William P. Anderson: Joe was once described to me as a bear in sheep's clothing, but in reality, Joe is a sheep in bear's clothing. The man I have come to know is loyal and sensitive and expects the same from those around him. He also expects competence, understanding, and measured responses. His story is larger than life. I am better off having known Joe.

Elma K. Aronson: I think the most wonderful feeling about Joe was when my husband, Dr. Sam, became ill and was under the care of Dr. Sydney Weinstein. I went to Dr. Weinstein's office to see about paying the bill ... and was told that Joe had already given Dr. Sydney $5,000.00. I could not speak ... I was dumbfounded.

Rachelle Arugeti: My daughter Julie became engaged to the Diamond's son Joel in February, 1963, and Joe has always been a strong influence in our children's lives. His wisdom and support have earned for him the respect and love that he so enjoys today. His grandchildren love and adore him as a heart-warming example of an affectionate and loving grandfather. How fortunate they are to have grown up through the years with a grandpa (Gumpa) like Joe.

Neil Ballard, investment counselor: Josef's instructions were simple and to the point: "Don't buy anything that I'm going to lose money on." Occasionally this sound advice wasn't followed and losses resulted. I'm sure this didn't please Josef, but he had the rare ability to say: "Sell it and go on to something else. At least the tax loss will be advantageous."

John H. Bauer, Coopers & Lybrand CPAs: The Seattle business community offers many privileges and certainly one of the greatest in my professional career has been the opportunity to work with the one and only Josef Diamond. I have always believed and practiced a philosophy of aggressive representation of clients ... but I didn't understand the full meaning of that until I had the opportunity to watch the Colonel.

Norman E. Berg: Beyond his abilities in construction claims arising out of his experience with the Corps of Engineers and my involvement with him in the forming of Northwest Bank in 1964, I have many, many favorite stories about Joe. They all reveal him as a good friend, a credit to his community, a high example to his profession, and a man of complete integrity and honesty. His philosophy in life has always been one of getting along and trying to conclude every deal or problem amicably.

Stanford M. Bernbaum, Sr., fellow board member of Northwest Bank: Our friendship extends over 50-years during which time Joe has been a dear friend.

Dorothy, Ted, and Rose Boysen: We first met Joe in 1962 when negotiating a lease on our property for the Budget parking lot across from Sea-Tac Airport. I always enjoyed Josef's heated discussions and competitive one-up-manship with our lawyer (with whom Joe was a good friend and U.W. classmate), their mutual respect for each other, and their camaraderie. Neither would permit the other to keep him waiting ... but they were both men of honor and integrity. Many of our agreements were settled with a handshake and their word was their bond. Joe always handled all of our dealings with dispatch and kind personal attention.

Richard N. Brandenburg: When I was interviewed to be a manager of one of Joe's office buildings, I sat in his office waiting room long enough to be aware that people seemed to be coming out of his office much faster than they went in. Whatever was going on in there was certainly energizing them. When I received my instructions from him regarding the management of his property, there was no doubt that he was a Colonel. At one point he said to me: "You may be a good operator now, but when you perform to my standards, you will be even better." He was right.

Gordon G. Brandt: In 1974, Old National Bank transferred me to Seattle and I met Joe, who was a director of the bank. He was very helpful in getting me acquainted in the community and his support continued through the years.

Jim Brooksbank, Budget franchise holder: Joe was chairman and I was one of the original members of the Budget Rent a Car Licensee Advisory Board. Many times I remember Joe saying to Budget President Morris Belzberg: "Now Morris ... etc. etc." Joe's tone and manner always had a soothing effect on the entire group and Belzberg recognized that the entire group was likely to agree with Joe's thinking.

Helen Button, condominium neighbor: I learned that Joe is a very caring and compassionate person ...

D.M. Carothers, Allright Parking (a competitor): I am proud to be numbered among Joe's friends. When the National Parking Association was just getting off the ground, I was a foot dragger, while Joe was right up in the front ranks helping to get the fledgling organization off the ground. I am glad Joe persisted because now I am proud of my membership in the NPA. It also helped me get acquainted with Joe Diamond and for that I am thankful.

Frank Carter: We met in 1958 when I first started working on the maintenance staff for Diamond parking lots. I drew a first opinion of him as an old crab ... but as I got to know him better, I changed my thinking. Now, I think he is a wonderful person and very concerned about his devoted employees. One time he called me to ask whose car was in a new parking lot we were building (a car which he referred to as having a saddle on the back, it was a Porsche Terra with a large air spoiler). I told him it was a contractor's car. Joe said, if he can afford a car like that, you are paying him too much. Another time he called me up to chew on me about something. I kept trying to get a word in, and finally I told him that he had the mouth of an alligator and the heart of a lamb. He paused and said: "That's a pretty good description ..." and then he started in on me again. I told him I didn't know what he was talking about, and he told me that it was my job to find out. I love him dearly.

E.J. "Jim" Clark, Teamsters Union Director: I first got acquainted with Joe 25-years ago when I took over the parking industry jurisdiction for the Teamsters Union. At that time, some mutual friends had passed the word around that I had stated I was going to straighten out Diamond Parking (which was not true) and that Josef Diamond would never negotiate a contract with Jim Clark. Well, we let this ride for some time, Josef being as stubborn as he is and I a bit bull headed, too. Finally, I called Josef and we talked and straightened out what we had both said and hadn't said. Then we negotiated a fine contract and have been close friends ever since. %| My secretaries used to complain that Josef seemed rude on the telephone. Now I know that Josef might be a bit stubborn, bull headed, and tough, but never rude, so I asked my secretaries why they felt this way about him. They said when he called the office and I was not in, he would simply say something to the effect: "Have him call Joe Diamond." and then hung up, never saying good-by or anything else. I told Josef about this and he felt bad about it, but in his usual manner, he explained: "I just don't have anything else to say, and we are all busy." But I know that Josef Diamond is one of the warmest, toughest, most decent men I have known, and I am happy to be counted among his friends.

Henry C. Clausen, San Francisco attorney: I always considered Josef Diamond to be superior as an Army officer and a positive genius at simplifying what would otherwise be most complex. When Josef was a Major and I was a Captain at Fort Douglas, Utah, we commiserated on the inefficient manner in which claims were being processed. I finally threw up my hands when our commanding officer sent me a claim to process for some woman who had sent her son a cake which he claimed not to have received. [=back side text missing on my copy=] %| My favorite story about Josef occurred when he moved into housing quarters assigned to him at Fort Lewis. He called and invited my wife and me for a visit. When we arrived, we found them living in a ramshackle, broken down house with steps leading up to it so rickety that we went around to the back rather than trust the stairs. I asked Joe if he wanted a contribution for his living expenses. The whole thing was a big laugh for all of us.

Ronaye Cook: Sometimes when my husband Dorwin and I would have a lively "discussion" because of opposing views, Dorwin would laugh and recall his long ago days in college when he, as a budding law student would have friendly "debates" with his fellow law students. Perhaps they were practicing for the courtroom. And I especially remember my husband describing, with gusto, that in those long forgotten "word duels," Josef Diamond was extremely adept and skillful in asserting his views. Dorwin use to say that Josef would sometimes announce, in jest, that in spite of my husband being a native of Wichita, Kansas, that he was "... pretty smart for a country boy." Dorwin would always laugh at that fond memory. But the most memorable thing about Josef is that, in spite of his remarkable accomplishments and achievements and importance and fame, he is utterly unaffected and natural, and he took pains to put me at ease and to see that I was comfortable and enjoying myself as his dinner guest. Unforgettable.

Jim Cope: We didn't do very much business together, but I am glad for the opportunity of getting to know Josef Diamond as a most warm, generous, and fair man who was always nice to me.

Jerry A. Costacos: When I arrived at my first parking association meeting, back in 1954, at first I was scared of Josef. But as the years went on and our relationship grew, he has become almost like a relative. When I was negotiating to buy into Budget Rent-a-Car and was at Josef's office with my attorney and CPA, at one point during our discussions my CPA told Josef that he was going to advise me to not to go through with the deal as it was written. Josef then said, "If Jerry Costacos was my client, I, too, would advise him not to sign this agreement. However, there is an aspect of trust that is not spelled out in the agreement which Jerry and I and John Cain have that will make the agreement work." As it was to be. It worked well for all three parties, in spite of my counsel's advice, which I did respect.

Paul Cressman: Joe had a fantastic reputation in the construction industry because of, among other things, his World War II record. We had several legal matters where he was on one side and my firm was on the other side ... and I was impressed with the way he conducted himself. Joe was always a lawyer I could call at 6 or 6:30 at night and he would still be at the office.

Jack Croco: I shall be forever grateful to Joe for the direction and support [he provided] which allowed us to buy the shopping center ...

Eugene G. Cushing: Once we played a game of "odd man" for dinner and Captain Carroll lost and Joe ordered two steaks. Captain Carroll asked Joe how he could do that to an old friend and Joe replied: "Because I am hungry."

Pearl Daniels: I remember my husband saying to many people: "Josef Diamond is one of the classiest gentlemen I have met in Seattle -- soft spoken and warm."

Carolyn & Bill Danz: Before we met Joe, if I had been asked about him, I would have said that he is a formidable character. But now that we are friends and neighbors, I know that Josef Diamond is a lovable pussycat.

Dee & Leigh Davidson: I remember a friend taking his assistant from work to dinner at the Diamond's house rather than taking his regular girl friend, giving as a reason that he didn't think that his girl friend had good enough manners to take her to Josef Diamond's house.

