REMBERT RYALS

Richland, Wash

Rembert Ryals, 77, of Richland, WA, passed away peacefully at home on June 3, 2011.

Rem was born in 1933 in Birmingham, Alabama, to Rembert Ryals and Hazel Thornhill, and they moved to Richland with his sister Gayle in 1944. Exhibiting his bright mind early on, Rem graduated from Richland High School at the age of 15, finished his undergraduate studies at Washington State University and served two years in the Army. He received his Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga in 1958 and was sworn into the Washington State Bar immediately thereafter. He met the love of his life, Patricia Doyle, in 1955, and they were married on August 24, 1957.

He loved the law and pursued its practice in many different directions. Beginning in Olympia, he clerked for the Washington State Supreme Court and worked as an Assistant Attorney General. He moved back to Richland in 1962 and was made partner in Critchlow, Williams, Ryals & Schuster. In addition, he served as city attorney for the city of Richland. A staunch believer in civil rights, especially freedom of speech, he argued several cases before the Washington Supreme Court. He was most proud of taking a controversial free speech case to the United States Supreme Court and winning 9-0. He believed strongly in education and the rights of teachers and represented their unions for years. He volunteered for many years on the Washington State Bar Association Disciplinary Board. Rem completed his career as a public defender in Franklin County and retired in 2001.

Rem's interests and intelligence were not limited to law. He was an avid reader, especially of history. Rem also loved bridge, music (Frank Sinatra was a honorary member of the family), and travel. He respected discussion, debate and humor. He was active in the Democratic Party (fighting hard state wide for the election of George McGovern). His compassion for those less fortunate drove many of his choices and he could not tolerate racial, social or economic injustice. All of these interests and dedications he encouraged and passed on to his kids.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Patty; sister Gayle Quiros; sons, Rem and Paul; daughters, Kathleen and Joani; grandchildren Nathan and Emma; and sister-in-law, Maureen Neidhold. They will miss him beyond words.

Viewing will be at Einan's Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 8, from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a Rosary. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. at Christ the King Church on Thursday, June 9. Friends and family are invited to join the family after the service at the church to celebrate Rem's life. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored to have donations made to the Kadlec Neurological Resource Center, 712 Swift, Richland, WA (509)943-8455.