Donn Charnley
Donn Charnley | |
|---|---|
 Charnley in 1971 | |
| Member of the Washington House of Representatives for the 44th Pos. 1 | |
| In office 1971–1980 | |
| Member of the Washington State Senate for the 44th | |
| In office November 1980–1983 | |
| Member of the Washington House of Representatives for the 1st Pos. 2 | |
| In office 1983–1985 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 3, 1928 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | February 5, 2023 (aged 94) Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Frances “Libby” Graves, Dr. Lucy Rock (Charnley), Dr. Melinda Denton |
| Alma mater | University of Washington Bachelor's of Arts Sociology 1952, University of Washington Washington State Teaching Certificate 1954, University of Washington M.S. Geology 1960 and University of Minnesota M.A. Educational , Psychology in 1962, |
| Occupation | Professor of Geology at Shoreline Community College |
Donn Charnley (April 3, 1928 – February 5, 2023[1]) was an American politician in the state of Washington. Charnley served in the Washington House of Representatives and Washington State Senate as a Democrat from the 1st and 44th Districts from 1971 until 1985. In his second stint in the House 1983–1985, Charnley served as the Majority Whip.[2][3]
Early life and career
Charnely was born in Detroit to journalism professor Mitchell Charnley and writer Margery “Peg” Lindsay. He graduated from Broadway High School in Seattle in 1945.[4] Charnley graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Master of Science degree in Geology from the University of Washington, and later a mater's degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1965.[5] Did also attend Seattle University for a short time.
In January 1955, Charnley started teaching in the Seattle Public Schools, first as a Special Ed. Teacher 1955-6, then Safety Education & Driver Education at Ballard High School & Asa Mercer Jr High School. He taught 7th & 9th grade Science in 1960-1. He was a Counselor at West Seattle High School from 1961-1966.
In 1964, Charnley started teaching at Shoreline Community College, retiring in December 1996. After spending his first ten years in the Seattle Public Schools including a time at West Seattle High School. As well spent one year a jr. high science teacher at Asa Mercer Middle School which was in his top three all time years in education he later would tell his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Even after retirement Donn still found ways to be a teacher. Teaching Geology for the Creative Retirement Institute for Edmonds Community College (Now Edmonds College), as well for TELOS at Bellevue College, through the UW at Trinity Retirement Community in Redmond. In fact even after his 94th birthday was on zoom teaching Geology of Mount St. Helens.
Political career
Charnley ran for and was elected to the Washington House of Representatives in 1970 in the 44th Legislative District Pos.1 . He served in this position until 1980. During this time served on the Transportation Committee and Local Government Committee.
In 1980, Charnley was elected to the Washington State Senate, serving until 1983. In 1982 after redistricting, Charnley was reelected to the State House in the 1st. In 1984, Charnley unsuccessfully ran for the State Senate in the 1st against Bill Kiskaddon by a 51.61 % to 48.39%.[6][7]
In the early 1980's meet and mentored Patty Murray, who would serve as Campaign Manager to Charnley a few times. In 1988 Charnley would serve as Chair of her run for the Washington State Senate. As well often supporting her with her future election and re-elections to the United States Senate in 1992, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2016 and 2022. From Fundraising, Phone Banking, Date Entry, Canvasing and more.
Would continue to serve as a mentor and guide others who wanted to serve as an elected official. He thought every citizen should spend at least a term on a city council, school board, water district and other small posts to help with the governing of the United States. As the thought that if you have more people active in with diverse backgrounds then it would a better nation.
Was an early supporter of Cindy Ryu in 2003 before seeing her getting elected to city council in 2005 and two years later becoming the first Korean-American Woman to be Mayor of city in the United States in 2008. As well supported often the city of Shoreline's first Native American Mayor Chris Roberts. Including Roberts first run for city council in 2009.
References
- ^ "Donn Charnley 1928-2023". Shoreline Area News. February 9, 2023. Retrieved May 27, 2023.
- ^ http://web.leg.wa.gov/WomenInTheLegislature/Members/MemberBios/GranlundB_1983.pdf
- ^ Who's who in the West. Marquis-Who's Who. 1982. ISBN 9780837909189.
- ^ "Broadway High School 1945". Retrieved February 8, 2023.
- ^ "TELOS Student Organization". Retrieved February 8, 2023.
- ^ Smith, Evan (December 12, 2015). "Legislator Bill Kiskaddon was last Republican to represent Shoreline". Shoreline Area News. Retrieved February 8, 2023.
- ^ Smith, Evan (November 7, 2010). "CORRECTION: 1981 redistricting was done to help not punish Mountlake Terrace Republican". Shoreline Area News. Retrieved February 8, 2023.