Marco DeFunis: I was extremely intimidated to meet this man who was represented to me as one of the most powerful attorneys in the city of Seattle. But I was very pleased to note that he had a wonderful smile, a great handshake, and a twinkle in his eye. And he was willing to take on the establishment. As the DeFunis trial against the University of Washington was coming to a close, it happened that the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashana was occurring. Being orthodox, I was required to celebrate two days of the holiday. It also happened that through Joe's legal tactics, a seat was reserved for me alone at the law school and could not be filled until the trial was concluded. Joe had an afternoon conference with the attorney for the University of Washington and the judge and discovered in that conference that the law school's orientation was going on. The judge was a very tall, silvery haired individual who had apparently told Joe that he recommended I attend one of those days of orientation for which the trial would be recessed. Joe came to me with a smile on his face like the cat that ate the canary and said, "I think it might be a good idea if you went to orientation on the second day of Rosh Hashana. I am not saying that the judge is going to rule in our favor, but he did feel that it would be a good idea if you went." Well, so much for my praying. I did as I was instructed. After all, when Joe told you something, you simply did it. As the trial came to a conclusion and before the judge rendered his opinion, I feared that additional adverse testimony came in that would make it difficult if not impossible for the case to be won. Fearing the worst, I drove to Eugene, Oregon where I had been accepted into the University of Oregon law school, reserved an apartment, reserved a rental truck for the move down, and was ready to pay my tuition. Joe, in his most conservative manner, offered no consolation. In fact, he also had some concerns about the outcome. The day the decision was rendered, we all met outside the courtroom. My mother, father, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister, brother-in-law occupied the first couple of rows in the courtroom. The judge made his ruling and the course of legal history was changed. Several years later, and many pages of briefing, legal research, and documentation having been performed, the Supreme Court decided to declare the case moot. But despite of all that, I shall never forget that sly grin.

Eugene Detroit: I first met Joe Diamond in 1947 and I thank you, good Lord, for bringing us together. In 1973, Josef and Harry Kessler purchased the Coeur d'Alene Hotel in Spokane in a partnership. The owner-contractor of the building was in the process of renovating it adding a restaurant, camera shop, and ladies apparel shop, but he was real short of capital and bills were piling up. Part of the sale agreement was that the new owners were to get a completed building, including a renovated hotel which the Milner Hotel chain had leased to operate for several years because the 1974 Spokane World's Fair was approaching rapidly with great expectations. Josef asked me to go to Spokane and take a look at the project. The owner-contractor showed me around, told me how great everything was going to be, and made an appointment for dinner with me that night. At dinner, we made plans to meet again the next morning ... but he never showed up. He just disappeared and never showed up again. I called Josef to explain the situation and he told me to stay and take care of the project. Everything started fine but then a fire erupted and consumed the whole seventh floor and a large storeroom. We thought the fire may have been arson because of all the creditors who were impacted, but eventually the insurance company determined that the fire was a legitimate accident. A settlement was reached and the main part of the project was completed in good order. But there was still work to be done when the World's Fair opened. President Nixon was present for the opening day of the Fair and as we watched from the roof of the hotel, the Secret Service showed up with loaded guns. It was exciting for a few minutes. After the fair, the Milner people just left, resulting in a lawsuit which we won. We then turned the building into an apartment and in the middle of that reconstruction, Mount St. Helens erupted and covered the city with six inches of ash. But the project was completed and the apartments were soon fully occupied.

Patrick S. Druxman: As far back as I can remember, Joe has always been our attorney and friend. My father told of a time when he and my grandfather were involved in a lawsuit over some trivial situation and Joe represented the other side. According to my dad, no one gave Joe a chance of winning ... but he won. The first time I personally saw Joe in action was when our Company was being sold. Joe handled the legal portion of the negotiations and we were satisfied with the agreement, but at the last minute, he suggested an additional "minor" clause be added. As a result, the amount added by the "minor addition" was twice the amount of Joe's legal fees for handling the entire affair. There have been many other instances in my life when Joe, in his very authoritative way, supplied me with guidance and confidence. I feel very privileged to count Joe as one of my very close friends.

Merle Dulien, daughter of Josef's second wife Ann Dulien: I once found an unfamiliar stuffed animal in our family apartment in Los Angeles (a white and black and fuzzy one). My mother told me that Joe had given it to her. I was really touched by such a romantic gesture and the tenderness it implied between two mature adults. I would have loved Joe just for that, even if I hadn't met him.

Bob and Ruth Dunn, Bob was chairman of the King County council: We first met over fifty years ago when Joe was giving "a violin lesson" to some hapless young attorney in Judge Douglas' courtroom. Although I still pay my dues to the Bar Association, I was never able to ... practice law, rent cars, provide places to park them ... [and do all the other things you do].

R.D. Egge: Due to Joe's wonderful reputation as a "common sense" business attorney and his previous service as counsel with the Corps of Engineers, we started using him as our Company and personal attorney in 1949. Once we had a contract dispute while building a hospital on the Island of Truk in the South Pacific. To settle this dispute, Joe and I had a conference dispute meeting with the government agency on Truk. Joe, with his fair but tough negotiation approach settled the dispute without going to court. The settlement, in our favor, was accomplished in two days. On our return trip, we visited friends of Joe's in Hong Kong where we were treated like royalty at their homes and businesses. Joe was a kind and great host to us and much of our business success was due to Joe. To know him is to love and respect him.

Ken Eikenberry, former Attorney General for the State of Washington: I first met Josef Diamond in 1962. He was the senior attorney in a prominent Seattle law firm and I was a King County deputy prosecuting attorney in the same office with Mr. Diamond's son-in-law, Richard Foreman. Years later, while I was in the state legislature, I called Joe on the telephone to express my admiration because I was greatly impressed by his vigorous representation of Marco DeFunis, going against the tide of state programs, the Attorney General, and a host of amici curiae. Because of sheer legal doggedness (twice through the State Supreme Court and once through the U.S. Supreme Court), not to mention the legal skills of Joe Diamond, his client succeeded. During our telephone chat, Mr. Diamond was most gracious. Later, after I became Attorney General in 1981, I inherited a consumer protection case that had been filed against Joe Diamond's parking business. It alleged that certain "parking tickets" were being issued which were readily mistaken by consumers as being official government citations. The suit asked for injunctive relief and monetary penalties and costs. Mr. Diamond's response was, in essence, that the "parking tickets" had been promptly revised, his business was following the spirit of the law, and he didn't intend to pay one cent. This case had dragged on for years, attorneys met and negotiated, tentative agreements were reached and scrapped again and again. At no time was the matter, at least in my view, worth taking to trial. Finally, in exasperation, my instruction was to "get rid of that case." Once again, Joe Diamond's sheer doggedness had prevailed.

Richard C. Evans: I remember being in the private dining room of the chairman of Rainier Bank for a luncheon hosted in Josef Diamond's honor and observing the substantial respect which he commands from his bankers. Josef wrote the book on negotiating. I have left his office wringing wet after tough and lengthy discussions only to have him look up from his desk on my way out and say, "Dick, I really enjoyed talking with you today." So, instead of feeling like you just finished Negotiations 101, Josef has a way of making you feel good ... and still do the transactions. I have also noticed that Josef cares a great deal for people. When he was selling one of his companies, his first and lasting concern was for the employees ... to make sure that they were cared for and treated fairly. In my 35 years of banking, I cannot think of a more interesting client relationship. If Josef likes you and trusts you, he sends referral business and his own business to you. He is demanding and expects performance, but he provides the same in return and he is extremely loyal.

Jack Eyler: In 1971, I visited Josef at his office to discuss how to proceed to collect $500,000 from a client of our construction company who had run out of funds to make the final payment for a project which we had successfully completed. Almost immediately, Josef began to interrogate me as though I was the bad guy for getting us involved. I never saw Josef in court, but I have always been glad that I have never had to be cross-examined by him on the witness stand. Another time, after taking Josef to lunch in my new Volvo, as we waited behind one of Josef's new Budget rental trucks on a steep hill, the driver of the truck apparently had difficulty operating it and started to roll backward crunching in the front of my new car. While I sat there and grumbled, Josef jumped out of the car, ran up the the truck driver and proceeded to scold him in no uncertain terms. Of course, the driver of the Budget truck had no idea who Josef was and that it was actually Josef's truck which the driver had just mishandled. I was concerned that the driver might get out and punch Josef, but Josef wasn't the least bit afraid of the man. After I got over the initial shock of the damage to my car, I began to see the humor of the situation. No one could have planned such an incident to lead to such a hilarious outcome. To this day, I look back on that as one of the funniest experiences of my life.

Doris Ann Fraser: As a nurse for Josef's long-time friends and business partners Max and Ethel Greiff, I remember how often they referred to Josef as a trusted and loyal friend. What impressed me most about Joe Diamond was one time when Joe himself was recuperating from heart surgery, Max called him and asked him to come to his home for one last visit and favor. Joe came, out of loyalty, and that has to be a some great person to do that. Another thing that impresses me is people like Joe and Max who worked hard to earn their living years ago when the hours were long and the pay little, but they had the driving ambition to keep going, asking nothing of anyone, but giving the best of themselves. That is what made them successful. And they were always good to their family and friends. Joe also took a member of my own family as a client and his knowledge and expert way of handling everything gives me confidence.

Roger G. Gelder: It has been a real pleasure for me to have had the opportunity to work with Joe Diamond, to receive the benefit of his counsel, and to be his friend. He is a unique and wonderful individual.

Gordon W. "Skip" Gilbert: In the 1960's, my business partners and I developed a 30-acre site at the southwest corner of the Town of Clyde Hill. This plat became known as Clydeloch and contained 48 half-acre homesites and a 3-acre pond. When Joel and Julie Diamond decided to purchase a waterfront home from one of our builders, the deal was conditioned upon the concurrent purchase of the adjoining vacant site owned by my partners and me ... at a bargain price. A meeting was scheduled at Joe Diamond's office and my partners and I were firm in our resolve to hold the deal together but not give away our prime lot. One of my 'silver-tongued' partners volunteered to be our spokesman and assured us he could handle Joe. As it turned out, the meeting was short and loud ... and it soon became apparent to my partners and me that maybe we hadn't considered our business strategy as carefully as we might have. A day or two later, the deal was done ... pretty much on Joe's terms. Joe taught me a valuable lesson on preparedness which I have never forgotten. Some years later, I advised a client who was selling property to Joe and I participated in the closing. This time, I made certain that we were prepared. A usual, so was Joe. The deal closed promptly, amicably, and in precise conformity with its terms. I like to do business with professionals, even tough ones. And Joe is a real pro!

