The 1987 acquisition of the Starbucks coffee chain by Howard Schultz was facilitated by the legal expertise of Bill Gates Sr. A veteran attorney who navigated the corporate and technology sectors for decades, he balanced his professional practice with extensive commitments to civic leadership, regional development, and global philanthropic efforts, shaping the institutional landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
Military Service and Legal Education
Born in 1925 in Bremerton, Washington, he graduated from Bremerton High School in 1943. He served in the US Army for approximately two years during World War II. Following his service, he utilized the G.I. Bill to attend the University of Washington, where he was a member of the Chi Psi fraternity. He earned a B.A. in 1949 and completed his legal education at the University of Washington School of Law in 1950.
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In 1964, he co-founded the law firm Shidler McBroom & Gates. His practice spanned corporate, technology, and dispute matters. The firm eventually became part of Preston Gates & Ellis LLP, remaining his professional home until his retirement in 1998. The entity later evolved into the firm known as K&L Gates. During his career, he held the presidency of both the Seattle King County Bar Association and the Washington State Bar Association.
Public Service and Philanthropy
His influence extended into the civic sphere through board positions at the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, King County United Way, and Planned Parenthood. In 1995, he founded the Technology Alliance to boost technology-based employment in Washington. He served for fifteen years on the University of Washington Board of Regents and acted as a founding co-chair of the Pacific Health Summit. He also served as a director for Costco Wholesale starting in 2003 and functioned as an honorary chair for the World Justice Project.
Leadership at the Gates Foundation
After retiring from his legal practice, he remained active as a co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. His work often focused on public policy, including co-authoring 'Wealth and Our Commonwealth: Why America Should Tax Accumulated Fortunes' with Chuck Collins to defend estate taxes. He authored a second book, 'Showing Up for Life: Thoughts on the Gifts of a Lifetime', published in 2010. He died on September 14, 2020, at his home on Hood Canal, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1925, Bremerton
- Died: 2020, Hood Canal
- Education: University of Washington, University of Michigan
- Notable role: Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- Military service: US Army (World War II)
- Marriage: Mary Maxwell Gates (1951–1994), Mimi Gardner Gates (1996)
- Awards: Distinguished Eagle Scout Award
- Membership: American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Questions readers ask
What was his role in the Starbucks acquisition?
He assisted Howard Schultz in purchasing the Starbucks coffee chain in 1987.
What honors did he receive for his legal work?
He received the American Bar Association Medal in 2009, the highest honor in the American legal community.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Washington School of Law and University of Michigan
