Charles "Cleve" Cleveland Stockmeyer

Mr. Stockmeyer, known as Cleve, was born in New Orleans and moved to Chevy Chase, MD as a young boy. A perpetual scholar, he earned his BA, Government from Oberlin; MA, Political Science from Columbia University; and JD, NYU School of Law.

He began his legal career in New York at Baker & McKenzie, and moved to Seattle in 1992. As a passionate defender of justice, he represented clients harmed by the illegal or irresponsible conduct of others. He advocated for greater police accountability, obtaining settlements for victims of police brutality. He won cases that other attorneys thought were impossible.

Described by a friend as "the quintessential activist-attorney-about-town,” Cleve drew upon his more than 25 years of trial and arbitration experience, along with his consummate communication skills, to advocate for numerous political causes. He represented Seattle on the Monorail Board and was involved in countless political campaigns. More recently, he played important roles in leading opposition to the proposed financing for the SoDo sports arena; authoring the amendment creating district-based city council seats; and working on the Fight for $15 and Honest Elections.

Cleve was equally at home hiking the Olympics, taking Salsa dance lessons, or cooking Gumbo for a benefit dinner. He especially enjoyed trips to the island of Kauai in Hawaii, where he had hoped to one day open a law practice.

Cleve leaves behind siblings Lorna Stockmeyer, Arlington, VA; Bill (Mary) Stockmeyer, Portland, ME; Claire (Edward) Goodwin, Arlington, VA; and Carl Leubsdorf, Jr. (Karin Krchnak), Bethesda, MD; and stepfather Carl Leubsdorf (Susan Page), Washington, DC. He was pre-deceased by his mother, Carolyn Cleveland and father, Edwin Stockmeyer. He will be dearly missed by family in New Orleans and by his many friends in Seattle and throughout the country.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, P.O. Box 19023, Seattle WA 98109-1023. Checks may be made payable to SCCA with indication that they are in memory of Charles "Cleveland" Stockmeyer. You may also call (206) 288-2070 or (877) 308-3117 to make a donation by phone or donate online at: www.seattlecca.org/donate

Friends are also invited to join the family for a walk around Green Lake on Sunday, May 8 at 10:30 AM. Gather at the parking lot between the Boathouse and the Community Center, perhaps with Cleve’s favorite (Venti Blond Roast) from the nearby Starbucks in hand.