In Memory

Steven Hale

Steven Hale



 
  Post Comment

12/11/10 05:48 PM #1    

Garth Westover

 

Obituary - Steven Hale

 

 

Steven W. HALE September 18, 1943 ~ May 5, 2007

Prominent and highly respected Seattle attorney, died peacefully at his Laurelhurst home, following a heroic nine-year battle with cancer, on May 5th, with his loving wife, Jeannie by his side.

Steve was born on September 18, 1943 in Portland, Oregon. His family moved to Utah where Steve graduated from high school and then Weber State College in 1966. He pursued graduate studies at Utah State University and later obtained a law degree from Georgetown University in 1975. Between 1967 and 1975 Steve worked as an Intelligence Officer and later Assistant Legislative Counsel for the Central Intelligence Agency. He developed considerable expertise in Soviet Affairs, space and scientific matters, including nuclear technology. While at the CIA, he regularly contributed to the President's Daily Briefing on Strategic Arms Limitation issues. Also, during this time, Steve was in the U.S. Army Reserves, Special Forces (Airborne). Steve's knowledge of foreign affairs was legendary and many business and political leaders sought his wise counsel.

Following law school, Steve moved to Seattle where he has resided ever since. As a lawyer, Steve commanded the highest respect from his colleagues, judges, and other professional leaders. His uncompromising ethical standards earned him the Chair of the Perkins Coie Professional Standards Committee, the Pro Bono Leadership Award and he was selected by the Washington Bar Association to be a Hearing Officer on Lawyer Discipline cases. Steve volunteered hundreds of hours of his legal expertise to helping individuals who could not afford the services of an attorney, while representing major corporations on highly complex litigation. During most of his legal career he also was a respected Adjunct Professor at the University of Washington School of Business, teaching future lawyers and community leaders to uphold the highest of professional standards. He also volunteered as a mediator and arbitrator, assisting litigants in resolving disputes.

Steve had many hobbies and interests, including fly fishing, hunting, hiking, skiing, golf and most outdoor activities. He excelled at all of them. Steve was a master chef and made award-winning wines with a few of his friends from grapes supplied by the finest vineyards in Napa Valley. When Steve became interested in a subject, he would strive to reach the pinnacle. He owned a classic Ferrari and later an Aston Martin; his wines were aged in oak barrels imported from central France, and his legal acumen was second to none. One highlight of his fishing hobby was fly fishing with President Jimmy Carter near his mountain cabin in Oregon.

Steve is survived by his wife of 28 years, Jeannie Hale, daughter, Ashley Hale of Los Angeles, brother, Scott Hale of Salt Lake City, and sister, Barbara Hale Fife of Ogden, Utah. Steve's two yellow labs, Barney and Samantha, will miss him greatly.

The high standards Steve set in his personal and professional life will continue to guide and inspire all who have had the privilege and honor of his friendship.

The family requests remembrances be made to Seattle Audubon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


  Post Comment