Melville Monheimer Jr., lawyer who loved the law

Melville "Mel" Monheimer Jr., the attorney and an original trustee for First Northwest Industries, holder of the Sonics basketball franchise from 1967 until its sale to Ackerley Inc. in 1983, was one of the nice guys of law.

In any dispute, corporate or domestic, he wanted both sides to sit down together and work out a fair solution, says his friend Harry Allpert. Mr. Monheimer didn't ask for the moon.

"He just loved to practice law and would have done it 24 hours a day," Allpert said. "I think he got about four hours' sleep a night. He wanted to help people and was sometimes too trusting, but just loved law."

Mr. Monheimer died Sunday (Jan. 9) of the effects a stroke. He was 79.

The Seattle native enjoyed offering legal expertise to foundations and other causes favored by his father, the late Melville Monheimer Sr., also an attorney. Two favorite charities were the Seattle Foundation and the Shemanski Foundation, the latter affiliated with Temple de Hirsch Sinai.

"He was devoted to his community and his clients," said his second wife, to whom he was married 20 years, Donna Monheimer of Seattle.

"Before I met him, one of his partners complained he did more free work for charities than paying work for clients. He was always kind and considerate, never doing anything for himself, which is good or bad depending on your viewpoint. But he was the best person I ever met."

Mr. Monheimer, who graduated from the old Broadway High School and earned his law degree in 1950 at the University of Washington, was active as an attorney until his death - nearly 50 years.

Before serving in the Army Air Forces during World War II, he did undergraduate work at Whitman College, rather than at his father's alma mater of Harvard, so he could be home on weekends with his ailing mother.

He played tennis and golf from an early age. He eagerly joined the group First Northwest Industries that raised money for the Sonics franchise, and was proud to bring professional basketball to Seattle. He held season ticket No. 1, says his son, James Monheimer of Seattle.

He helped several early Sonics with legal issues such as divorces.

In 1971, as the King County Council prepared to fund and build the Kingdome in Seattle, he represented businessmen who in vain tried to persuade the county to build its multipurpose stadium in Kent.

His somewhat corny humor lightened tense situations. When asked how long he was going to practice law, he'd say, "Until I get it right."

Also surviving is a grandchild, Alissa Monheimer.

No services are planned, at his request. Donations may go to the Seattle Foundation, 425 Pike St., Seattle, WA 98101.

Carole Beers' e-mail address is cbeers@seattletimes.co.