Norman Ginsberg: One time I made a trip to the Far East with Joe and John Cain and our wives in connection with an import business we had in partnership. A problem developed and I became very rude and upset with one of our suppliers. Mr. Diamond observed all this, but made no comment until we arrived in Honolulu on our way back to Seattle. Joe then called me and suggested a breakfast meeting. I learned that he has a 'rule' to never argue with a partner, and he did not on this occasion. But he did address my shortcomings and temper by explaining to me that the Chinese are very strong people with long memories, and he explained that I needed to shorten my string ... and that many of my other personality attributes should be revised ... and to make sure that I understood that we, as well as our suppliers, were partners. I have never forgotten that lecture, and it helped me from that time forward.

Evie Glant: I always think of Josef with a twinkle in his eye ... that great big handsome man ... so happy to be his friend.

Gary Glant: I remember a dinner party when a mutual friend, Leo Singer, turned to Josef, then a widower, and said: "Have I got a girl for you!" The "girl" turned out to be beautiful, talented Muriel ... who not very long thereafter became his wife.

Brian W. Goodell: Josef's memoirs are full because of the very full life he has led. As a long-time supporter of Swedish Hospital, his generosity was particularly great in the development of the Ann Dulien Cancer Care Center.

T.L. Greenough: I always admired Joe for his tolerant and dispassionate view of various problems we encountered when we served together as directors of Old National Bank. Joe always had a keen sense of humor ... but he was generally thinking about business.

Henry Griffin: While I toured Joe's new house on Lake Washington, I admired the different rooms and gardens as he explained some details about the art works and decor. Eventually, I asked him about the kitchen and his reply was: "I don't know ... I haven't been in there yet." Which says a lot about his cooking abilities. However, he has so many other abilities, I do not think we should hold this against him. A wonderful guy.

Addis Gutmann Jr.: At the time Joe was going to be married to Ann Dulien, I had known him only by reputation and could not imagine what Ann might have seen in him. It certainly wasn't for money because Ann had no problems in that area. I thought of Josef Diamond as a very tough person ... but then, much to my surprise, the man I met and got to know turned out to be an extremely warm man and a very gracious host. He absolutely fills a room with his personality. It is a great pleasure to be around him.

Richard H. Hadley, Pacific Building Corporation: I always remember the gasoline leak in the parking garage of the Amfac Center in Honolulu? It had been a nifty idea, when we designed the towers, to allow for fuel storage tanks and pumps to be installed in the garage so people could have their cars serviced while in the buildings on business. Texaco installed the setup and all was fine until ... one day a heavy odor of gasoline began to flow through the underground garage area and a half-inch of gasoline was observed floating on the surface of one of the sump pits. We were more than little concerned that the Amfac Center would be blown up! %| When we contacted Texaco, they took the position that even though they had installed the equipment, it now belonged to us, problems and all. At that point, Josef came to the rescue and applied a little of the Diamond muscle. In short order, representatives of Texaco were pumping out the gasoline. Josef, you won a lot of points then, and you have just continued to add to the score.

Clif Haley, Chairman, Budget Rent-a-Car Corporation: On Sunday, May 1, 1977, my first day on the job at Budget, Morris Belzberg, President of Budget, introduced me to Josef and made a comment about how Budget had been trying unsuccessfully to buy out Josef's Budget operations in Washington and Oregon. Josef simply smiled and said, I'm not interested in selling. Nevertheless, Morris and Jim Harvey (Chairman & CEO of Transamerica) kept pressing the issue and eventually told me that it was my responsibility to acquire those franchises. While Morris and Jim had struck out on several occasions, having negotiated over 100 business deals at Ford Motor Co. and being a lawyer myself, I felt that I had an edge because Joe and I 'talked the same language.' Boy, was I in for a jolt. Joe had negotiated thousands of deals and left behind so many bloodied, bent, and broken negotiators and lawyers that he was already a legend. So, I made many attempts to buy Budget Washington/Oregon. Each time the price went up and each time Joe found a reason to say no. I began to look upon the challenge as job insurance and would try again every year or two. Then a strange thing happened. Joe turned 80 and concluded he had only about 40 or 50 more years to live and decided he wanted to spend more time with his bride, Muriel. So, he called and said: "Here's my price ... take it or leave it." I said, Joe, what about my job insurance. Joe agreed to talk to Morris about my career and I agreed to Joe's price, which was now $27 million. See, I told you Diamond is a push over.

Joan A. Harless: Josef is a very patient, courteous gentleman. One time, Mr. D. wrote a letter for me when I was really down, and he sent a copy to me. I laughed over it for about five minutes. It makes me feel secure knowing I have a friend and lawyer like Mr. Diamond.

Don Hawley: I met Joe when I applied for the position of office manager in his law office. Since his reputation was well known, I must admit that I was intimidated. As I got to know him, though, I found him to be very fair and easy to talk to and I learned that he appreciated someone who stood up to him. One time I asked him what his view was on nepotism. He said he was entirely in favor of it. I really appreciated his answer because I was then able to hire my daughter as an employee of the firm.

Tom Healy: Once, while Joe and I negotiated the closing of a loan, we both found ourselves pounding the table pretty hard. Later, when I bought half interest in Washington Mortgage from Jack Shorett, Jack told me that Joe Diamond was on the Board of Directors and was the Company attorney. I told Jack that Joe had done such a good job for his client when we had negotiated an earlier deal (in which I was on the other side) that I was all in favor of keeping him. When we went to see Joe at his office, from the look on Joe's face, I think he thought he was going to get fired, but I told him he had done such a good job for the other side, previously, that I felt he should continue as counsel for Washington Mortgage. We have been friends ever since.

Dr. John D. Hicks: When you spend some time talking to Joe, you begin to realize what an extraordinary life he has led. His experiences in the Army during World War II and his pioneering business adventures while simultaneously running a highly successful law practice is a fascinating story. Not only his is own story remarkable, but it also covers an important period in the history of our country. I will never forget when Joe brought his lovely second wife Ann Dulien Diamond (who had been my patient for some time) to my office for an exam and Joe dutifully came in with her for a routine visit. We gave been friends ever since.

Martin & Bernice Hochfeld: We were neighbors in Laurelhurst and, as a young boy, I spent many hours at the Diamond's home. Mr. Diamond gave me wise guidance and counsel then, when I was just a young man, and to this day, my family and I enjoy his friendly smile, warm embrace, and friendship. Our fondest memories are when he had his boat, the Blue Diamond. He operated the boat just fine, but it seemed that every time my wife and I were invited on the boat, disaster struck. We always wondered how he kept the boat running.

Harley Hoppe: When I was county assessor for King County, Joe came in one day to protest that his property taxes were too high and suggested that we should do something about them. When I asked him if he would sell any of his properties for their assessed value, he said, "Of course not ... the properties were worth more than that." We, therefore, were not able to be of much help on his property taxes.

Ruth A. Houghton, Transamerica Title Insurance: After many years of responding to insurance questions on the telephone for Josef Diamond, the legend became a reality for me one day when Mr. Diamond took me to lunch. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed that short time with him, to get to know more about him personally. It came as no surprise that he is so gracious, a gentle giant, an accomplished and successful attorney, an astute businessman, and a true gentleman. He comes from the old school of honesty when a handshake would bind an agreement to be respected years later. In my years of meeting many wealthy and so-called worldly business citizens in our community, I have learned that the only people who don't like fellows like Joe are those who are dishonest and envy the success of an honest man. Josef Diamond has always portrayed strength and position with humility.

Ted Imanishi: I had the pleasure of building Josef Diamond's home on Highland Drive between 1981 and 1982. It was a very big project which required the utmost care and the best craftsmanship. I was not only the general contractor, but also a finish carpenter and did much precise work on the house. Mr. Diamond and his wife Ann Dulien would often walk in while I was working on their beautiful home and watch some of my painstaking production with satisfaction. This was one highlight of my 42 years in construction. My memories of Josef and Ann shall never fade as they were very kind to me.

Nan Isakson: I helped plan the reception for the unveiling of the Dulien Wing on the 12th floor of Swedish Hospital and I found Josef to be a very easy man to talk to and to work with. He went out of his way to help us make sure the event was a success. I also remember the evening Muriel entertained at the Summit Club of Swedish Hospital Medical Center. I dropped by while she was setting up to see if there was anything she needed. It was heartwarming to watch Josef being so attentive to Muriel and to see how proud he was of her artistic talent. Josef is a very friendly and kind man who has been very supportive of Swedish Hospital over the years.

Charles Jassen, Automotive Wholesalers: Our firm first became associated with Joe in 1975. Our attorney prior to that time had been a quiet and soft spoken man. After a few meetings with Joe, I couldn't understand why I was having such a difficult time with him. Suddenly, the light came on. He was intimidating me ... his blunt, outspoken, direct frontal approach was too much for me to handle. The next time we met and Joe "took off" on me, I said to him: "Joe, cut it out. You're yelling at me and trying to intimidate me." Joe looked stunned. He looked at me and asked, "Am I really yelling at you?" I assured him that he was and I didn't like it and we couldn't make it that way. Joe apologized profusely and, from then on, through the years, we had a wonderful business and personal relationship which I treasure to this day. And you know, he only yells at me occasionally, as only Joe can, when he wants to make a point. I christened him" The Great Intimidator." Joe Diamond has to qualify as "The Greatest Character I have ever known." What an impact on my life.

