Norm Maleng, King County Prosecuting Attorney
Norm 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 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.
Norm was a great friend and associate to me both personally and professionally. He worked closely with the Apostolic Clergy Advisory Council with our Criminal Justice conferences. The organization also plans to name our charity golf tournament after him. Also personally he encouraged me to make a run for Congress.. I and the whole Body of Christ Churches for God organization will keep your family in prayer. Remember to look to the hill from whence cometh your help. Your help will come from the Lord. On a personal note, I will sorely miss my friend.
Dear Judy and Mark — it is through you, Judy, that we were privileged to know Norm. He was such a gracious man, accepting us in his home many, many times. We mourn his loss with you.
Dear Judy, Mark and Family, our deepest sympathy for your loss. our love and prayers are with you. Maureen Longen and John Longen Jr.
Judy and Mark,
My sincere condolences on your loss, Norm left us far too early. I grew up in Acme with Norm, Henry, et al, and even in those younger years, I could see something special in Norm. He had visions beyond most of us. A veritable giant from a small farming community. Many of us are also proud of him and his accomplishments, even though we are thousands of miles away. God Bless!
We were so fortunate to have the care and guidance of Norm and his staff when our daughter was a violent crime victim in 1994. Norm was special…touched us all a great deal. Spent time with us; visited Harborview several times and of course with his fine staff carried us through the criminal justice system. God bless him and his family.
In public service Norm Maleng remained true to his conviction’s, honor and integrity. In all his year’s in the print or tv news I cannot once remember witnessing less than the truth or integrity of Norm the man or Office he held for so many year’s. All of us in King County have been blessed with his presence and the job he most obviously loved enough to never compromise his values. Indeed a rare trait within the public service sector nowday’s! A profound dept of gratitude to you Norm Maleng and to you’re family a hearty thank you for sharing so much of Norm with us!! Godbless
Mr. Maleng was a good friend of the City of Bellevue’s Youth Link Program. He was tireless in his efforts to help youth and teens create a positive and productive lives. Youth Link thanks Norm Maleng for his attention and support of young people and will miss him greatly. – Youth Link Program; Youth Link Board and Bellevue Youth Council.
Dear Judy,
Because you were my student in an SU MBA class so many years ago, I followed Norm’s career with special interest. Thus I know with certainty how much this town gained from his life and work. He will be sorely missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your son.
Barbara Parker I
I knew Norm only in passing from waiting in line with him at the Magnolia Starbucks countless weeknights before my nightly dog-walking ritual. I spoke to him only once, to tell him how touched I was by his interview with Mark Wright last year. He was, unquestionably, one of those rare individuals who are perhaps more instinctively attuned to the spiritual, more focused on the goal of a greater good and more able to effect tremendous change in the course of their lifetimes. We shall all miss this man for a very long time to come. In the end, however, I shall miss the dear, sweet flesh-and-blood man wearing khaki pants, a plaid shirt and a baseball cap who was always and without exception warm and gracious to the staff who poured up his nightly cup of drip coffee before he headed home in his little blue jeep. A “giant of a man” in such a humble and very human way. My sympathy to his family.
Dear Judy and Mark
It was wonderful being in the Prosecutors Office with Norm as a leader. He set the standard, insuring we served the community with justice. He put doing the right thing above everything else. He was a true hero!
A good man; may he rest in peace.
Dear Hank & Vivian,
We are terribly sorry for the loss of your brother and brother in law. He will be missed by many. The Lord has Himself a good procsecuter now.
God bless you and your family
Judy & Mark,
We are very saddened by Norm’s passing. Norm was one-of-a-kind. I feel so honored to have served with him many years ago on the vestery at Ascension. That is where I got to know what a great man he was. I will also miss those great breakfast fund raisers every four years where we got to hear about those days on the dairy farm. You see, I also grew up on a farm, so I could relate
Our thoughts and prayers go out too you in your time of sorrow.
Tom & M.E. Kintzi
The steps of a giant never diappear from this earth; they just imprint permanently, allowing new shoots to grow around their edges. We all grew stronger and better in the presence of Norm, and we rejoice in his life and the tender love he had for his family. We will miss him terribly, both civicly and personally. Our affection remains forever with Judy and Mark and their extended family.
