William W. Baker (August 21, 1940-January 17, 2011)

William W. Baker (August 21, 1940-January 17, 2011)

Judge Baker died of leukemia on January 17, 2011.

Judge Baker was a graduate of Stanford University, majoring in Political Science, and the University of Washington Law School. Before he joined the Court, Judge Baker led the litigation department of the Anderson Hunter law firm in Everett, where he tried over 75 jury trials. Judge Baker’s impressive list of professional accomplishments included service as President of the Snohomish County Bar Association, as a board member of the American Judicature Society, and as a charter member of the Judicial Conduct Commission.

Before joining JdR in June 2009, Judge Baker served 18 years on the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division I, where he authored 1500 opinions and served terms as Chief Judge and Presiding Chief Judge of the full court. In 2006, he was named Snohomish County Judge of the Year.

Judge Baker had a great zest for life. He was devoted to his family and to his diverse circles of friends. He was a voracious reader and was a longtime and perceptive member of two book clubs. He was an enthusiastic golfer and fisherman. Coming from modest roots, Judge Baker became an honored member of the Everett community.

Judge Baker lived by the views he expressed to the Everett Herald when he retired from the Court in 2008: “The law and the legal system are essential parts of a civilized society. The law is the glue.”

The Washington State legal community, and we at JdR, will miss him terribly.