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02/26/2010: "Don Eaton Appointed By Gov. Gregoire As SJC Superior Court Judge"

Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced the appointment of Don Eaton to the San Juan County Superior Court. Eaton now serves as a San Juan County Superior Court Commissioner, and replaces Judge John O. Linde, who passed away late last year.

“I was impressed with Don the moment I met him,” Gregoire said. “He has a history of being honest, fair and compassionate, and has the respect of his community and colleagues. He brings extensive legal experience to this position which will greatly serve the citizens of San Juan County.”

“It is a great honor to have been selected by the Governor of the state of Washington to serve the people of San Juan County as their next Superior Court Judge and I look forward to serving this community for many years to come,” said Eaton. “I am committed to providing fair and well reasoned decisions that are based on both common sense and the law as it is written.”

Eaton has maintained a general law practice in Friday Harbor for more than 30 years. He’s served as Superior Court Commissioner since 1984, and has been the Town Attorney for Friday Harbor since 1981. Following law school, Eaton served three years in the United States Army, one of those years as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam.

Eaton is committed to serving his community, and has offered pro-bono legal services for many years to both the Spring Street International School in Friday Harbor and the Whale Museum. Eaton also helped establish San Juan Island’s first day care facility, as well as the community theater.

“Governor Gregoire has made an excellent decision is appointing Don Eaton as San Juan County Superior Court Judge,” said Judge Alan Hancock. “Don provided exemplary service as court commissioner during the time I served in San Juan County, and I know that he has the experience and integrity to be an outstanding judge. I congratulate him.”

Eaton earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Vermont. He attended Boston College Law School where he was a Presidential Scholar for three years.

Eaton’s appointment is effective Monday, March 22.