Robinson C. Jenner: In May 1933, Josef and I occupied adjoining offices on the 20th floor of the Exchange Building. He was a young lawyer and I was trying to get a start in the insurance business. We joined the Junior Chamber of Commerce about the same time and served as Board members for about three years. In 1950, when I opened an insurance agency under my own name, there was only one choice I could make when I needed a lawyer. Joe also became one of our corporate directors. His counsel and advice was of great help. His greatest contributions were not business referrals, however, but examples and lessons he taught me about integrity and honesty. I learned from him that a verbal agreement was just as binding as if it had been confirmed in writing. And, he was never too busy to lend a helping hand when a personal problem arose.

Roger Johnson: I rented an office from him and was his neighbor. He told me that stocks made 8% and real estate made 12% per year. I have always been sorry that I didn't follow his advice.

Ralph Jonas, counsel for Budget Rent-a-Car Corporation of America: I thought Joe was the smartest, toughest, craftiest lawyer I had met in a long time ... and I have respected him ever since. Dave Jones: When I started working for Budget, I heard many good things about Josef. One time, while in the process of creating a fleet plan for trucks in his Budget fleet, I decided that we needed to purchase diesel rather than gasoline trucks. I met great opposition from everyone in our Company and so decided to plead my case with Joe. He became my biggest supporter and the truck fleet grew to almost 500 units over the next five years, almost all of them diesel. Joe made working a pleasure for me and I miss those days at Budget very much.

Ira Kadish: I have known Mr. Diamond all my life and cherish our friendship. He has always been a no-nonsense type who always gets the job done in a business-like manner. A lot of people think he is rough and tough, but inside, he is one of the kindest and gentlest people I know.

Bud & Duddee Kaplan: We were neighbors on the water front in West Seattle and Josef organized a driving pool to take young Joel and Dianne and our two young daughters to Sunday School.

Malcolm Katz: I met Josef Diamond on the street one day in 1972 when I had returned to Seattle for a Passover holiday. Some how, he knew who I was. And right there on the street, with no prior introduction, no resume, and no references, he made an offer to me to become his tax lawyer. He said: "I know who you are and I've heard about you. You're Malcolm Katz, aren't you?" I said that I was and he said: "I'm Joe Diamond and I have heard that you are the best there ever was, and I would like to hire you. I heard you have never lost a case in over four years working at the U.S. Department of Justice in their Tax Division." I said, "That's right. Let me talk to my wife and I'll get back to you." I didn't even ask what he would pay. I was stunned. %| The next day, I called him and said, "I accept your offer, but I want to know how much you will pay me. Regardless of how much, I would like you to wait six months until I finish an advanced degree in taxation from Georgetown. Would you wait?" He said he would pay me less than what I was making, but he would wait. I said, "You've got yourself a deal." In January 1973, I went to work for him. %|One day Josef called me into his office and told me that he had two clients by the name of Alt who had two related corporations in the poultry business. One makes money and the other one loses money. He said we should combine them, merge them, so that the losses from one kill off and eliminate the profits from the other. I said, "Sounds like a good idea and it's perfectly okay, legally." He said, "Okay, go ahead and draw up the papers." I said, "Don't you think we should ask the clients ..." He said, "You just draw up the merger papers and let me know when they are ready. Then I will set up an appointment with the Alt brothers. Let me handle it." The Alt brothers didn't even know what they were being called into the office for. As the meeting started, Josef opened by saying that they knew a good chicken from a bad chicken and that he would never know a good chicken from a bad chicken. He told them, however, that there was something he and I knew that they would never know and that is when a good time would be to merge their corporations. So he picked up the pen and said: "Malcolm, have you got the Articles of Merger" and he put the pen and papers in their hands and told them to sign. %| Without even reading or asking questions, they signed on the spot. My impressions of Josef are that handling matters like this are just a matter of sheer, raw, naked 'guts.' I love him.

Howard Keller: In many years of association with Joe Diamond, I found him to be a true friend and a great ally as our attorney and counsel. He was truly a "cheer leader" inspiring us on. I used to walk away from our meetings feeling that there was nothing we couldn't accomplish. His keen business acumen and insight were important factors in the growth of our business.

##Patrick L. Kenney: Josef Diamond wanted interest on his earnest money that was left in our office for over eight months. I felt that we should sue him for being able to buy the property direct without our firm. Mr. Ford Barrett's wisdom held out and we went on to the next sale. We were unable to obtain the property for Diamond parking in the eight months, so if Josef could accomplish the job, he deserved the credit. The continued association blossomed and one of the many sales over the next twenty-plus years was the F.S. Barrett & Co. Building to Josef from Ford Barrett, so the wiser heads did prevail to a lasting association. The monthly get-togethers when Josef came to Spokane for his bank meetings, with the likes of Harry Goodfellow and John Crowley, made it a special event with a variety of topics (e.g. missing money bags caught in the bank drop and what happened to the employees). Tweenty-plus years have been rewarding from having a good client, yet I also feel enriched in having a good friend.

Wilbur & Fran Kent: When we were building a new home in Normandy Park in 1950-51, we wound up having some difficulties with our builder, so I called Joe and he arranged a meeting with us and our builder in Joe's office. When we arrived at Joe's office, the builder was already there and introduced us to our attorney, Joe. I don't know how Joe got him there, but I thought it rather amusing to see the look on his face when he realized he had been snookered into coming and that Joe was actually our attorney.

Harry Ackie Kessler: On the occasion of Joe's 83rd birthday, "Ackie" wrote the following: It seems as though I have known Joe for at least 83 years. He is family to me. We have been through a lot together. One time I mentioned to Joe that I was looking for an investment and maybe he could refer some of his turn-downs to me. About a week later, a real estate salesman came to my office and said that Joe Diamond had suggested that he come and talk to me, and he proceeded to offer a piece of property which I thought was absolutely NOT for me. Not knowing how to get rid of him, I finally said, the building needed too much work and that it would take someone like Joe Diamond to put it together, so if Joe Diamond would take a half-interest in it, I would take the other half. Figuring that was the end of it, I forgot about it. About a week later, the agent called and said, "You and your partner bought the building." Now I have the greatest partner in the world and his magic touch has made it one of the finest experiences of my life.

Jeanne Kick, Josef's Diamond's long-time travel agent: When I first started making travel arrangements for Josef Diamond, I discovered what a nice man he really was and what a pleasure to talk to.

Chris & Colleene Klineburger: Life seemed less complicated back in 1954 when Bert, Gene, and I took over Jonas Bros. Taxidermy. Josef Diamond's professional handling of our legal matters from that time onward has been very gratifying. We had a lot of ups and downs through the years and somehow the Good Lord has watched over us all. Shortly after we got married in 1960, we met with Josef to have our wills made. As young and innocent as she was, Colleene's mouth dropped open with dismay when Josef asked me (even though I had not previously been married) if I had any children.

Richard Klinge: In early 1946, I went to work with the Teamsters Union and over a 30-year period after that, we never had a serious labor dispute with Josef Diamond and Diamond Parking. Joe was always fair and honest. Thanks to Joe Diamond, Seattle is known throughout the country as having the best working conditions for parking employees. Joe was given a fitting name in the name "Diamond" ... but he is not a Diamond in the rough. Over the years, any roughness has been polished away and he is a beautiful person and a real friend.

P.D. Koon: In 1946, when I was about to be released from the Navy, my sponsor to get started in the construction business was Olav Boen. Joe was Olav's attorney and he was asked to draw up a 50-50 partnership agreement. Olav was supplying the capital for our new association and I personally had very little money to put into it. Joe looked me over with a critical eye because Olav was 65 years old and Joe wanted to make sure that Olav would have a good partner ... and he wanted to protect his old client and friend. But Joe did draw up the agreement and the final result was the beginning of a successful construction company and a close personal and business relationship with Joe.

Gustav G. Kostakos: In my close association and frequent contact with Josef, I have observed that one of his frequent expressions is: "I don't believe it." Even after I have endeavored to explain certain facts, he will still say to me: "I don't believe it." As time has gone on, that expression has occurred less frequently, but even so, I do not doubt that the next time I pick up the phone and speak to Josef, at some point during the conversation, he will say, "Gus, I don't believe it." %| Prior to my association with Josef, I had been accustomed to using 14" legal paper. But one day shortly after I commenced working for Diamond Parking, I received one of those frequent memos from Josef and this one read: "Gus, do not use 14 inch paper; use 13 inch paper." I asked him why and he stated that it was one of his idiosyncrasies that I was going to have to live with. I still haven't gotten used to it and I still receive notes from him stating "Gus, do not use 14 inch paper." or "Gus, I do not permit the use of 14 inch paper." Hopefully, I will remember ... My association with Josef Diamond has indeed been a fruitful learning experience. His mind is ever working and sometimes I think that he works in his sleep.

Norman Kronick: Josef is a dignified and honorable man whose life has epitomized the noble standard of "noblesse oblige" ... which means that people of high birth, social position, wealth, and power should behave nobly toward others. It is said to be obedience to the unenforceable, for each individual is the sole enforcer of that unwritten law unto himself. This is the great unwritten law of any workable society. Josef has devoted his life to duty, honor, and purpose. He has class and style and the personal conduct which is exemplary of the motto of the Texas Rangers: "One Riot, One Ranger." It brings to mind an old Irish prayer: "May the Good Lord keep his arms around Josef always."

Michael B. Lamb, President, Lamb Hanson Lamb Appraisal Association: When I think of Josef Diamond, the incident that comes to mind is the condemnation suit involving Joe's Budget lot at Sea-Tac in 1989. Joe felt the property was worth $30 per square foot (which caused other appraisers to quit the case). Lee Kraft and Dick Foreman were not sure of a clear strategy. However, it soon became evident that it was not the price per square foot, but the amount of damages that ultimately determined where all the value was to be found.

Edith Lando: Joe Diamond was my husband Bud's closest friend and the two of them shared a uniquely warm and loving relationship all through the years. After my husband and I were married in California in 1937, we spent our honeymoon driving up the coast, stopping in Seattle so I could meet this Joe Diamond about whom I had heard so many glowing descriptions during the whole of our honeymoon ... "No one like him" ... "a diamond through and through" ... and on and on. It was and is all true.

