Roger Melvin Leed
Roger Melvin Leed, a civic leader and decades-long member of the Seattle community, passed away on February 11, 2024. Born on July 15, 1939, in Green Bay, WI, and raised in Tacoma, WA, Roger leaves a legacy of service and commitment to the causes he held dear.
Roger was a dedicated student, earning his Bachelor’s degree from Harvard College in 1961. He was one of the first Peace Corps volunteers, serving three years as a teacher in Nigeria. Upon his return to the United States, he earned his J.D. degree from the University of Michigan. His legal career brought him back to Washington, first to Tacoma and then to Seattle. He was an early leader in the field of environmental law, which was the foundation of his practice until he retired in 2022. His tireless work reflected his love of the outdoors, which was also evident in his many passions over the years, from biking, fishing, and birding to cheering on the UW Huskies at many home games. He was also a longtime supporter of local arts, culture, and media organizations, and deeply appreciated their importance to the vibrant fabric of Seattle. He enjoyed books, debating, and genealogy and was passionate about uncovering his family history, spanning Ireland, Norway and the Midwest.
Roger is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean (Burg) Leed, son Craig Leed, daughter Maren (Stewart Holmes) Leed, and daughter Jennifer (David) Schwartz, and four grandchildren: Luke Holmes, Tate Holmes, Isaac Schwartz and Cady Schwartz.
A memorial service in honor of Roger will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Seattle, on April 4, 2024, at 2:00 PM, preceded by a private burial service at Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Center for Environmental Law & Policy at https://celp.org/donate/.
Comments
Roger became my friend and family Attorney and was wise advisor for the (luckily) few times I needed legal advice.
Our condolences to his family.
Brian Ramey
He was a brilliant environmental attorney.
Brian Ramey
