King County Prosecuting Attorney

Norman Kim Maleng was the leader and guiding light of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for the past 28 years. His sudden and unexpected death May 24th has left an empty place in the hearts of many, but his commitment to justice, integrity and compassion is an enduring legacy for our community and to all who knew him.

Norm was born on a small dairy farm near the community of Acme in Whatcom County. His boyhood revolved around school, the farm, family and church. The values he learned on the farm -- hard work, service to others, honesty, and love of country -- guided him throughout his life. Norm went on to the University of Washington where he earned a degree in economics. After serving in the U.S. Army, he went on to the UW Law School, where he served as Editor of the Law Review.

Norm's academic excellence earned him a staff position in D.C., serving on Sen. Warren Magnuson's Senate Commerce Committee. It was there that Norm developed his passion for public policy and politics. After joining the Seattle law firm of Preston Thorgrimson, and at the age of 32, he was hired by Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Bayley to head the Civil Division of the office. Norm tried the cases that led the way to the construction of the Kingdome, and then negotiated the leases with the Mariners and the Seahawks. In 1978 he first ran for King County Prosecuting Attorney to fill the seat left vacant by Mr. Bayley. He was elected in 1978 and again seven more times.

As Prosecuting Attorney, Norm dedicated himself to the reform of the criminal justice system. He stamped his mark on nearly every major piece of criminal justice legislation over the last three decades, and brought about innovative programs in King County that serve children, victims of domestic violence, and people addicted to drugs to this day.

He cared most deeply about the women and men who worked in his office, and served as mentor, career advisor, and friend to hundreds over the years. Scores of successful lawyers and judges in our state trace their success back to their experience working under Norm. Norm's generous and selfless interest in other people, however, was not limited to his employees. Norm took an interest in all of the people he encountered and inspired many with his smile, his optimism and his passion for justice.

The mission of his office, he said, was not just to win cases, but to serve the cause of justice. To Norm, this meant personally reaching out to victims and their families with a message of hope and compassion.

Norm was devoted to his wife Judy, his daughter Karen and his son Mark. Judy was the steady loving presence in Norm's life, and the only one who could match his energy. Norm was so proud of Mark, who always brought the house down at Maleng campaign events, and with whom he claimed the title of No. 1 Mariner Fans.

Karen's death in 1989 at the age of 12 transformed Norm, taught him about the grief process, and led him to his adopted ministry to help others suffering tragic loss. Karen's presence in Norm's life continued each day of his life, until their joyous reunion in Heaven last week.

Norm is survived by Judy, his wife of 33 years, and his son Mark, age 29. He is also survived by his brother Henry and his wife Vivian, who live in Acme in the Maleng family homestead. Norm will be dearly missed by countless relatives, past and present members of the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, and the thousands of people whose lives he touched over three decades of public service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in the memory of Norm Maleng may be made to one of the following three charities: the University of Washington Law School (William Gates Hall, PO Box 353020, Seattle WA 98195-3020), the Episcopal Church of the Ascension (2330 Viewmont Way W., Seattle 98199) or Harborview Medical Center (Norm Maleng fund, 325 Ninth Ave. Seattle, 98104).

A committal service will be held Friday June 1st at 3:00 PM at the Saxon Cemetery in Acme, followed by a memorial service at the Acme Presbyterian Church. A public memorial service will be held Saturday June 2nd at 5 p.m. at the Hec Edmundson Pavilion on the campus of the University of Washington.

Arrangements entrusted to Bonney-Watson Funeral Home, 1732 Broadway, Seattle, WA (206) 322-0013.

Please sign Norm's online memorial at www.bonneywatson.com