Mr Maleng was one I could trust and I always voted for him.
Judy and Mark
Sorry to hear about Norm’s passing. Norm was one-of-a-kind. He will be greatly missed. My prayers and love are with both of you.
Love, Sandi Due
Norm was the best. I’ll cling to the memories of the way his smile and twinkling eyes could warm even the cold marble hallways of the King County Courthouse. Our prayers and love are with you Judy and Mark.
Larry and Sally Brown
We all lost a good friend.
Judy and Mark,
We are so sorry to learn of Norm’s passing. Many people here at the club, both members and staff, send their condolences to you both. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Judy and Mark, we express our condolences for the loss of Norm at an early age. It was always a pleasure to work with Norm at King County.
Judy and Mark,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Norm was truly a great person and we are so sorry for your loss. We are thankful to have known him.
Don & Jo Beyer
We did not know Mr. Maleng, but wanted to say if it were not for the King County Juvenile Drug Court program, our daughter’s life would have been basically ruined.
For about 3 years as a juvenile she was on a crime spree that even involved some felony charges. The Drug Court program turned her life around. We thank Mr. Maleng for helping to launch this tremendous program. Our sincere sympathy.
Fred and Kathy Nelson
Mark and Judy,
I am so sorry to hear about Norm’s passing. He was always a man that I looked up to and admired while growing up in our little part of Seattle.
May God’s abundant peace be with you both during this difficult time.
– Andy Beyer
Judy and Mark
I remember Norm “Kim” from our days at Mount Baker High School,class of 1956. The last time I talked to Kim was at our 50th class reunion.
His passing is a great loss; not only to his many friends, but to the community
To the family of Norm Maleng,
Years ago I worked at the Leopold Retirement Home. Norm Maleng would come to visit his mother who lived there. I always thought he was a devoted son and thought well of him. May he rest in peace.
Respectfully, Judy Chapman
I did not know Norm,but his mother was my 5th grade teacher at Nooksack Grade School, Miss Anderson then I think his parents did alot to shape his life. We need more people like him.
Judy and Mark,
You are in our hearts and prayers. Words are not enough.
In Christ,
Lori
Dear Judy and Mark,
As I awoke to KUOW this morning, the news reported of your active involvement before the County Council to insure that there was a worthy successor to Norm. I am certain that Mark’s clear and thoughtful words reached Norm and Karen who were beaming with pride at the strength of you two.
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Judy and Mark,
Maureen and I shared seahawks tickets with Buck and Mary Ferguson years ago and sat next to you on several occaisions. We have always admired you and Norm as parents, citizens and role models. Our hearts and prayers are with you in this time of extreme saddness.
Judy, Mark, you are in the thoughts of our entire family. Norm was one of the brightest and most beautiful people I have had the pleasure of knowing during my life and i’m so very sad to say goodbye. Please know that he made each of our lives better in his work and through his kind heart. I will always treasure the kinship he had with my uncle Joe and the beautiful euology he gave last summer. At least we know that they are both in heaven watching the M’s on the big screen. Thoughts and prayers, Stacy Oaksmith
Judy, Mark, Uncle Henry, Aunt Vivian, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. With Love SherriNelsonCoe
Dear Judy and Mark, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We remember Camping with all of you and Norm hiding my Tricia’s crutches the last time we camped wonderful memories. Kendra remember campfires, sleepovers and many other great memories with your family. If we can do anything for your family please let us know. We are still at the same old house. Aloha and love, Tom and Tricia and Kendra and family.
The Magnolia community, Seattle, the state of Washington, and the world have lost a great human being. Hopefully, he is reunited with his dear daughter and other loved ones who went before him. God bless this wonderful man and his lovely family, as well.
Kjersten Thorsen
I got to know Norm over a decade ago as President of the American Jewish Committee; he was always eager to lend a hand as well as his name to the human relations work we pursued. This past year has been a difficult one for those of us at the Jewish Federation, and I doubt we could have endured it without his comfort and determination to pursue justice. I wish the very best for Mrs. Maleng and his son; having lost a father suddenly myself, I know that sometimes, in the wee hours of the night, having the legacy of integrity and finest qualities a human brings to this earth is great comfort. May his memory be a blessing.