Sam LeBid: Joe became a good friend and more than an attorney over the years, counseling me in both good and in troubled times. As much as I have tried to remain cool and calm, by nature I am a worrier. Joe noticed this trait in me and always told me "Wait to worry." Those three words changed my outlook on life and made me a more stable person and a healthier person. It is such a practical and logical theory and it personifies Joe's character: practical and logical. It is remarkable how many troubling conditions work themselves out. When I look back, there was no need to worry. Many times I say to myself, "Thanks, Joe, for those three words. You saved me needless hours of anxiety and pressure."

Dave LeClerq: When I met Joe, I was so busy with my boat building company that I had little time for anything else. Lucky for me, Joe suggested that I take the time to buy some commercial income property. Within several years, the new property had paid for itself and has helped support my comfortable retirement. When Joe Diamond speaks, people listen. I remember once being very concerned about being notified of an impending audit by the IRS. Unfortunately, my accountant did not ease my concern, as he was more nervous than me. As the audit began, my accountant and I were immediately placed on the defensive by the IRS agents. But then Joe entered the room and took control. Within minutes, he had addressed each of the questions to the satisfaction of the agent and, just like that, the audit was over.

Millard & Wendy Lesch: When I was a trial lawyer with the Internal Revenue Service, and were assigned cases for trial, the most important issue was not the taxpayer or the issue, but rather who was the attorney. We would exchange cases like trading cards. "I'll give you one Joe Diamond for two Attorney 'X' cases." We always wanted to trade away the Joe Diamond cases because we knew they were tough. Although Joe was always courteous and cooperative, he made you work hard ... and he usually won.

Mark B. Levine: Going to Joe's office with my father, I was eager to meet this larger than life awesome figure -- a sort of Melvin Belli of Seattle. And the man I met was all of that and more. What I learned in that first meeting was that the phrase "can't be done" is not in Joe's vocabulary. In fact, all of his life exemplifies what a person can do. One of the best stories I ever heard about Joe was about the time when he returned home after World War II. As the story goes, upon his return, his brother Leon handed the keys to his house and the keys to his business to Joe and said, "I hope you find the house comfortable and I hope the business makes a profit ... send money." With that, Leon left for California. There stood Joe with a law degree in one hand, a new business in the other hand, and the rest is history.

Rabbi S.B. Levitin: When I first entered Josef's office, as a young rabbi in my mid-twenties, he received me with dignity and respect and he gave of his time, notwithstanding his very, very busy schedule. Joe Diamond represents the true work ethic that has made our country great. He is a true patriot. He is a strong family man in a society where that particular trait is not as fashionable as it once was. His mother used to call him Yossele and he is deserving of the old saying from the Talmud: "May you go from strength to strength."

Dr. Leon & Janet Levy: My first thoughts of Josef Diamond are always that he is so charming, a darling man, how wonderful to be that brilliant, that accomplished, and that NICE! I loved the story about his taking such good care of the Canadian couple who were mistakenly "barreled" by one of his parking lot attendants. He was so nice about it ...

Edith Lipson: As a part time assistant in the accounting department of his firm, I had heard a lot about Mr. Diamond, but had not met him until one day when, much to my surprise, a gentleman appeared at my desk and introduced himself as Joe Diamond. He asked me to come to his office to talk with him about taking over the accounting department. That led to an association of 17-years. It was always a wonder to me how Joe Diamond could so effectively handle his very busy schedule. He explained that you do not allow the volume of work to be overwhelming, but you concentrate completely on the matter at hand, not wasting efforts on how something might have happened differently, but concentrating on what is the best way to handle the situation before you now. He was very emphatic that I would never be expected to compromise my integrity in the performance of my job. Those were stimulating years and an excellent learning experience.

Donald (Sr.) Macri: About two years after the end of World War II, our construction company completed a very hazardous sewer project in Puyallup, Washington which had been beset by problems caused by unstable underground soil conditions and other difficulties. Our original bid had called for proper bedding such as gravel base, concrete base, or pilings, where necessary. The City chose not to avail themselves of these options, however, because it would raise the cost of the project radically. We, of course, had put ourselves on record and advised the City that neither our Company nor the bonding company would guarantee the proper function of this project under these conditions. %| Enter Joe Diamond. After some preliminary sparing, Mr. Diamond advised the City authorities to stop playing games and either discuss the facts and attempt to settle the claims and counterclaims amicably or else state plainly that they were not interested in such a solution. I then had the opportunity to see Joe Diamond in action for the first time and I can best describe what transpired as Joe conducting a hearing, a quasi-trial, without benefit of judge or jury in an absolutely mind-boggling command and analysis of the facts. %| The end result of the day's events was a very satisfactory settlement for our Company. He then taught me a lesson which I have never forgotten. He advised that in the future, if any situation arose where plans and specifications were chanted on site from the original bid or from radical changes and omissions, to immediately get either satisfactory change orders containing proper recompense and time extensions, or, if that was not possible, to run to him for advice. In other words: "Do not spend your money now to correct or repair a changed condition on the hope of being paid at some future date. Settle the matter now." Pearls of wisdom. %| I could go on for hours reminiscing about situations in various parts of the world where Joe Diamond advised, cajoled, threatened, and reasoned to keep us out of hot water. He was always available. Words cannot express my appreciation sufficiently except to say that I treasure his friendship above all else. %| And not only is he a great lawyer, but I recall a business trip we took together to Australia, on the return from which Joe took us to every oriental port in the universe. I was amazed at all the friends Joe had in all these far away ports. Josef Diamond is the single most important friend of my life.

John D. Mangels, Chairman, Security Pacific Bank: My respect for Josef Diamond has grown through the years into admiration. He is demanding but fair, clinically objective but compassionate, and immensely loyal to his family and friends. He is NOT one of those to whom Oliver Wendle Holmes referred when he said: "Lawyers spend a great deal of their time shoveling smoke."

Janet Matson, President, The Brower Company: Joe Diamond has been our Company's attorney for over forty years and that says it all.

Bob Medved: 26 years ago, when I was debating the wisdom of spending a lot of money I didn't have to buy a franchise in a small company called Budget Rent-a-Car, I told Joe of my worries and he said: "I tell myself that I am too busy to worry today, that I will worry tomorrow. Of course, tomorrow never comes so I never find time to worry." I have followed that philosophy over the years and it has helped keep me sane and healthy.

John Miller, United States Congressman: You have been a wonderful counselor, advisor, and friend both to me and to many others in our community. Thank you for your service to your fellow man.

Richard Montague, President, Montague Video International: In 1987, during a location filming of a made-for-TV western in which Muriel Diamond was co-starring, I was producing a behind-the-scenes video for the picture and Joe Diamond was there to be a part of his wife's endeavors. The "action" about to be filmed called for the quaintly dressed townsfolk to amble across a field toward a church on their way to a Sunday service. As the camera, mounted on a 40-foot high crane gently descended from the sky down past the steeple to the door of the church, the director called for "ACTION!" What a study in contrasts then appeared in the camera's lens: There, among the local citizenry, resplendent in their civil war era costuming, men in oil clothed trousers and dust covered boots, ladies in Sunday-go-to-meetin' bonnets, full petticoat dresses and high-buttoned shoes, covered wagons in the background ... who should appear but Joe Diamond walking next to the film's co-star, his wife Muriel, Joe in freshly pressed Brooks Brothers slacks, Ralph Lauren polo shirt, collar neatly tucked, and topped off with a luxurious woolen sweater.

Elkan T. Morris: Once we were in negotiations with a government agency and I observed that Josef was treated with great respect and reserve by the opposition. After several days, Josef thought that we were not being treated fairly, however, and in the middle of a session, he rose and left the meeting. Fifteen years later, the supreme court upheld our position.

Cliff Mortensen: Joe was the best business and construction attorney that I have ever known, as well as being a very fine person.

Judy Ann Moulton: In 1988, when I interviewed to be Josef's secretary, he said: "Well, I suppose I should tell you who I am." I interrupted him to say that since my car had been barreled, I knew very well who he was. He laughed and said he was sorry. But I told him that it had been my fault and there was no need to be sorry. He eventually offered me the job and I accepted.

Lachman Narain: In 1976, Joe was visiting Hong Kong with some associates from Seattle and they all decided to go to Macau, a Portugese territory near Hong Kong. Joe did not realize that we needed passports and so he had to dash back to the peninsula to get his. I told him I would meet him at the ferry terminal in Hong Kong, but he thought I said the terminal in Macau. So there I was waiting for him for two hours in Hong Kong. I thought he had been kidnapped, but I finally went to Macau to look for him and found him enjoying himself in the Casino. What a relief.

Blanche G. Narodick: Our parents were good friends and that continued as a life-long friendship through our children also. One Sunday morning at 2:30 am our phone rang and it was Josef asking if Joel was at our house. I checked downstairs and found a dozen boys, all members of their high school fraternity, all bedded down in sleeping bags, Joel among them. When I reported all was well to Josef, he was obviously relieved. I was impressed that it was Josef, rather than Joel's mother who had called. To me, it revealed not a harsh parental attitude, but a genuinely warm paternalistic concern, so characteristic of Joe.

Philip H. Narodick: Josef Diamond is a friend, advisor, and kindred soul with whom I feel a close rapport. We share a love for Seattle and its many waters. Joe has lived most of his life on the waterfront, first on Puget Sound on Beach Drive, then in Laurelhurst on Lake Washington, and now in Madison Park on Lake Washington. We enjoyed boating together and he was always long in his praise of my cooking salmon ... which I hope to continue to do for him for many years.

William C. Nelson: My involvement in bonding contractors brought me into frequent contact with Joe where I watched him use his experience as a Colonel in the Army Corps of Engineers to obtain fair and equitable treatment under the terms of construction contracts with the government. Later, when we served together on the Board of Directors of Northwest Bank, I always admired Joe's great counsel and advice.

