WHEREAS, Today we remember the honorable Justice Vernon R. Pearson of the Washington State Supreme Court, who passed away this month; and
     WHEREAS, Justice Vernon R. Pearson was a veteran, having served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of lieutenant, junior grade; and
     WHEREAS, Justice Vernon R. Pearson served 12 years on the intermediate appeals bench and was twice chief judge of Division Two; and
     WHEREAS, Justice Vernon R. Pearson served as a Supreme Court justice from 1982 to 1989, and as chief justice from 1987 to 1989; and
     WHEREAS, Justice Vernon R. Pearson was a friend of and champion for all Native American tribes, understanding both tribal law and its significance; and
     WHEREAS, As chair of a Council of Chief Justices' coordinating committee, he was instrumental in organizing a national conference of state supreme court justices, court officials from around the United States, and representatives of some of the nation's 150 tribal courts where an emphasis on Native American sovereignty and the understanding of mutual problems and differences were the key subjects of discussion; and
     WHEREAS, Fellow Justice Barbara Durham once said Justice Pearson would "be a great healer on the court. He's the perfect chief because he'll bring us all together. He's got that kind of good spirit about him"; and
     WHEREAS, Justice Vernon R. Pearson was honored in 1989 by the American Judicature Society with its coveted Herbert Harley Award and by Gonzaga University with its Law Medal award; and
     WHEREAS, Immediately following his death, the Quinault Indian Nation released a statement honoring their friend and mourning his loss with "deep sadness and great respect";
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives honor, commend, and celebrate the life work and dedication of Justice Vernon R. Pearson.