Retired Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard P. Guy Passes Away

Retired Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard P. Guy Passes Away

Retired Washington Supreme Court Justice Richard P. Guy passed away the morning of October 27 at his home in Seattle, his family announced. He was 93.

A graduate of the Gonzaga School of Law, Justice Guy served on the state Supreme Court from 1989 until his retirement in 2001. He served as Chief Justice from 1998-2001.

"Justice Guy was thoughtful, gracious and deeply dedicated to upholding the rule of law and improving public understanding of the judicial branch," said Chief Justice Debra L. Stephens. "He was a great friend to all of us and left an important legacy that remains with the Court today."

Guy was appointed to the Supreme Court in October, 1989 by Gov. Booth Gardner to fill the position of retiring Justice Vernon Pearson. He ran for election to the Court in 1990, defeating former Governor John Spellman, then was reelected to a full six-year term in 1994. In his 1999 State of the Judiciary address to the Washington State Legislature, Guy championed funding for trial court improvement and better access to justice for Washington residents. "The trial courts are underfunded, and the criminal justice system is overwhelming the trial courts' ability to deal responsibly with civil justice," Guy told lawmakers, advocating for the Court Improvement Act.

Among many awards, Justice Guy was presented the Herbert Harley Award from the American Judicature Society, the Outstanding Judge Award (in 2000) from the Washington State Bar Association, the Jurist of the Year by the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Gonzaga Law Medal in 2017.

Before joining the Supreme Court, Guy worked as a deputy prosecutor for Spokane County, then as a Spokane County Superior Court judge in 1977-81 and again starting in 1985. Following his retirement from the Court, he worked in mediation and teaching.

"Justice Guy influenced the court's work by adding a calming, collaborative approach to the often-contentious issues needing the Supreme Court's resolution," said Associate Chief Justice Charles W. Johnson, who was elected to the Court in 1991 and served for years with Justice Guy. "He left a legacy that included the need for improving access to justice for those who lacked the financial resources to hire a lawyer."

Plans for celebrating Justice Guy's life and career will be announced at a later time.