Eaton sworn in as Superior Court Judge in private ceremony
posted 04/01/2010
PRESS RELEASE: Donald E. Eaton was sworn in as San Juan County's second-ever Superior Court Judge on March 19, 2010 in a private ceremony conducted in Judge Eaton’s chambers by Island County Superior Court Judge Alan R. Hancock. A public ceremony will be held at a later date.
Judge Eaton's first day in office was March 22, 2010. However, it was not his first time on the bench. He served as San Juan County Superior Court Commissioner for 26 years, including handling the Juvenile Court calendar for many years, "so, I am very comfortable being on the bench" the judge commented.
Judge Eaton was one of four applicants for the appointment to the bench following the tragic death of Judge John O. Linde last December.
In response to receiving the highest rating of the four candidates by a San Juan County Bar Association poll in February, Judge Eaton said "I was honored to have received the approval of my colleagues and feel that my many years of practice in a wide range of legal subjects contributed to their confidence in my ability to handle the many different types of cases that come before a superior court judge in our county."
Judge Eaton had three weeks from the time he was told that he had been appointed by Governor Christine Gregoire to transition out of his long-time law practice in Friday Harbor, not an easy task given the large number of files that existed after more than 30 years in practice. The transition from busy attorney to busy judge is one that few attorneys experience in their careers.
"I enjoyed my practice as an attorney and am excited to have the opportunity to spend the remainder of my professional career in service as a judge in this community, which means so much to me and my family," Judge Eaton said.
Two of his children, Deja and Kyle, grew up in Friday Harbor and his wife, Shyrl, who served as his legal assistant for over 30 years, now will be able to bring her energy and organizational skills to volunteer projects in the community, something she has long wanted to do.
Eaton appointed Superior Court Judge
posted 02/26.2010
OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced the appointment of Don Eaton to the San Juan County Superior Court. Eaton now serves as a San Juan County Superior Court Commissioner, and replaces Judge John O. Linde, who died late last year.
"I was impressed with Don the moment I met him," Gregoire said. "He has a history of being honest, fair and compassionate, and has the respect of his community and colleagues. He brings extensive legal experience to this position which will greatly serve the citizens of San Juan County."
"It is a great honor to have been selected by the Governor of the state of Washington to serve the people of San Juan County as their next Superior Court Judge and I look forward to serving this community for many years to come," said Eaton. "I am committed to providing fair and well reasoned decisions that are based on both common sense and the law as it is written."
Eaton has maintained a general law practice in Friday Harbor for more than 30 years. He's served as Superior Court Commissioner since 1984, and has been the Town Attorney for Friday Harbor since 1981. Following law school, Eaton served three years in the United States Army, one of those years as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam.
Eaton is committed to serving his community, and has offered pro-bono legal services for many years to both the Spring Street International School in Friday Harbor and the Whale Museum. Eaton also helped establish San Juan Island's first day care facility, as well as the community theater.
"Governor Gregoire has made an excellent decision is appointing Don Eaton as San Juan County Superior Court Judge," said Judge Alan Hancock. "Don provided exemplary service as court commissioner during the time I served in San Juan County, and I know that he has the experience and integrity to be an outstanding judge. I congratulate him."
Eaton earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Vermont. He attended Boston College Law School where he was a Presidential Scholar for three years.
Eaton's appointment is effective Monday, March 22.
Eaton a candidate for Superior Court Judge
posted 01/06/2010
Donald E. Eaton, local attorney and current San Juan County Superior Court Commissioner, is applying to the Office of the Governor for appointment as San Juan County Superior Court Judge. Eaton has maintained a general law practice in Friday Harbor for more than 30 years, has served as Superior Court Commissioner since 1984, and has been the Town Attorney for Friday Harbor since 1981.
He is a graduate of the University of Vermont and received his law degree from Boston College Law School in 1967, where he was a Presidential Scholar for three years. After receiving his law degree, Eaton served three years in the United States Army as a commissioned officer, including duty as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam in 1969.
He then returned to his hometown, Woodstock, Vermont, where he practiced law for several years, but eventually moved to Friday Harbor with his wife, Shyrl. They have three adult children, one of whom was born on the Island, and three grandchildren.
Eaton expects to continue serving the County as Superior Court Commissioner until the vacancy has been filled by the Governor.
Prosecutor Gaylord candidate for Superior Court Judge
posted 01/06/2010
San Juan County Prosecutor Randall K. Gaylord reactivated his application for the position of San Juan County Superior Court Judge with the Office of the Governor. He had applied in 2007 to be the first judge in the newly formed San Juan County Superior Court District.
Because of the death of Judge John O. Linde, Governor Christine Gregoire will appoint a new judge. The deadline to file an application is January 21, 2010.
Gaylord was in private practice for nine years and has been the prosecuting
attorney for 16 years.
"During my career, I have handled all types of cases that come before the
superior court - including criminal, complex antitrust, land use and
property disputes. I have handled many judicial-like decisions as prosecutor, hearing examiner in
Spokane and Judge Pro Tem in the San Juan County District Court." Gaylord said.
Gaylord, age 53, and his wife Marny were married in Olga 29 years ago. They
live in Orcas Island with their two golden retrievers. Marny teaches at the
Orcas Elementary School. They moved to Orcas in 1993 to raise their two
children, Colin and Genevieve, who are now attending college.
Gaylord is active in the United Way of San Juan Islands, Islands Little
League, the Orcas Island Lions Club and the San Juan Law and Justice
Council.
Gaylord is a serious runner and compared the outcome of the application process to a foot race. "I know on any given day, if I give it my best shot, I can beat them or they can beat me."
Wickham candidate for Superior Court Judge
posted 12/20/2009
John Wickham, 55, a Friday Harbor attorney, is applying for appointment as Superior Court Judge for San Juan County.
Wickham, in private practice since 1996, has been a full-time resident of San Juan Island with his wife Patti since 2003. His primary area of practice is Family Law.
Beyond attorney duties, he also serves as a mediator and as Guardian ad Litem in court for children and for adults in various matters, including guardianship, family law, and civil suits.
He has served as Judge pro-tem, in San Juan District Court, as well as Superior Court Commissioner for Family and Juvenile Court in Thurston County in 2003 and 2004 in relief of the regular Commissioners. He completed the General Program at the Judicial College (Washington State) in 2004.
Wickham is a graduate of the University of Washington, as well as the University of Washington School of Law. He served as President of the San Juan County Bar Association in 2005.
Before entering into the law, Wickham was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for sixteen years. He has two adult children and five grandchildren.
Judge Alan Hancock was appointed interim Superior Court Judge by the Washington Supreme Court Justices after the death of Judge John O. Linde. Linde was the first San Juan County Superior Court Judge. He was appointed by Gov. Christine Gregoire in 2007. Gregoire will appoint a judge who will serve until the next election in November 2010. The appointed judge will be able to run for election as Linde did. Linde was elected in 2008.
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