Page 11 - Pierce County Lawyer - July August 2024

In Memoriam
JUDGE DAVID KENWORTHY (1938 - 2024)
He served the citizens of Pierce County for 15 years, from 1995 to 2010 as a District Court Judge. He was called to service as a Pro-Tem Judge for years following
his retirement.
An Iowa native, David pursued and attained extraordinary higher education accomplishments. He acquired not only his BA, but his J.D. and two masters degrees while working full- time.
He attained the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Marines before reluctantly retiring from that service in 1991. His exploits
and experiences as a Marine were the stuff of screenplays. He was an amazing participant, a skilled raconteur, and was also an accomplished pilot and mountain climber. In the 60’s he traveled the world as a Marine and volunteered to do two tours in battle-weary Vietnam.
Judge Kenworthy understood and embraced hard work. He ran twice for the position of District Court Judge against the same opponent. With his experience and Marine training, pluck and perseverance, he was undeterred by his dry run at obtaining his goal the first time. The second run proved to be victorious.
His Judicial Assistant at District Court, Julie Metz, described him as “kind and thoughtful...honest, and he had integrity. He had a very even temperament on and off the bench, and was never noticeably angry.” She further observed that as a single father, he was “very involved” with his daughter, Kecia’s, life and her activities.
Judge Kenworthy enjoyed the camaraderie of a fellow judge with a military background, Judge Jack Nevin. Judge Nevin remembers Judge Kenworthy as “bright, conscientious, hardworking and a person of great compassion...David possessed what I call an ‘attitude of service.’”
Justice G. Helen Whitener remembers that Judge Kenworthy was always prepared, and that his “demeanor was always
calm, respectful, and genuinely caring.” She saw that he could disagree with his fellow judges and stand alone if he believed his interpretation of the law was correct. He asked if she would serve as a Pro-Tem Judge in his courtroom. “I realized then that he was observing me [when she appeared as an attorney in his courtroom] and that he saw my potential.” According
to her, that was the start of her judicial career.
Judge Pat O’Malley focused on two of David’s most memorable character traits, humility and kindness. “David was instantly approachable and a keen listener who downplayed his achievements. The other trait that defined David to me,” said Judge O’Malley, “was kindness. David was always ready to listen. He gave incentives to defendants to earn GEDs by reducing fines. He volunteered at homeless veteran’s events and was a founder of the Veterans Court. People were important to him.”
Both my wife and I first met David in 1976, as we worked in different capacities at the State Supreme Court, and he was a Reporter of Decisions working as a Senior Assistant Reporter. We quickly became fast friends and participated in many hallmarks of his life over the years. In October 1995, David asked that I perform his marriage to Cheryl in their home, and it was a marriage that would be loving, adventurous, enduring and lasted until he passed away in May 2024.
His daughter, Kecia, was practically the center of his universe until he (and Kecia) quickly made room for Cheryl and her three children, Kim, Rod and Leigh.
Perhaps, Cheryl best summed up her husband when she said that “David was a proud Marine,” and that “the Marine Corp motto of "Semper Fidelis" was woven into the fabric of his whole life.” Cheryl said: “As for me, he was my best friend; a devoted father to Kecia, Stepdad and Papa, and a true gift.” David and Cheryl were happily married for nearly three decades.
Not only has District Court been the beneficiary of Judge Kenworthy’s amazing stint as a Judge, but the citizens of this country and Pierce County, in particular, have also amassed a wealth of knowledge, kindness and excellent judicial rulings from his service.
The Marine Corps, the District Court, the citizens and your friends are forever in your debt.
Semper Fidelis and thank you for your service, Judge Kenworthy.
Hon. Brian Tollefson served as a Superior Court Judge in Pierce County for over 27 years and now does dispute resolution work (mediation, arbitration, expert witness, hearing officer, etc.) with his own company. Email him at: BHMTollefson@outlook.com
By Judge Brian Tollefson, Ret.
July/August 2024 | PIERCE COUNTY LAWYER 11