Brian L. Comstock: A Life of Dedication and Adventure
Passed Away Peacefully on November 15, 2024
Brian L. Comstock, beloved family man and distinguished attorney, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024, at the age of 92.
Brian’s career as a Seattle attorney began in 1959 when he joined the law firm of Roberts & Shefelman. There he led the business practice group and served as managing partner. His practice continued at firms Foster Pepper & Shefelman; Short Cressman & Burgess, and finally with his son John at the Comstock Law Firm, PLLC. Brian was an active member of the Washington State Bar Association for over 65 years and was a driving force with the WSBA Senior Lawyers Group. He also served as a Trustee of the Seattle-King County Bar Association and was a member of the Board of Governors of the WSBA. His commitment to education was evident in his role as an adjunct professor at Seattle University School of Law and Albers School of Business and Finance.
Brian graduated from Roosevelt High School in Seattle class of 1950, and then attended the University of Washington, where he graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1954 with a degree in political science. Commissioned through the ROTC, he served as a special agent of the U.S. Army Counter-Intelligence Corps in Washington, D.C., and then went on to attend Harvard Law School, receiving his law degree in 1959.
Brian’s passion for community service was unwavering. He was a dedicated Rotarian, a Commissioner of the Washington State Lottery, a board member of Northwest Center and the South Seattle Community College Foundation. His love for tennis was well-known, and he was an active member of the Seattle Tennis Club and Mercer Island Country Club for many years. Brian’s adventurous spirit led him to obtain his pilot license, skydive, run marathons, and to climb Mt. Rainier, Mt. Everest Base Camp, and Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Brian is survived by his loving wife of over 64 years, Karen, and their sons, Mike (wife, Emily), and John (wife, Linda). He was preceded in death by his daughter Pamela Tobiason and her husband James. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Brandon, Julianna, Alyssa, Jessica, Evelyn, Kelly, and Kyra. Brian is also survived by his sister, Adele Strom of Bend, Oregon. Brian and Karen shared a love for travel, creating cherished memories with their family in Europe, Russia, China, India, and the United States. Their beach home on Whidbey Island was a special place for family gatherings.
A service to celebrate Brian’s life will be held at 3:00 pm Friday, December 6, 2024 at Mercer Island Congregational Church, 4545 Island Crest Way, followed by a toast to life at the Roanoke Inn. Brian’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and adventure will be remembered by all who knew him.
