DAVID A. WELTS

David A. Welts passed away on July 25, 2010, at his home in Mount Vernon. He was born on May 9, 1935, in Seattle, Washington to R.V. (Robin) Welts and Lucille (Lowman) Welts. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1953, the University of Washington in 1957, and the University of Washington School of Law in 1959. He then entered the United States Army, serving in the office of the Judge Advocate General. In 1962 he came back to Mount Vernon and joined his dad and uncle in the Welts & Welts law firm.

David was a member of the Skagit Bar Association, Washington State Bar Association, Arizona State Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association and the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). He was also a Fellow of the Board of Governors and was president of the Washington State Bar Association. He also served as Mount Vernon City Attorney. Other memberships included the Skagit Golf & Country Club, Seattle Golf Club, Washington Athletic Club, Capilano Golf & Country Club, and the Columbia Tower Club, as well as the Moose and Elks.

David was a huge sports fan. In high school he was an excellent basketball player. He was an avid golfer. He was a Brant Club member, hunted birds for years and loved to sport fish in Alaska. He was superb at picking winning teams such as college football and bowl games. He was a baseball trivia expert and knew many major league players. He also loved playing the horses.

David was extremely generous and was an extraordinary trial lawyer. He was a "lawyer's lawyer" who, at one time, held the record verdicts in Skagit, Island, Whatcom and San Juan Counties. Together with his father and uncle, the firm of Welts & Welts provided legal services to the public and legal profession with honor and distinction, gaining prominence throughout the state and beyond. Like his father, David was dangerous as a trial opponent because he was charming to everyone. He had outstanding trial skills and was a bright and creative lawyer.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, he was a friend of the common man, who enjoyed the company of fisherman and loggers, as well as lawyers. He was always there to help a friend in need, and his handshake was his bond. He seem to know everybody, not just here, but all around the state and at his favorite places like Las Vegas, Arizona and Hawaii. He will be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched.

David is survived by sons, Robert Albright and David T. Welts; sister-in-law, Phyllis Welts; nieces and nephews, Nancy (Paul) Shulte, Rick Welts, Peter Newell, Jim Newell, Chris Newell and special friend, Sue Burke. Also surviving him are several members of the Lowman family.

David was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Barbara Newell; brothers, Doctor Robert Welts and Keith Welts; uncles and aunts, Richard and Gretchen Welts, Florence Welts, and Edith Moore; and a niece, Pam Juvonen.

We would like to thank Hospice, Rachel and the girls at Visiting Angels for their help and care of David, especially Pam, Tina, Katie and Mikayla, who were with him until the end, and Keith Knoernschild.

Memorials may be made in David's name to Ginger's Pet Rescue (Gingerspetrescue.org), the Humane Society of Skagit Valley, or a favorite charity.

At David's request there will be no viewing or service. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 8, 2010 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Max Dales Restaurant in Mount Vernon.

Please share your thoughts of David and sign the online guest register at www.hawthornefh.com

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon.