Justin Lowe QUACKENBUSH

1929 - 2024

Justin Lowe Quackenbush came into the world on an October day, in 1929, in Spokane, Washington, and left it 95 years later, on another October day, in 2024, in that same city.

His parents, Marian L. and Carl C. Quackenbush, taught him the values of hard work, education and the responsibility of public service. Both teachers at Hillyard High School in Spokane, Justin's father Carl earned his law degree at Gonzaga University School of Law by attending night classes. Justin would later earn his law degree in the same manner, from the same university, while working during the day and attending law school at night. He emulated his father by going into public service, both worked as prosecuting attorneys for Spokane County and later serving as members of the judiciary, Carl in the Spokane County Superior Court and Justin for the United States Eastern District of Washington.

Growing up in the Audubon Park neighborhood, during his teenage years, Justin discovered golf while working as a groundskeeper and caddy at Downriver Golf course. As a young caddy, he worked for U.S. Open champion Olin Dutra during a PGA championship at Manito Country Club. Golf, for Justin, became a life-long passion and a sport at which he excelled. Many friendships were formed and strengthened on the golf course.

While lettering in four sports, Justin graduated from North Central High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy officer training program, first at the University of Illinois and finishing at the University of Idaho. Upon graduation, he went to serve his country during the Korean War aboard the Navy destroyer U.S.S. Arnold J. Isbell.

While still in the Navy, in 1952, Justin married another Idaho alum, Polly Packenham (dec.) and they had three children. The family joke was always that they had three to avail themselves of professional services should they ever need them, and the children complied by becoming an attorney (Karl), an accountant (Kathleen) and a physician (Robert).

In 1954, after completing his military duties, Justin would start law school at Gonzaga University. During the day, he worked as a court clerk for Judge Ralph Foley and became friends with the judge's son, Tom. Justin served as Tom Foley's campaign chairman 1964-1978, seemingly successfully, as Tom Foley served as a U.S. Congressman for thirty years, including six years as Speaker of the House.

After graduating from Gonzaga School of Law in 1957, Justin went into public service as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Spokane County. In 1960, with his friend Jack Dean, he formed the law firm of Quackenbush, Dean, Bailey and Henderson. He would practice law until 1980, when he was appointed by President Carter, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to the U.S. District Court. He served as a U.S. District Court Judge for Eastern Washington, as well as being assigned to sit on other Federal District and Circuit courts throughout the western United States. He achieved Senior Federal Judge status in 1995.

Justin was involved in community service throughout his life, serving as a member and eventually Master of Masonic Lodge #272, as Chair of the Spokane County Planning Commission, as an adjunct professor at Gonzaga School of Law, as well several Federal Court committees. Gonzaga Law School honored Justin by establishing the Quackenbush Lecture series, and the series continues beyond his life through a Quackenbush family endowment.

Justin, in the second half of his life, found a wonderful and loving companion in his second wife, Marie. She and her three sons added much happiness to his life, and Marie was devoted to him until his last day.

Justin was predeceased by his parents, Marian L. and Carl C. Quackenbush; and his two sisters, Marian Rushmore and Derce Randolph. He is survived by his wife, Marie Quackenbush; sons, Karl (Michelle) and Robert (Alicia) Quackenbush; daughter, Kathy Downs; grandsons, Samuel (Ashley), Simon (Becca), Daniel, Kyle and Mathew (Rosie) Quackenbush and Paul (Nhung) Downs; great-grandchildren, Madison Downs and Jett Quackenbush; and stepsons, Frayne (Randi) and Mark (Dana) McAtee.

In memoriam donations may be made to, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 5720 S. Perry St., Spokane, WA 99223; Gonzaga Law School Foundation, PO Box 3528, Spokane, WA 99220; or Audubon Park Lodge No. 272, 821 W. Northwest Blvd., Spokane, WA 99205.

Many thanks to Raisa Fox and the Garden of Care for the loving care he received.

Memorial service is Saturday, November 2nd, at 11 a.m., at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church, 5720 S. Perry Street, Spokane. Private burial to follow.