Our longtime friend, partner and mentor, Ronald E. Beard, passed away on November 18, 2014. Ron’s guidance, kindness and leadership through many years will be greatly missed. He will be remembered as a family man, civic leader, and as one of the leading litigators in the Pacific Northwest.
Ron joined Lane Powell in September 1993, and he spent 21 years at the Firm developing not only a stellar career, but deep friendships within the Firm and with our clients. Ron had an active commercial litigation practice with particular emphasis in banking and maritime. He also represented several municipalities in contract disputes and civil rights violations. Ron was a former United States Coast Guard licensed chief engineer and had a broad mechanical background.
Ron was an active volunteer and mentor in the Seattle community. He frequently volunteered at a homeless shelter for men, and had served as a board member for the Crisis Clinic and the University of Washington Law Foundation. He also mentored young lawyers and received the Excellence in the Legal Profession Award in May from the Loren Miller Bar Association. In June, Ron was honored at Highline Community College’s commencement ceremony with the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award, where his former math instructor said, “I knew after spending time with Ron both in and out of class that he would be successful, not because of his sparkling personality and strong people skills, but because of his persistence.”
Ron is survived by his wife, Pam; and his daughter, Alex.