John Rupp, Courtly Lawyer Who Loved Elegant Language

John N. Rupp was a lawyer who loved poets.

"He was quoting Tennyson on the day he died," said his daughter, Betty Fulwiler, of Seattle.

Fine manners and a love of language and history informed all he did, from founding the Washington State Bar Association News to brightening official dinners with his oratory.

He handled his legal work with equal elegance, mentoring younger lawyers and inspiring peers.

"The best note I ever got from him or anyone was a congratulatory one, simple yet perfect," said Eugene Wright, judge of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and former law-school classmate. "It read, `Gene. Good. John.' "

Mr. Rupp, 83, died Aug. 21 of complications of asthma.

For all his erudition, he also had common sense: Mr. Rupp told colleagues who admired his writing or speaking that first you had to make people laugh; after that, they would listen to everything you said.

Dennis Harwick, former director of the Washington State Bar Association, said Mr. Rupp wrote "Rupp's Law of History," to wit: "Events that occurred before the perceiver was born are perceived as ancient history seen only dimly through the mists of antiquity, whereas those events occurring after one's birth date are perceived as standing out clearly in the sunlight."

Born in Seattle, Mr. Rupp grew up with books: His lawyer-father's library contained some 5,000.

He earned a law degree in 1937 from the University of Washington Law School, worked as a law clerk for $125 a month, then became a lawyer with his father's firm, McMicken Rupp & Schweppe.

He interrupted his career to serve in the Navy as an aide to Adm. Frank Jack Fletcher, commander of the North Pacific Fleet.

After World War II, Mr. Rupp continued with the firm until 1962, then became a vice president and counsel for Pacific Northwest Bell. In 1975, he returned to the firm until its dissolution in 1989, when he became counsel at Preston Gates & Ellis.

During this time, he served with the Municipal League of Seattle and on the Washington state Board of Education. He also belonged to the Seattle Historical Society and the Seattle Yacht Club.

"He was not only an extremely bright and fine lawyer," said former Gov. Dan Evans, "but witty and urbane. . . . He particularly had an interest in transit and transportation. I was pleased to appoint him to the state Transportation Commission because of his knowledge of urban traffic needs, which were just then beginning to be important."

Mr. Rupp, although busy with many activities, gave family a high priority, said Fulwiler, his daughter:

"He was home at quarter to 6 every day. Once he turned down an invitation to a breakfast meeting, saying, `You can do without me. I'll be home having breakfast with my family.' "

Other survivors include his wife of nearly 59 years, Elizabeth Rupp of Seattle; children Joanne Crispin, La Canada, Calif.; William Rupp, Orcas Island; and James Rupp, Seattle; and 10 grandchildren.

A memorial reception is at 5 p.m. tomorrow at Seattle Yacht Club. Remembrances may be made to the Historical Society of Seattle and King County, c/o Museum of History & Industry, 2700 24th Ave. E., Seattle, WA, 98122.