Nat Washington

Nat WASHINGTON Former state senator and a driving force in the building of Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams, died August 18 after a brief illness. He was 93. Nat was elected University of Washington student body president in 1936 and graduated from the UW law school in 1939. During five years in the air force during World War II, he functioned as an intelligence officer and judge advocate. His political career began in 1948 with his election to the Washington State House. He was elected to the senate in 1950 and was re-elected six times. He formed an alliance with Bill Raugust, an Odessa Republican. The two legislators, though from different parties and philosophies, found common ground and passed major legislation. They co- authored 58 measures that became law, a record for bi-partisanship that probably still stands today and a practice sadly lost. He was long recognized for his critical role in building a state highway system that was among the best and safest in the nation. College presidents from throughout the state expressed their gratitude for his efforts to keep their schools well funded and competitive. Nat also served as Grant County PUD attorney beginning in 1947. By 1955 he had played a principal role in the development of a strategy by which the PUD could use the financial strength and credit worthiness of the big utilities who would contract to purchase power from the PUD. This enabled the PUD to sell bonds at a favorable rate, making construction of Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams not only feasible, but also financially sound. In recognition of his many contributions to public power, Nat received the 2001 Henwood Award from the National Hydropower Association, the industry's most prestigious award. Nat gained the trust and respect of just about everyone he met, even if they didn't always share his political beliefs. A longtime political writer called him, "the conscience of the Senate." In a poll of his legislative colleagues in 1978, Nat was recognized as one of two legislators with "the highest reputation for personal integrity." Nat is admired for his accomplishments but loved for his humble, lift-others-up, never complain way. He was kind, generous, a true gentleman, always seeking the good in everyone and every situation, always ready to listen and help, and ever cheerful. He is survived by two sons, Nat, Jr. (Donna) of Bellingham and Tom (Lois) of Kirkland, and sister, Glenora of Las Cruces, New Mexico, as well as 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda and sister, Roberta. A Memorial Service will be held in Ephrata, at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 8 at the Ephrata High School, 333 Fourth Avenue NW. For more information about Nat go to www.molesfuneralhomes.com.