HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2023-4638

HR 4638

ByRepresentatives Corry, Ormsby, Riccelli, Schmick, Dye, Graham, Schmidt, Sandlin, Christian, Chandler, Ybarra, Dent, and Barnard

WHEREAS, The House of Representatives, on behalf of the people, recognize and honor the life and achievements of William D. "Bill" Hyslop, a Spokane native who served twice as United States Attorney for Eastern Washington; and

WHEREAS, Bill was born on March 22, 1951, the son of Thomas and Catherine Hyslop; and

WHEREAS, Bill graduated from Shadle Park High School, later attending Washington State University, graduating in 1973, and then earning his law degree from Gonzaga University in 1980. He was a lifelong Cougar fan and president of the WSU Alumni Association; and

WHEREAS, Bill practiced law with great distinction in Spokane for more than 40 years, with the firm of Lukins & Annis; and

WHEREAS, Bill was appointed to serve as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington by President George H. W. Bush, serving from 1991 to 1993, and then was appointed a second time when President Donald Trump named him to the post from 2019 to 2021; and

WHEREAS, Bill was actively engaged in the civic process. He spent countless hours working for improvements in education on the federal and state level; and

WHEREAS, Bill earnestly believed that everyone should have equal access to the justice system, and that access to justice was a nonpartisan issue of concern for all human beings. He served on the board of Legal Foundation of Washington — which promotes accessibility to the judicial system and legal services for low-income individuals; and

WHEREAS, Bill served as chair of the Council on Public Defense, calling for a rule change to the Washington State Supreme Court to impose caseload standards for public defenders — putting Washington state at the forefront of ensuring criminal justice defendants receive fair representation; and

WHEREAS, Bill dedicated decades of service to local and state bar associations, including the Board of Governors, receiving the Smithmoore P. Myers Professionalism Award in 2008, an honor only bestowed upon those who exhibit the utmost integrity in the legal profession; Bill was honored to serve as the Spokane County Bar President in 1999 and the President of the Washington State Bar Association in 2015. His service was always achieved with grace, dignity, and honor; and

WHEREAS, Bill loved Spokane and Washington state, contributing countless hours to several community efforts, including the arena replacement, and the Spokane Public Schools capital improvement campaign, remaining active in his community even after his retirement; and

WHEREAS, Bill was a proud supporter of local law enforcement and a passionate advocate for opioid fentanyl awareness in Eastern Washington, helping found the Spokane Alliance for Fentanyl Education; and

WHEREAS, Bill expressed a deep-seated thankfulness and gratitude for life. He was a steadfast family man who took great delight in spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Bill died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 11, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Bill humbly served others throughout his life as a beloved family member, loyal friend, and dedicated public servant; and

WHEREAS, Bill leaves behind his wife, Deborah, and children Jeffrey and Kathleen, as well as three grandchildren, who all adored him;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives, on behalf of the people of the State of Washington, recognize and honor the life and work of William D. "Bill" Hyslop; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and to William "Bill" Hyslop's family.