Victor Evald Haglund

Victor Evald Haglund, a long-time practicing attorney in Snohomish County, died peacefully on April 8, 2016, in Everett, Wash. He was 86. Some may remember him for his wispy whistle that preceded his arrival. Others may recall his distinctive crew cut still standing tall, though somewhat thinned, to the end of his life. The cause of his death can be attributed to laryngeal cancer. Victor distinguished himself as a defender of the everyman in his law practice. While his practice was primarily rooted on more mundane advice for bankruptcies, divorces, and real estate issues, he enjoyed recalling, somewhat coyly, his one and only murder case many, many years ago: A wife confessed to having killed her husband and then buried him in the front yard with his fishing gear. It was his policy to take on clients even knowing that he would not get paid. If you needed legal help, he would provide it. He was less concerned about financial compensation than in providing legal advice. Consequently, in lieu of dollars, he was offered through the years the use of a boat, pony rides for his children, plumbing work, dogs, and light house construction. He was an advocate for the pay-what-you-can payment plan, a long-ago practice that never died out for him. His parents, Carl Victor and Helga Bjorkland (Swede-Finn immigrants), and two sisters spent the early family years in a Simpson logging camp near Shelton, Washington. When the family moved to Anacortes, Wash. Victor was nine and viewed it as a step down: How could a town be more exciting or offer more advantages than the wilds of a logging camp? In Anacortes, Victor took part in a variety of clubs and after-school pursuits. He did well academically and chose Pacific Lutheran College for his next adventure. After graduation, he attended the University of Washington Law School. Socially-minded, he was a strong supporter of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, was instrumental in the Snohomish County Apartment Owners Association, Legal Aid, and helped craft the state's Landlord-Tenant Act. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2016, in Everett at Our Savior's Lutheran Church 215 Mukilteo Blvd. at 12:00. Due to church construction, a reception will be held following the service at Faith Lutheran Church located several miles away at 6708 Cady Road.