James Rodney Woolston passed away peacefully on August 30, 2019, at age 84. Born on August 11, 1935, Rod graduated from Garfield High School in 1953. He attended the University of Washington business school and the UW Law School, graduating in 1959. Rod began his law career with Brethorst, Fowler, Bateman, Reed and McClure, and retired as Associate General Counsel after 33 years with Unigard Insurance Company.

Rod met Gayle Ferguson while both were students at the University of Washington, and they married in 1960. He and Gayle moved to Mercer Island in 1967 where they raised their three children. Every summer was spent at the Hood Canal cabin where Rod taught his children, his nieces and nephews, grandchildren and family friends how to swim, drive a ski boat, fish, crab, water ski, beach-comb, and golf. He had a truly impressive, calm, and steady demeanor no matter what challenges life presented.

Rod was preceded in death by their son, David. He is also survived by his wife Gayle, son Rob (Mary Kay), daughter Cathie (George), and five grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled at Emanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040, at 11am, on October 19, 2019. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choice.