“Robert Utter was a sailor, pilot, husband, father, a man of faith and one of the great legal legends in Washington state history.
“In 23 years on Washington’s Supreme Court, Justice Utter rightfully earned a reputation for taking strong stands on the most important constitutional issues of our time. He was unafraid of controversy and stood strong for what he believed — even resigning from the Supreme Court over his deeply held belief that the death penalty was being unequally applied.
“Justice Utter fought tirelessly for those who felt disenfranchised and powerless, including children, victims and battered women. His work makes lives better every day in Washington.
“Judge Utter embraced all this world had to offer and strived every day to make sure others were afforded that same opportunity. His legacy and his work will be long remembered and talked about. Trudi and I send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”