Ronald E. McKinstry died peacefully on March 5, 2016 on Bainbridge Island surrounded by family.

Ron was preceded in death by his son Jeffrey and is survived by his wife of 67 years, Shirley Danner McKinstry, son Michael of Bainbridge, and daughters, Jill Epperson of Poulsbo, and Carol Sundquist of Seattle. Always the consummate family man, he leaves a legacy of eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Ron was born in Bakersfield, California, but moved with his family to Seattle where he graduated from Queen Anne High School along with Shirley, his wife to be.

They attended the the University of Washington, and after his service in the Navy during World War II, he obtained his law degree from the University of Washington Law School.

Ron practiced his entire 50-plus-year legal career in Seattle, primarily with the law firm of Bogle & Gates as a jury trial lawyer where he was instrumental in developing their litigation department and mentoring many of Seattle’s top trial attorneys.

Ron was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and served as a Regent from 1978-1982. He also served on the CPR (Conflict Prevention & Resolution) Panels of Distinguished Legal Neutrals. He also was appointed as a special settlement mediator by the United States District Court (Western District) Washington since 1980 (one of the first Seattle attorneys to serve in that role), and he served as a special master to that same court from 1976-1981.

He was a member of the International Associates Defense Counsel and on its execute committee from 1974-1978. He served on the Board of the American Automobile Association Club for Washington from 1983-1998.

Ron had a number of published works, including serving as editor-in-chief of the Washington Civil Procedure Before Trial Deskbook (1981), and the Supplement to that Deskbook (1986) and was the recipient of multiple awards and honors. He concluded his career from 1992 to 2004 with his son Michael, other colleagues and good friends at Ellis, Li & McKinstry.

Ron, a longtime Gideon member, was a beloved member of his community on Bainbridge Island including his church family at Cross Sound Church where he could always be found with his signature smile and graciousness, up front taking notes.

A memorial service will be held at Island Church on Bainbridge Island at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 26, and friends are all invited.