Roger David Sherrard

Roger Sherrard left this world peacefully on February 19, 2025. He is honored for the many roles he played-husband, father, uncle, grandfather, friend, mentor, lawyer, soldier-but also as a gifted storyteller, an eternal optimist, a loyal servant, a creative problem-solver, a builder of bridges and an honest man of integrity. He celebrated life with joy and purpose. His energy and light will never be replaced.
Roger's journey began August 31,1944 in Tacoma, Washington. Born to Jean and Marion Sherrard, he was the youngest of four boys. After losing his father at eight years old, Roger's older brothers were his cheerleaders and protectors throughout his life. They delighted in caring for Roger as you might expect older brothers would including throwing him like a football across the backyard pond and trying to best him in political debates until they ran out of patience and breath.
Roger set his sights on West Point in his early teens where he determined he could serve his country while getting the best education his family could afford. He met the love of his life, Katoo Holwill, the summer before his senior year of high school in 1961 at Malibu Young Life Camp and was accepted to West Point in 1962. They were married in 1966 and remain devoted to each other to this day.
Friendships that would last a lifetime were forged during Roger's time at West Point. His roommate, Al Lindseth, was a companion through adventures around the world and over many decades. Roger continued to play a recording of the West Point Marching Band's Reveille as an alarm to wake up his family for Sunday church well into his children's adulthood.
After graduating from Ranger and Airborne Schools, Roger reported to his first assignment in Germany as a Platoon Leader for the 3rd of the 33rd Armor Division, later serving as a General's Aide in Germany and Italy before serving a tour of duty as a Company Commander of an infantry unit in Vietnam in 1969-1970. He was awarded two Bronze Stars and a Bronze Star with Valor for heroism in combat, earned during some of the most brutal years of fighting in the war.
Roger took his LSAT from a tent in Vietnam and attended Seattle University Law School, where he graduated with honors before entering private practice in Poulsbo, Washington, with his brother, Jean, and William McGonagle in 1975. Roger approached his craft as a lawyer as he did the rest of his life, serving others with compassion and humor. He was as proud of defending the free speech rights of a pro-life protestor at the Washington State Supreme Court in 1985 as he was of helping a plus-sized client document her wish to have her ashes scattered in the petite's section of her favorite department store.
Roger answered God's call to what would be his life's work in 1991 when he volunteered to advise the judiciary of the newly formed democracy of Albania upon the country's liberation from communism in 1991. Over the next 26 years, Roger invested countless hours and personal expense, travelling to Albania 51 times. He sponsored and organized annual judicial conferences while assisting lawyers, judges and legislators to draft provisions of the Albanian constitution to protect the independence of the judiciary and the freedom of religion. He contributed to Albania by not only training judges and supporting them to understand the core principles of the rule of law, but through advocating universal principles of justice, mercy and ethical standards. He was not ashamed of openly citing the Bible in meetings with the country's highest leaders, giving glory to Christ and showing that He is the true source of wisdom and life. One of Roger's Albanian mentees captured the essence of his service: "He was a noble man, serving the Lord in places where few pastors can reach: among lawyers, judges and peoples of power. Not many believers could navigate in this environment, but Roger was gifted to humbly serve with wisdom and love for all people."
The President of the Republic of Albania awarded Roger the "Medal for Special Civil Merits", which is the highest civilian award, in 2005 for his tireless efforts in assisting the Albanian Judiciary. In 2014, the University of Tirana bestowed upon him the title of Honoris Causa-a recognition of his invaluable contribution to legal education and the democratic development of the rule of law in Albania. He later received the Kitsap County Bar Humanitarian award and was also awarded the Apex Award of Merit by the Washington State Bar in 2019, which is the highest award the Bar provides to one of its members to recognize exceptional contributions to the furtherance of justice.
As proud as Roger was of his service to his country, the country of Albania and his lifelong service to Christ, his greatest joy was in his sons, Wade and Toby, and in later years, his grandchildren, Vivian and Claudia, who he frequently claimed were the most amazing children ever born. He came home for dinner most nights, even if it meant going back to the office to work until 2am. He coached sport teams, went on wilderness excursions and spent many a summer (or even winter) afternoon waterskiing on Liberty Bay with his family. He was always ready to help through all of life's ups and downs, enthusiastically celebrating successes and demonstrating optimistic resilience in the face of any challenge.
While Roger's service in this world has ended, he will be remembered with love and emulated with respect by all those lucky enough to know him. He is survived by his wife, Katoo Sherrard; sons, Wade (Missy) Sherrard and Toby (Emily) Sherrard; his grandchildren, Vivian and Claudia Sherrard; and his brother, Jerry (Caroline) Sherrard. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Marion Sherrard, and his brothers, Jean and Don Sherrard.
Roger was laid to rest at Edmonds Memorial Cemetery on February 28. A celebration of his life will be held on April 12, 2025, at 2:00pm at Gateway Fellowship Church in Poulsbo, Washington.
The family requests donations to the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation in lieu of gifts.