended the University of Washington where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree, Masters Degree in International Studies, and then graduated UW Law School in 1982.
John practiced law at Stafford Frey (Mertel) Cooper, and in 1996 started the Budlong Law Firm. He was resolute in his advocacy for the rights of injured people and making new case law in the Washington Supreme Court.
John is survived by his wife of 24 years, Starla Hohbach, his sisters Carolyn Paulson and Maryann Budlong and cousins, Kathryn Peterson, Barbara Schwabe, Jim Peterson, and Laura Leady.
Gifts can be made to the UW Law School for the John Budlong Memorial Fund to honor his legacy of trial advocacy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Budlong
Sponsored by The Family.
Tina Kirk (Herald)
December 22, 2021
I am confident John and Lisa Everett (Ward) are shooting regular games of pool and happy for the day we all can play again, too.
Bruce Clark
September 7, 2017
I was shocked to learn I had missed the news about John in December. He was the type of lawyer this lawyer likes best: smart, funny, modest, and passionate about helping people. He was a professional, I don't have any higher praise. What a good guy, will miss him. Good thoughts to his wife and family.
Linda Kilmer
March 6, 2017
My deepest condolences to John's family and friends.
linda kilmer
March 7, 2017
So shocked to hear this news. John was one special guy. My condolences to all of his family and friends.
Randy & Cindy Montalbano
February 9, 2017
John was a good man and an incredible lawyer. We new John do to some litigation which John was representing us. I found him incredibly passionate and loyal to his client. He will be sorely missed.
Catherine Smith
January 30, 2017
Howard and I were so sad to hear of John's death. A passionate advocate and a true gentleman; we have never worked with a lawyer who was more committed to his clients and their just causes.
Catherine Smith and Howard Goodfriend
Jason Nevilier
January 28, 2017
Lots of good memories of John during our years together at IHS. One of the smartest and funniest people I've known.
I'd run into John every few years and we'd catch up on what had been going on in our lives.
Thanks for the memories John!
Malcolm Harris
January 23, 2017
Just heard yesterday of John's recent passing. Hard to believe that such a vibrant and delightful guy has left us -- all too early. John and I associated on a jury trial in Port Townsend several years ago which ended quite successfully. I was absolutely in awe of his brilliant mind and his encyclopedic knowledge of Washington law and courtroom procedure. He was a great example to all members of the bar: tenacious but civil, cerebral but down to earth, persuasive but a good listener.
I called John for peer review from time to time and always found him to be a wise counselor and generous with his time and advice.
We'll miss you John.
Anne Proffitt
January 16, 2017
My deepest condolences to Starla as well as John's family and friends. John and I were classmates at Ingraham. We hadn't been in touch in recent years but I always appreciated John's dry wit, gentle approach and intellect. We had a nice conversation at the last reunion. I am sad that he is gone.
January 14, 2017
My deepest sympathies to Starla and the rest of the family. Losing our loved ones to disease and at a premature age is one of the most challenging and emotional experiences of life. May the sadness at this time have moments of happy memories sprinkled throughout the sadness and grief.
I recall so many wonderfully fun IHS times around the pool table at Lisa Ward's (Everitt) house with John and many others of us who hung out together. I remember John's incredibly quick and eccentric sense of humor and his brilliant mind. He and Lisa shared an especially great friendship. Lisa often spoke of her friendship with John as one of her most treasured relationships. Odds are they are rackin' 'em up around the heavenly pool table right now. Rest easy - both of you.
Tina Herald Kirk, Mill Creek, WA
Bob Omberg
January 10, 2017
I was so sad to hear of John's passing tonight in a phone message from another law school classmate. I was telling my wife about John and, as Rob MacAulay noted below in another comment, mentioned his smile and laugh. My classmate then called and was saying he remembered the exact same things. I last saw him (and met his wife) at our 25th reunion 10 years ago; John was truly a good and kind standup guy. I will miss him.
Mike Cooke
January 10, 2017
Well Bud, we did have us a time or two back in High School that's for sure.I'll see you fly fishing somewhere down the line. Go safe and thanks.
Brad Keller
January 9, 2017
A tenacious and honorable advocate who was dedicated to ensuring that the civil justice system was equally available to all members of our community. More importantly, John was just an all around good man who cared about those around him.
Rob MacAulay
January 8, 2017
Such sad news. John's ever - present smile and booming laugh provide great memories. John was a great man and a great lawyer. - Rob MacAulay
Aaron Weholt
January 8, 2017
I am very sorry to hear of John's passing. He and I worked together on many of his cases over the years. I always enjoyed his humor, wit and commitment to the cause of his clients. He always made me better at what I did because he was so good at what he did. He was very kind and generous in his efforts to help me in furthering my career in the legal business. I will miss him.
Judy Meagher
December 30, 2016
We are saddened by the news of John's death and feel a great loss. We will miss our favorite Fisherman! and will light a special candle this evening in his honor. The Budlongs hold a very special place in my heart and I feel blessed to have all the fond memories of them since childhood. We will miss you John!
With Love, Judy and Chris Meagher
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