David Herbert Armstrong

3.18.1938 - 3.04.2025

David Armstrong was born in Tacoma, Washington and raised in Bremerton, WA by his parents Mary and Eugene. From an early age, music was the centerpiece of their family life. David and his brother Eugene grew up playing the piano, eventually studying under Steven Balough at Cornish School of Music and at Olympic College. David also played the saxophone in high school, in the swing band at Perl Maurer’s Dance Hall, and in the army band. He continued playing music throughout his life with family and friends and singing in the church choir.

David attended South Kitsap High School, Reed College, and the University of Washington. After considering a career as a tugboat captain, he reversed course and applied to Hastings Law school where he graduated and began his law career in California. He returned to Bremerton in 1969. In 1973, he met Stephanie Haselwood. After 8 days of dating, he knew he had found his soulmate, so he proposed and they were happily married for 52 years.

Law was the perfect fit for David’s skills and personality. He immersed himself in his cases and excelled in the courtroom where he loved the challenge of connecting with a jury and delivering results for his clients. In 1995, he was elected to the Washington State Court of Appeals where he served as a judge for 17 years before retiring in 2012.

David was a loving husband and father, and he was totally committed to his family and his community. He enjoyed big adventures, sailing his 40 ft. Valiant sailboat to Hawaii and back in 1977, and in his 60’s began riding motorcycles with his friends. He had a big laugh which exploded during a funny story or a Monte Python or Chevy Chase movie. He loved giving back, whether that was volunteering at the Port Orchard family kitchen or leaving a big tip at a local restaurant. He is survived by his wife Stephanie and his children Quincy and Maggie who feel blessed for every day they spent with him.

In lieu of flowers consider memorial donations to:

South Kitsap Family Kitchen

C/O First Lutheran Community Church, 2483 Mitchell RD SE. Port Orchard, WA 98366

The Salvation Army Bremerton

832 6th St, Bremerton, WA 98337