WHEREAS, William L. Downing has retired following 28 years of distinguished service as a judge on the King County Superior Court bench; and

WHEREAS, Before embarking on a career in law, Judge Downing graduated from Vassar College, worked in a psychiatric hospital as a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, and made a living working on fishing boats in Bellingham, Washington; and

WHEREAS, While at Vassar, Judge Downing met his wife, Laura; after graduating, the two moved to Seattle where they raised their son and have lived ever since; and

WHEREAS, Following graduation from the University of Washington School of Law, Judge Downing served as a King County prosecutor for 11 years, during which time he successfully argued a case to convict the perpetrators of the 1983 Wah Mee massacre; and

WHEREAS, Judge Downing was appointed to the bench in 1989, and has presided over several prominent civil and criminal cases during his tenure; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of his career, Judge Downing has cultivated a reputation among colleagues for fairness, honesty, rigor, and impartiality; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his outstanding reputation as a legal professional, Judge Downing will leave a legacy of mentorship and was known for his service of assisting students arguing mock cases before fellow judges and attorneys;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize King County Superior Court Judge William L. Downing for his outstanding career in public service of the law, during which he acted with empathy, integrity, and wit for the benefit of the citizens of King County and Washington State; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to William L. Downing and his family.

I, Hunter G. Goodman, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8617,

adopted by the Senate

February 23, 2017

HUNTER G. GOODMAN

Secretary of the Senate