William D. HYSLOP

1951 - 2022

1951-2022

William D. Hyslop, 71, of Spokane, who twice served as U.S. Attorney for Eastern Washington, died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 11. He was a dedicated public servant, loyal friend, and beloved family member.



Born on March 22, 1951, Bill was raised in Spokane, the son of Thomas and Catherine Hyslop. His parents owned a Reardan wheat farm, which has been in the family for over 100 years. Bill appreciated his farming heritage.



Bill graduated from Shadle Park High School. He continued on to Washington State University, graduating in 1973. A lifelong Cougar fan, he later served as president of the WSU Alumni Association. He received a master's degree from the University of Washington and earned his law degree from Gonzaga University in 1980.



While attending WSU, Bill met Deborah and asked her on a first date. No sparks were lit. Bill went on to law school. Deborah pursued her teaching career. Ten years later, they reconnected on a second date, and the rest is history. Throughout 39 years of marriage, Bill kept Deb laughing. They loved to travel, garden, and entertain. At every wedding they attended, Bill still loved to take Deb for a spin on the dance floor.

A litigator and partner with the firm of Lukins & Annis, Bill practiced law in Spokane for 40 years. He was appointed to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, by President George H.W. Bush and served from 1991 to 1993. He was appointed a second time when President Donald Trump named him to the post in 2019 and served until 2021.



Bill believed everyone should have equal access to the justice system. He served on the board of the Legal Foundation of Washington, which distributes funds to legal aid organizations throughout Washington, and he was active in the Equal Justice Coalition. Bill frequented the nation's capital and Olympia to advocate for funding and civil legal services for low-income people.



As a prosecutor, and not one to shy away from controversial causes in the interest of justice, Bill served as chair of the Council on Public Defense, which recommended a rule change to the Washington State Supreme Court to impose caseload standards for public defenders. This changed the landscape of public defense, putting Washington State at the forefront of best practices for criminal defense lawyers, ensuring defendants in the criminal justice system receive fair representation.



Bill received the Smithmoore P. Myers Professionalism Award in 2008, an honor bestowed upon a member of Spokane's legal community who exhibits utmost integrity. He dedicated decades of service to the local and state bar associations including the Board of Governors. He was honored to serve as Spokane County Bar Association President in 1999 and Washington State Bar Association President in 2015.



Bill loved Spokane and civic service. He contributed his time to many community efforts including the arena replacement and Spokane Public Schools capital improvement campaigns. He served as Vice Chair of the City of Spokane Use of Force Commission, which reviewed police standards and solidified the work of the Police Ombudsman. Following his retirement in 2021, Bill remained very active in community service. He was proud to be an ally to local law enforcement. Bill passionately supported opioid fentanyl awareness in Eastern Washington and helped found the Spokane Alliance for Fentanyl Education.



Bill was a dedicated Republican. He chaired the 5th Congressional District presidential election campaigns for George W. Bush, and George H. W. Bush, as well as national, state, and local candidates.



Both in his professional and personal life, Bill's ethics and reliability earned him the trust of all who knew him. Bill truly enjoyed mentoring others, talking with colleagues, and sharing coffee with friends. He was an unbiased thinker and sounding board for complex issues that affect our state and local communities. His humor, kindness, and integrity bridged differences and brought people together.



There was much more to Bill than his public persona. He had a deep-seated thankfulness and gratitude for his life. He was a steadfast family man who took great delight in spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. This summer would have found Bill and his grandchildren on a combine, harvesting wheat, riding bikes, or sliding down a water slide.



He is survived by his wife, Deborah, and children, Jeffrey (Carolyn) of Spokane, and Kathleen of Seattle, as well as three grandchildren. Surviving siblings include Mary Ann (Jim) of Portland; Thomas, Jr., (Vivian) of Liberty Lake; Robert (Melodee) of Spokane.



A Celebration of Life is planned for First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 1:00 PM, with a reception to follow.



Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Funeral & Cremation. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and sign his online guestbook at www.heritagefunerals.com



Memorials may be made in Bill's name to the Legal Foundation of Washington, Gonzaga School of Law, or the WSU Foundation.