Ron Neubauer: When I was 8 years old, Joe was dashing and impressive to me in his officers uniform. Later, he gave me a job in his parking lots while I was going to law school. The bad news was, he would inspect every Saturday morning and have us all picking up, cleaning, and scrubbing up military style. When I grew a moustache in the 50's, he told me that he didn't like it and to shave it off. I told him that I had seen his law school graduation picture in which he wore a moustache. He said, "Yes, but I looked distinguished. You look like a hippy." %| After he got me my first law job as an assistant US attorney, he visited my office one day, looked around for a minute or two and said: "Your office is bigger than mine." %| It is interesting to me that you just can't get Joe to say anything bad about anyone. Once, when I told him my wife wasn't speaking to me, he said: "Go home and apologize, even if she was completely in the wrong." Now, if I don't get up every morning and apologize for what I will do all day and then come home and apologize again for all the terrible things I suppose I did, she gets angry.

Dean Nichols: Josef has always had time in his life to be compassionate and understanding to people in all walks of life.

Walt & Barbara Nolan: I had never met anyone before with such a dynamic personality, compassion, integrity, and emotion as Josef Diamond. One incident that comes to mind was when one of our lease accounts thought that he wasn't getting all the benefits he was entitled to. During a meeting with this account, Josef made the statement that his confidence in me was such that he would literally trust me with his life. The account left the meeting very happy and I have never forgotten Joe's statement.

James A. Oliver: My favorite story about Josef concerns the Hartman vs Diamond Parking class action suit over parking "surcharges." As part of the settlement of the case, Josef wanted each class member to state in writing that he/she had paid the posted parking rate; otherwise he/she could not receive a full refund from the settlement proceeds. I thought it was a waste of time, i.e. that they would lie. But Joe said that people are more honest than that. We debated. He was right. I was wrong. As a consequence, Diamond Parking gained about a $50,000 refund from the settlement proceeds.

Bernard Ordell: I met Joe in 1918 and we became friends. As kids, we organized a roller skate hockey team. Another time, we hitch-hiked to Tacoma to go to the automobile races. In the summertime, we used to meet at a play-field and play a game called "buck-buck" before spectators. Joe was just one of the boys, and we remained friends all through the years.

Mary Louise Reiter: When I first met Joe, about 1934, I found him to be a most engaging man. Now, so many years later, I am still of the same opinion. He is a scholarly, loving, handsome gentleman.

Jeanine Rice: I remember how intimidated I was to be in Josef Diamond's presence when he interviewed me for the position of receptionist for his firm. I wondered what I was doing there. Fortunately for me, though, he hired me and thus began a very rewarding journey in my life. Through the years, he always remained 'Mr. Diamond' to me, because of the respect which I feel he commands. %| As busy as he was, he never failed to notice small details, such as when a photocopy was not trimmed to a proper size. That was a cardinal sin. Any such photocopy was promptly returned with a notation stating what was to be done. Nobody was exempt. He also wanted me, as receptionist, to ask clients to hang up their coats when they came into the firm. If they didn't, or if I missed someone, he noticed. %| One day, a group of men arrived for a meeting and I was so determined that they would not enter his office with their coats on that I became overly anxious and asked them if they would like to take off their clothes, rather than their coats. Talk about embarrassed! %| Mr. Diamond was never too busy to care or to share. I saw this day in and day out with his clients, and I also personally experienced his caring. He became a trusted counselor and much of what I have learned and value in life has come from knowing this man. What a difference he has made in my life.

Bonnie L. Riggins: When I first started working with one of Mr. Diamond's projects, I was very nervous because sometimes he raised his voice to me. At the time, I did not realize that that was just his way. But one of his old and dear friends called me one day and said, "Don't be upset with Joe, because at heart, he is a 'Teddy Bear'." Now, I understand that Mr. Diamond is a very kind man who does many things for others, unbeknownst to anyone else. He has a heart of gold and he really is both the "King of Diamonds" and a good friend.

Hilda Ritter: Josef's interest in others and his ability to relate to people at either a business or a personal level is much admired. His use of talent and time on behalf of the city of Seattle is to be congratulated. Especially, the friendliness in his office is a result of the example of the "Boss" really caring.

James & Mariella Roberts: Josef has been our boss, friend, mentor, lawyer, client, and more for more than 30 years. I remember walking the railroad tracks with him in Chicago and many infamous Saturday morning meetings, even when I didn't work for him, and a great many lessons he taught me in far away places like Yakima, Spokane, Medford, Salt Lake City, Honolulu, and many more.

Albert D. Rosellini, former Governor of Washington: I got acquainted with Joe in the late 30's when I was Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in King County and later when I had my own law practice with Lloyd Shorett in the Smith Tower in Seattle. When I was chairman of the Washington State Crime Committee in the State Senate, investigating organized crime throughout the State of Washington, Joe was representing some interests in Gray's Harbor that didn't want the Committee Hearing held in that area. As Chairman, I had scheduled the hearings and had subpoenaed the Police Chief, the Assistant Police Chief, the head of the Vice Squad, and many of the madams who were running houses of prostitution in the area. Lo and behold, before we had a chance to hold the meeting, Joe succeeded in getting a temporary injunction to stop us. This held up our proceedings several months because the matter was argued first in the Thurston County Superior Court and then it actually went to the Supreme Court. Finally, the Supreme Court allowed us to move ahead and hold our hearings. We rescheduled them, and of course Joe appeared on behalf of different witnesses whom we called in, primarily members of the Aberdeen Police Department. The hearings lasted about a week, so we had a good opportunity to litigate against each other, in a sense, even though ours was an investigating committee. But after that, we always remained friends.

William "Bill" Rosen: I met Joe on a farm near Home, Washington in 1919 when we were 12-year-olds on summer vacation.

Larry Ross: My first acquaintance with Joe was through knowing his son Joel, while we were in college together. After college, when I started working for an accounting firm, Joe visited the firm and made a special effort to stop by and say hello to me. That left an impression which still warms me to this day. Many years later, I was at a lunch meeting where Joe and a colleague of mine were discussing two potential real estate investments -- one being described as 'trouble-free' and the other being viewed as perhaps having greater potential but encompassing more work and more risk. After hearing the analysis, Joe said: "Well, of course, you know what I'm going to do" ... which he did ... accepting the prospect that represented the bigger challenge.

Beryle Ryall: I remember well the first time I met Colonel Josef Diamond, in 1955. I had gone to his law office to interview for a job. My legal experience was limited, but I wanted, more than anything, to be a legal secretary. That was my dream. Mr. Sylvester was talking to me and then the door opened and there stood Colonel Josef Diamond with a big smile on his face. He said, "Well, I don't have to go to Guatemala today, after all. I was able to get Don out of jail." I later learned that the natives had been chasing 'Don' down the beach, brandishing their rifles. %| That was the beginning of a friendship which has lasted 35 years as well as a working alliance almost that long. I am still impressed that Josef almost always seemed to win. He always had vision ... the ability of seeing beyond the printed words in the law books. He would often say to one of his partners, "But Lyle, that can't be right. It should be this way or that way." Then he would lay out the strategy and it always seemed to work. %| He started a new commercial bank. He helped some clients from California start the first discount store in the State of Washington, selling top brand merchandise for a lower price than retail stores. %| I learned a lot from him and realized my dream of becoming a legal secretary. But more than learning about legal procedures, I learned from him about people, about values, and about what is important in life. To this day, Josef Diamond is still one of the most influential people in my life. A giant among men.

Dr. Bernice Cohen Sachs: When our young son started violin lessons, Joe loaned us a 3/4 size violin ... on "permanent loan," it would seem, since the subject hasn't been brought up since. When I was elected President of the American Medical Women's Association, Joe was one of very few Seattleites thoughtful enough to send a congratulatory note, which I still have and cherish. %| Joe has enriched the lives of all those fortunate enough to have known him and to have him as a friend. He is much respected, revered, admired, and loved.

Robert L. Sander: I first met Josef as an employee in the basement office of Diamond Parking on First Hill. He cross-examined me in his own memorable style -- I guess to see how I would respond under duress. Then later, I remember getting a "thank you" memo from "J.D." for a good lease I had negotiated as his property manager. No one could recall having seen such a note before, so we stapled it on the office wall where it remained for over a year.

Marlee Sandretzky: I am one of the few if not the only Diamond employee who can make "The Colonel" laugh. Everyone wants to know my secret. Josef has always treated me very special and his treatment is very much appreciated. He was especially supportive during my pregnancy and I will always be grateful for the kindness he has shown to me.

Ralph Schoenfeld: Joe Diamond was a gentleman when I first met him, and he has always been a gentleman.

Alfreda Schomburg: During the first year of our marriage in 1946, my husband Charles often commented on his admiration and devotion to Joe Diamond. We operated a small business on the waterfront and Joe was always available for advice and counsel. But it wasn't until one Saturday in 1962 that I was finally introduced to Joe. He was talking with Chuck in a corner of our restaurant and enjoying a big juicy hamburger. After that introduction, I felt completely at ease. I know that a lot of serious business was conducted over coffee in circumstances like that. Over the years, I have felt very secure knowing that Josef is available to answer my questions and keep my life running smoothly. Love that man.

Dorin Schuler: I met Joe several times when my husband and I were involved in a partnership with him. But I particularly think of the advice I received from him after my husband's death when he was a real help to me.

Phillip S. Schuur, Executive Vice President, K & L Distributors, Inc.: As a young, green executive, I met Joe in his capacity as our Company's attorney and I have many fond memories of him as a fellow member of our board of directors. I was always amazed at this man who appeared so strong and seemed to be able to totally overpower opponents, and yet he always treated me with the utmost respect. I was also impressed that many times he asked my opinion on various issues. %| Early in my career, I was once pressed into a situation of going alone to New York to negotiate with executives of a top Fortune 500 company. These negotiations were critical to the ability of our Company to survive. With Joe's encouragement and my confidence from having Joe in my corner, the results turned out more positive than we had even hoped. Yet, to this day, I still cannot help but feel that Joe would have liked to have had more. He never said anything to me about it, but I always knew that Joe had a driving desire that would not let him or his associates stop trying for more.

