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Murray Guterson Obituary
Murray Bernard Guterson passed away peacefully Friday evening surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Guterson was born in Seattle on December 17, 1929 and lived in Seattle all his life. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1947 and attended the University of Washington, where he earned his law degree.
After working as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for King County and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for Western Washington, Mr. Guterson embarked on a career in private practice as a criminal defense attorney in 1958, and soon garnered for himself a stellar reputation as a consummate legal practitioner and as a gentleman whose word was his bond. Widely and deeply admired and respected for his skill, manner, and integrity, he retired in 2009.
Mr. Guterson is survived by Shirley Guterson, his wife of 62 years, by his brother Lewis Guterson and sister in law Shelly, by his five children, Janette, John, David, Mary, and Benjamin and their spouses, and by his 20 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Services for Mr. Guterson will be held at 2pm on Sunday, October 6, at the Bikkur Cholim Cemetery in Seattle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Murray Guterson
David Guterson
October 5, 2014
Murray Guterson was my father. Since he died a year ago my mother, siblings, and I have received many kind notes and messages from people who knew him. These have meant a lot to us. We cherish and appreciate every one of them and are grateful to all for your thoughtfulness.
Roger Rogoff
October 14, 2013
Murray was a true hero for young, Jewish lawyers. As a prosecutor it was wonderful having him on cases. His wisdom, honesty, and sweetness will be sorely missed.
Bob Baugher
October 12, 2013
Murray Guterson is my uncle. In 1950, there I was, four years old, at the wedding of my soon to be Uncle and his bride-to-be my Aunt Shirley, dressed in my little tuxedo, deciding at literally the last moment refusing to do my ring bearer duties. Of course that didn't stop the ceremony and, still today Aunt Shirley ends all her emails to me with, "Still Waiting." Fifteen years later I called Uncle Murray to help me with a college homework assignment. I was to interview someone who had a profession in which I shared an interest. Back in the 60s attorney Murray Guterson had a reputation for defending unpopular folks. I wasn't interested in being an attorney, but I knew I wanted pursue a profession in which I would be helping people. I asked him how he was able to come home each night with people's problems hanging over his head. I worried that I might be victim to such a professional burden. He said something like this, "Bobby, I help people the best I can and I am able to leave most of it at the office. You won't know how this will affect you until you do it." Those unforgettable words were spoken more than 48 years ago. Thank you, Uncle Murray. I will never forget you. Love, Bob Baugher
Robin Houck
October 9, 2013
Murray - Quite simply, I owe my life to you. Your kindness, humility, honesty, compassion, and dedication will forever be your legacy. Yours is a ripple which reaches far, indeed. Many today are alive who may not have been, doing their part to spread goodness in their own ways. Because of you, I completed my training. I am able to save lives. Help ease chronic illness. Give a measure of comfort and peace to those who cannot be saved, and to their families. Your kindness spreads to these people - those that I have had the good fortune to help. Every resuscitation, thwarted heart attack, patient partnership, every hold of the hand at the bedside, every public health initiative. Your hand was there. Then, of course, there are my children. They would not have been born since without you I would not have had the occasion to even meet my wonderful wife. You see? I listened. I, among many many others, will hear and feel your ripples ever more. Rest, my friend. In peace.
Anne Bremner
October 9, 2013
Murray was the best lawyer ever. He was an inspiration to all in our profession. He was also such a wonderful man. My condolences to his family for their enormous loss.
October 9, 2013
Very sorry to hear about Murray. I first met him in the "Inherit the Wind"play in 1982 when I was 31. I would see him at Cong Beth Shalom.
Dennis Percherke
Bob Sulkin
October 8, 2013
Murray, was an inspiration to all that knew him. He was a mentsch in every way. Every morning he was the first one in the office and always reading the sports page. A man after my own heart. He had a wonderful soul and continually bragged to my about his kids and grandkids. He will be missed. Bob Sulkin
Craig Platt
October 7, 2013
Murray was a true gentleman. He had an inner glow that could only have come from the wonderful way he inspired others with his shining example. A brilliant lawyer, he always seemed to rise above the fray, and everyone around him was lifted up as a result.
Leslie Hagin
October 7, 2013
When I first moved to Seattle in 1999 and joined McNaul Ebel Nawrot Helgten & Vance (a successor to Culp, Dwyer, Guterson & Grader), Murray was Of Counsel and immediately welcomed me warmly and with generous and genuine interest. I know I am a better lawyer and person for having been in his orbit.
Billy Strauss
October 7, 2013
I don't usually refer to myself as Billy, but I thought I would here because Murray always called me that. Murray was always genuine and thoughtful, calm and wise. He had a wonderful smile. On one occasion I needed his legal advice and there was no hesitation and no doubt. What a beautiful friend, father, husband, grandfather... He will be missed. Love and best wishes to Shirley and everyone. I wish I was in Seattle to be with you at this time.
Lovingly, Bill, Deanna, Sarah and Rachel
Amy Freedheim
October 7, 2013
Love is stronger than death even though it can't stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death.
October 7, 2013
Murray, by his example, taught a generation of lawyers how to be professional, dedicated and caring. What a legacy! Our profession will be diminished in his abscence.
David Bukey
October 7, 2013
A mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to me. One of the great people who made life better for everyone around him. Just a wonderful man. Dave Bukey
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