Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt is very saddened to announce the passing of Walt Evans. Those of us at Schwabe will remember a real gentleman, well known for his friendliness, cheerful demeanor, intelligence, wit, and loyalty. Walt was a true friend to so many of us, and he was well liked by all at Schwabe. He was unfailingly generous with his time and expertise, and welcomed every new arrival to our firm with a smile.

After graduating from the University of Oregon and Willamette University College of Law, Walt clerked for the Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court. He remained in Salem for another year to help create the Oregon Court of Appeals while working for the Oregon Judicial Council. Walt then moved to Washington, D.C., where he served as the Press Aide and Legal Counsel to Oregon Senator Mark Hatfield.

For over 30 years, Walt Evans helped Northwest ports, water carriers and waterfront businesses surmount legal and regulatory hurdles, both as a lawyer at Schwabe and as an advocate in Washington, D.C.

Walt was an active participant in the Washington Public Ports Association and very active in Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (“PNWA”) for decades. This included PNWA’s most recent Mission to Washington last month, where Walt presented PNWA energy and water policy issues before numerous members of Congress. He received the PNWA Distinguished Service Award in 2013.

Kristin Meira of PNWA commented, “We were honored to feature Walt as a guest speaker at nearly every one of our meetings in the Northwest over the years. Walt could always be counted on to ask insightful questions which furthered the dialogue at our gatherings, and led to a better understanding for all in attendance.”

Walt loved his work and did it all with such grace. We were truly honored to associate with Walt Evans for years, and to learn from him. At Schwabe, the lawyers and non-lawyers alike keenly feel the loss of Walt, but we are grateful for the years he brightened our halls. This spring, please remember Walt for the good, decent, wise friend that he was and enjoy a pint of blueberries in his honor.