It is with deep regret that we write of the death of Patrick Kubin, husband of our colleague from Washington, Judge Jill Johanson. He was killed in an unlikely skiing accident on Washington’s Mount Hood February 22. Patrick, a long-time Longview, Washington lawyer, advocate for disadvantaged children, and community booster was on his last run of the day at Mount Hood Meadows when his ski bindings inexplicably released and he flipped into a hole in the snow. Kubin was an expert, lifelong skier. Judge Johanson and Kubin met as law students at University of Willamette College of Law in Salem, where Kubin graduated in 1986. That same year the couple moved to Longview, where Kubin practiced as a defense attorney and, more recently, served as a Cowlitz County court commissioner. Besides his enthusiasm for skiing and the outdoors, Kubin enjoyed writing novels and short stories and was involved in Wordfest, a gathering of writers. He was a member of the Sandbaggers group, which sponsors Longview’s annual Squirrel Fest and is known for its red seersucker suits and playful appearances at community events. He also was president of the Children’s Community Resources, which helps get health care for low-income children. President Melanie May is preparing formal condolences to Judge Johanson on behalf of the Council
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