John Darrah died on Jan. 19. Born in New York City to Gillespie Blaine Darrah and Susan Weyers Darrah, John grew up in East Orange, New Jersey.

He received a degree in political science from Yale College in 1955. After serving in the U. S. Army he attended and received a degree from Yale Law School in 1960.

In 1958 John married Elizabeth Otis Dickerman. They moved to Seattle in 1960. John practiced law in a number of capacities: Private practice, ACLU Executive Secretary (1962 – 1964), Assistant U. S. Attorney (1967-1969); first Director of the Defender Association (1969 – 1974); Seattle Municipal Court Judge (1978 – 1984); King County Superior Court Judge (1984 – 2000). He retired in 2000.

John loved being in the outdoors, playing bluegrass music on his banjo, working on wood projects in his San Juan Island workshop and spending time with family.

He is survived by his wife Betsy, sister Susan Saxton, sons Colin (Toni), Chris (Phyllis), Peter (Cindy) and seven grandchildren.

John was a caring loving husband, father, often time jokester and grandfather. We will miss him greatly.

Donations can be made to the ACLU, Nightwatch, Earthjustice or a charity of your choice.