John Arum- husband, son, friend, environmentalist, outdoorsman, lawyer- died August 28, 2010 in the North Cascades during a challenging climb on Storm King Peak. Born in New York, John headed west and graduated from Reed College. He then moved to Washington State and attended the University of Washington Law School. Once on the West Coast, John’s many passions melded together as he explored the wilderness in Oregon, Washington and beyond, became an honorary member of the Makah Tribe, worked tirelessly on tribal and environmental matters, was a bird watcher extraordinare, and skied, kayaked, and climbed with his wife, Susan.

John joined the Seattle firm of Ziontz, Chestnut, Varnell, Berley & Slonim where he was a partner. In his practice, John focused on tribal and environmental law where he was known as one of state’s premier advocates in his field. Vashon Island benefitted from his efforts with Preserve Our Islands. Personally John was a private man who was nourished by the time he spent in the wilderness with his wife as well

as trips he made alone or with friends.

John’s friend and climber, Milda Tautvydas, said of him: “Climbing the “100 highest” was just another way to explore the North Cascades. It wasn’t the here-all end-all of his mountain explorations. The reward has been a deeply satisfied soul filled with lessons from the natural world and more beauty than one can keep to one’s self…We are explorers, after all, and we love dearly the wilderness of Washington”.

John leaves behind his close family in Vashon, Las Vegas and New York State, his extended family, and those friends who loved him.

Two memorials will be held to honor John. In Seattle on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 11:00 am a memorial will be held at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, located at 3801 W. Government Way in Discovery Park. On Wednesday, October 6 at 6:30 pm, an on-Island memorial and potluck is planned at Camp Burton. Remembrances may be made to the Washington Environmental Council.

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