Gov. Jay Inslee today released the following statement about the passing of former State Senator Harriet Spanel of the 40th Legislative District. Inslee had appointed Spanel to serve on the state’s Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission and chair of the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board.
“Trudi and I extend our deepest condolences to the family of former Senator Harriet Spanel. She served the people of Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties for more than 20 years and deservedly rose to the top ranks of Senate leadership. Her passion for protecting our waters and land is something I personally appreciated and that she’ll always be remembered for. Harriet was one of my first legislative friends. She had a vibrant smile and was one of the kindest, most sincere legislators I’ve ever met. In a state with a rich Scandinavian community she was a true daughter of Denmark. There is no doubt that she’ll be missed greatly by those who knew her.”