##Captain Harry & Marcy Schwartz: [abridged and edited] I have known Josef Diamond most of his lifetime, and I knew how his family struggled to put him through school to become a first class lawyer. As an ardent boating enthusiast myself, and a fellow member of the Seattle Yacht Club with Josef, I remember helping Joe a few times when hee had some difficulties with his yacht.

Martin Selig: Meeting Joe Diamond is like meeting someone who is bigger than life itself. When I was a very young man in the real estate business, I met this man who I thought owned a majority of the City of Seattle. He had been in the business for longer than I had been around the city and he knew the city intimately. %| Josef is the type of a person for whom the written document was never meant to be used and the main feature about Josef Diamond which stands so prevalent in our relationship is that his word is his bond. He always told me, "If I have a piece of property that is in your way, you know I will always work with you."

E. Manning Seltzer: In 1942, when I heard that Josef Diamond was recruiting lawyers for the Corps of Engineers, I wrote to him to request reassignment and he had me transferred to his office. At the time that all military construction and procurement was transferred from the Quarter Master General's Department to the Corps of Engineers, the Engineers had a very inadequate legal organization to meet the challenge of supporting multi-billion dollar programs building camps, munitions plants, and other such facilities and procurement of equipment to properly train and equip our soldiers for the war. %| When the Chief of Engineers cried for help and turned to the Judge Advocate General for a senior officer possessing the experience and business acumen of a highly skilled and successful business man capable of creating, managing, and operating a legal organization of at least 300-400 attorneys to support the military programs that were thrust upon U.S. Companies for conversion of their facilities to military production and war time operations, Joe was that man. In a situation where only Joe could have succeeded, he cut through all the red tape and and within several months had this organization of attorneys in place and at full strength. %| Joe's mission included real estate acquisition, for which he was also an expert. He also recruited the necessary support for that most secret project known as the Manhattan District -- the organization responsible for the development of the Atomic bomb. %| With his enthusiasm for getting things done, Joe plowed into the decrepit peace-time regulations of the Corps of Engineers and in one stroke of the pen wiped them out and substituted a stream-lined short version of regulations which enabled military contracting and procurement to be accomplished in a fraction of the time it otherwise required. And the attorney's Joe recruited proved to be among the very best. %| Joe could truly be looked upon today as the father of the legal system within the Corps of Engineers as it presently exists. The policies, procedures, and reforms he initiated on contracting have survived the war and are in practice today, not only within government, but within private industry as well. Joe eliminated many of the exculpatory clauses that denied construction contractors relief when changed subsurface conditions were encountered. Joe developed and instituted a suspension clause in all construction contracts which enabled contractors to be compensated for delays encountered during long periods of suspension of work. He developed a short version clause for termination of a construction contract for the convenience of the government. Among the most important of his contributions was the development of many clauses known as General Conditions and Special Conditions for construction contracts. By standardizing these conditions, they have become almost inviolate in their use today, both in government and in private industry.

Short Cressman & Burgess: Congratulations on reaching your milestones with such style and grace. We are all proud to be associated with you.

Robert W. Slater, General Realty: Josef is one of the finest friends anyone could ever have. I have never known him to be anything but fair and patient with any partner or associate. I know of more than one occasion in which a partner or associate would fall behind on his obligations to the partnership. Normally in business you hold up your end or move out. But Josef would often carry them on and give them every opportunity to come through. He will never associate himself with anyone who is not ethical and honest. If he feels something is not right, he will call the party in and ask for an understanding. %| In any partnership or association in which one might be involved with Josef, all parties can rest assured that when the venture gets off the ground, it is on stable footing and everyone will stay the course. And Josef never forgets a friend. %| Once I was approached by an IRS "lady" who asked for my help. Her entree was that I had a Subchapter S Corporation and the IRS wanted to set up new software so their computers could audit those returns more easily. She asked me to answer some questions about the way we set up our books. I helped her all I could and thought we had a good rapport, but I soon found out otherwise. She had actually used the entree to perform an audit on my books and she said that I owed a lot of money and she gave a very bad report about me, my accountant, and Josef. She accused us of a conspiracy to cheat and defraud the US Government and made many other serious allegations. %| Well, this IRS agent could not possibly have picked any three worse candidates for her scheme. Josef demanded and got a meeting with the district manager for the IRS and in his firm, gentlemanly manner, demanded that they fire the auditor, stating that a person like that should not be allowed to represent the US Government ... especially in the event that they might come in contact with any of his friends or clients. %| How dare anyone make demands like this on the IRS. But Josef did, and the results were positive. They settled with me for peanuts. That is just one of many situations that have come up in over 40-years in which Josef has taken care of me. %| When Josef had a five-way heart by-pass operation some time ago, he did not tell anyone about it until after the operation was over. As soon as I found out, I called to see how he was doing and his answer was: "Fine, I'm OK, but how are you doing ..." This is very typical of Josef. He is always deeply concerned about you. He is a GIANT among few.

Martin Smith, Chairman of the Board, Martin Smith Real Estate: Certain thoughts always come to mind when I think of Josef Diamond: attorney, entrepreneur, parking operator, Saturday morning meetings, a memory that would put an elephant to shame, a successful businessman, a good friend, covering only one subject in any letter or memo, a major real estate investor, always putting a reference in the heading of your letter, and much more. %| Back when Josef's son Joel and I worked together at Josef's Terminal Sales Building, we thought we had some good ideas, but every time we initiated something, Joe would dictate how things were to be done 'his way.' He was seldom wrong, but it got to be a challenge for Joel and me to try to win one, and we began to conspire against Josef's iron-handed rule. %| Finally, we got up the courage, and with our knees knocking, we confronted the lion in his den. We told him that things had to change for the salvation of our respect, for the good of the building, and ... after all .. how were we ever going to succeed if we didn't get the opportunity to make some mistakes. %| Josef listened thoughtfully and said that he thought we were, indeed, ready; and from that day forward, the building was ours to run and he would not over-rule anything the two of us agreed on. Because, "How else were we going to learn." %| We saw this as a major victory and we left his office literally walking on air. We had survived our great ordeal. %| Less than a week later, we were summoned back to his office to justify our first independent decision. It was something as significant as a small conference room. Joe had spies everywhere and he had heard about what we were doing. %| He didn't like the color of the paint and the carpet and the location of the door into the room. Joel and I had done it together, but we were then and there stripped of our briefly granted authority in one short vocal session. Josef hadn't intended that we do anything as monumental or as foolish as we had undertaken, and that was the end of it. %| Joel and I commiserated about our short-lived elevation to manhood, but we both respected Josef and we understood some of his idiosyncrasies. To this day, we still joke about the time 'we ran' the Terminal Sales Building together. %| Everyone should have the experience of working for a Josef Diamond. I have benefited in many ways and wouldn't trade the memories for anything. It was, at times, like boot camp in the Marine Corps. You were proud you made it through, but you sure don't want to go back and do it again. I am a better person today because of the privilege and fun of working with and learning from Josef Diamond.

Leonard A. Solomon: When Josef Diamond was Chairman of the Advisory Board of Budget Rent a Car, I was always impressed with his energy and commitment to Budget. Josef's patience was unusual to say the least, and his willingness to work out issues and compromise were probably his strongest attributes ... that is until some issue came up about which Josef felt strongly, and at that point, Josef would forget all about compromise and he would take a position that would seldom change. That is one of my favorite attributes of his character.

Richard K. Sontgerath: I received my 'MBA' in real estate through Saturday morning meetings with Josef Diamond. On one occasion, I took Josef and his wife to meet my parents in Spokane where he was, of course, most gracious and charming.

Myron J. Spring: In 1972, Joe was asked to take care of some legal matters for the Council of Jewish Women when they obtained a $2.5 million loan from H.U.D for the purpose of building a low-cost apartment for the elderly on Capitol Hill near the Temple de Hirsch Sinai. Joe agreed to help them but wanted to do it without payment other than for out-of-pocket costs. H.U.D. would not allow that arrangement, insisting that all professionals be paid out of the loan. Joe agreed, but told them that after the building was completed, as long as he was a member of the firm, only out-of-pocket expenses would be charged for any legal services.

##Sam & Jennie Standard: [abridged & edited] The first time we met Muriel, Joe brought her to the Silverdale Hotel, before it was open, and we all had brunch together and had a very good time. Two days later, Joe called and asked us what we thought of the friend he had brought over, and we all told him that he had better marry her before someone else did. Of course, they were married, and although we really don't believe that our advice had anything to do with that, we still like to think it did anyway.

##Mrs. B.M. Stanton: [omitted]

##Mel & Johanna Steil: My association with Josef began when He was a legal assistant to Hugh Caldwell in the late 1920's when Hugh was mayor of Seattle and I was with the Artic Fur Company. After the war, when my cantankerous associate J.D. Simpson had withdawn our legal work from Caldwell, Lycette, Sylvestor, and Diamond, Josef confronted Simpson and demanded his right, as a returning veteran, to get his job back. He was successful and represented Artic Furs and me continuously since the early 1940's.

##Bernice Stern: I was one of the single women in Seattle whom Joe dated when he was alone. He was (and is) excellent company, so I wasn't exactly ecstatic when he told me that he was going to marry a woman from Chicago. But after I met and got to know the beautiful, bright, and talented woman from Chicago, I did not feel that I had lost a good date. Instead, I feel that I gained a wonderful friend.

Michel P. Stern: There has never been a more decent and honorable person than Joe Diamond. When the wolves howled, the jackals screeched, and the donkeys brayed, Joe did not join them.

Arthur Sternoff: Joe was two years ahead of me in high school and he was always well liked.

Marvel Stewart: It has always given us a sense of security knowing that we could go to Josef Diamond for help and advice when the going got tough. He is there to help and it is comforting for many of us to know that there is someone like him in our community for all of us. He is much loved, admired, and appreciated.

General C.E. "Red" Straight: Joe was a very good Army officer who did a good job for the Corps of Engineers and for me.

Margoth Strand, Metropolitan Grill: Joe is always so patient and understanding when he has to wait for a table. He is very thoughtful. There was once a time when I needed parking at work. When I called to inquire about the lot behind the restaurant, I was told that there was a waiting list and it would be months before I received a space. Well, I called Joe and the next day I had a parking space.

Bruce Strasser: The first time I met Josef Diamond, I did not actually see him, I just heard him in a rather strenuous conversation going on behind closed doors on a Saturday morning. Consequently, when I was finally introduced to him, I was so crazed with nervousness that the whole experience is blacked out in my memory. Since then, I had numerous occasions to participate in some strenuous conversations of my own with J.D. In particular, I remember a lunch meeting at the Harbor Club during which Josef established accounting procedures and rules that the AICPA never dreamed of. I watched and listened in awe as new tax "law" was created right at the lunch table. %| Josef is the memo master ... and only one subject per memo, please. At times, I think he got his memo rate up to at least sixty-per-hour. %| I remember many small, but important things about Josef. In particular, always thinking to ask about my family, remembering my son at graduation, taking time to say hello to my daughter on Saturday mornings when she came in to help dad. And the time he took the time to write a letter when he noticed in the Company newsletter that I had passed my eighteenth anniversary with the Company. It has been a pleasure to know and work with a man of his energy, intelligence, and graciousness.

Paul Stremic: The amazing fact that astounds me the most about Joe is that we can be in a meeting at 4:00 or 5:00 in the afternoon, and the next day I will receive a letter regarding the meeting -- most efficient and amazing.

Ewing Stringfellow: It seems to me as though I grew up knowing Joe. Whenever my dad (who was one of Seattle's most successful home builders) was trying to get a difficult task accomplished, Joe was usually involved in helping him. The two of them were often working together toward some common goal. When dad passed away, Joe called and offered to help me on a complicated tax matter about which I knew nothing and that started a fine relationship in which I got to know what a real gentleman Josef Diamond is. When Joe acquired the Budget franchise, he called on me to find out how he could operate in the passenger terminal at Sea-Tac International Airport, rather than from an off-site location. %| Subsequently, the Port of Seattle opened rental car openings to five locations and Budget came in as the fifth highest bidder, giving Joe the opportunity to compete head-to-head with the nation's largest rental car firms. He grew Budget every quarter until Budget was neck-and-neck with the second largest agency before he finally sold his franchise. A remarkable achievement. %| In one of my meetings with Joe, I was trying to buy some of his property near Sea-Tac for a new airport access route. As I talked about condemning the property for that purpose, Joe countered with a proposal for a land-swap. Just then a pigeon flew up and landed on his window ledge. I said: "He looks like he knows you." Joe replied: "Sure he does. I have a lot of friends." Then he opened his desk drawer and took out half a loaf of bread and said: "Open that window. He's hungry." Well, that's Joe. He has been feeding pigeons bread and people ideas all his life.

June Sumpter: I have looked to Joe for advice, comfort, support, and friendship ever since the first day I met him. And what I have enjoyed most about our relationship are all of his wonderful stories. They are all favorites. Sometimes they have made me feel as though I have accomplished and experienced very little, but then I console myself with the realization that we cannot all be a Joe Diamond. Truly, there is only one.

Meredith (Mert) Sweeting: I was a new employee of only about two-weeks when Mr. Diamond came to my parking lot location, still in military uniform. He complimented me on being courteous to him and said that he liked the way the lot was being run. When I was made a supervisor and attended my first supervision meeting, he impressed upon me the importance of being honest and loyal. I stayed with him for 31 years.

Fred Tausend, attorney: The first time I met Joe, we were representing opposing sides in a grand jury instigated investigation pertaining to a remodeling project on the King County Courthouse. I represented the county commissioners and Joe represented the architect. Only one little mouse of an indictment came out of all the hoopla and Joe got that dismissed on motion. Sometime later, when I was going through a difficult situation, Joe regularly invited me over to his house to swim. Sometimes I would bring my two daughters and they found it hard to believe that Joe's home was actually a private home and not a private club with pool, sauna, etc. %| After Joe's marriage to Muriel, I visited him at his office one day and he told me that I should tell my partner Al Schweppe to get married, too. Al was then 91. I said: "Joe, you tell him. It has more credibility coming from you."

Mae Sim Thomas: Josef and my brother Bill Sim and Bill Wright (a Protestant, a Catholic, and a Jew) were the best of friends. Their friendship was beautiful and they were almost inseparable. When I graduated from Garfield High School in 1928, Joe attended my birthday party and autographed my yearbook. I think of him as one sweet, gentle man whom I will always love.

Sherry R. Toledo: When I first met Josef, I was very despondent over the traumatic situation I was going through. But after my first meeting with him, I felt as though a tremendous burden was lifted from my back. I realized that he had many other important things to do, and yet he took the time to listen to my problems. Josef is a champion of all people, whether wealthy or poor. God bless him.

Simon Wampold: I vividly recall that Sunday morning, December 7, 1941 when Joe and I were discussing a case on the telephone. He was at work, as usual, and I was at home. Suddenly, I heard on the radio that Pearl Harbor had been bombed. I knew that Joe was an officer in the reserves. Immediately, he hung up the phone and rushed out to report to his outfit to do his duty, as always. This is not only interesting from a historic standpoint, but it also typifies the chief characteristic of Joe Diamond, namely courage. There are many other traits which could be discussed, but courage is the hallmark of his character. Regardless of circumstances, Joe has always done what he thought was right.

Bob Weiner: When I was interviewed for a position with Budget Rent a Car, the first thing Josef said to me was: "My partner wants to sell and we have arranged for the sale of the Company." I asked why he was looking for a new controller then and he said that the search had started before they had decided to sell. I agreed to join the Company anyway and after only two months, I concluded that it was a big mistake to sell at the negotiated price. Convincing Joe was no problem ... Joe almost never sells anything. In fact, his sale of a parking garage on First Avenue in Seattle made the front page of the newspaper. But Joe's only concern was his partner and the promise he had made that he would not stand in the way of his partner selling the business. So, I finally convinced Josef's partner, John Cain that he didn't want to sell, either, and we continued for another eight years until John died. I enjoyed the eight years of almost daily contact with Josef Diamond more than any other time in my working career. Joe only fired me twice and John only told me to take my fancy ideas elsewhere once.

Somers H. White, former president of Northwest Bank: When Northwest Bank was being formed, after the initial meeting of the Board of Directors, Joe said to me: "You are going to need office space and we have an extra office in our law firm which you can use at no charge. You will have the advantage that it is next to the men's room and you will meet just about everybody in the firm there." He was right and I had a wonderful experience during that time, because just about every day, I enjoyed at least one meal-time with Joe. Although I had graduated from Amherst College and Harvard Business School, none of that compared to what I learned from Josef Diamond University during the eight months I spent working almost side by side with him. My favorite quote is one he often repeated: "I will be glad to do most anything, as long as I will be able to tell my grandchildren and the world about it."

Jesse D. Wolff, attorney: When Colonel Josef Diamond interviewed me for a position in the new unit which he was heading up for the Corps of Engineers, after a fairly short time he said, in effect, "I guess you'll do." We ended up working together until the end of World War II. Never once did he exercise his privilege of rank as a field grade officer over this lowly second lieutenant or over any of his junior officers. He just ran a very good law firm, acting like a senior partner in a firm with only one client. %| When the war was over, of course almost everyone was eager to return to civilian life, but some regulations had been established to govern the timing and sequence of releases. Since I had spent many months overseas, my release date was early. Colonel Diamond, however, was lamenting to me the fact that it would be some months before his release date came up. So, he asked me to look into the matter to see if there might be anything in the President's Executive Order which would enable him to exit more quickly. Eventually, we did find a way and I was very happy to have played a small part in that -- a very small part for a very deserving gentleman.

W. Ted Wolfheim: In 1969, Josef purchased a building at Ninth and Virginia in Seattle so that I could start a business there and he became my landlord. When business conditions in Seattle deteriorated and my business faltered, Josef forgave the rent payments until the business recovered. He also took the time away from his busy schedule to introduce me to many potential customers.

Eugene A. Wright, judge: Back in 1938, most young lawyers and business men belonged to the Seattle Junior Chamber of Commerce. Joe Diamond was one of the leaders and carried a good deal of weight. He was impressive. At least he impressed me, a young lawyer. %| Joe and I entered active Army service at the same time, six months before Pearl Harbor. He was a Captain and I a Lieutenant, so I had to salute him. At that time, we fit our uniforms very nicely. Joe had an office at Fort Lewis and made tours of inspection to Centralia and Elma where the junior officers were doing all of the work. Often, Joe was accompanied by Major Eugene C. Cushing, and Joe had to salute him as the senior officer present. All of this was nonsense, of course, because we were all lawyers. Anyway, Joe gave a good account of himself in the Big War, gathered a few ribbons, and retired as a Colonel. Both of us like to be called "Colonel" but we don't salute any more. Joe has argued a few cases before me in the two courts where I have presided. Sometimes he won.

Oscar A. Zabel, attorney: Josef Diamond's ability and keenness in legal and business matters have always been highly respected by members of the legal profession.

Agnes Anne Zinn: My husband Earle went to work for Josef's law firm in 1938. He was paid $50 per month plus a percentage of any fees generated from his own clients, of whom he had none. Earle stayed with the firm until his death in 1982 and he made this assessment of Joe: "I have the greatest admiration for his ability, but more importantly for his integrity and compassion."