A Tribute to Bob Lynch matters helped Arizona weather numerous challenges over the years. More importantly, Bob was a friend and colleague. He and Anne and my family shared a 50‑year friendship, which we cherish. Bob will be missed and remembered.
Brenda Burman
B
ob Lynch, who passed away on August 29, was a legendary western water and power attorney. His professional accomplishments are matched by the personal influence he had on the many people who worked with him. Their admiration shines through in the tributes below.
Mike Crapo
United States Senator from Idaho (1998–present) Bob Lynch was a giant in the world of western water law, and I am sad to hear of his passing. While I mourn Bob’s loss, I am grateful for the indelible mark he left, protecting water users and states’ rights. Susan and I send our deepest condolences to his family.
United States Senator from Arizona (1995–2013) Bob Lynch’s many friends mourn his passage. He was an integral part of the small but indispensable cadre of experts in Arizona power and water matters. While he fiercely defended the interests of his legal clients, Bob could also be counted on to offer constructive solutions to controversies. His deep knowledge of the law, politics, and history of the intersection between federal and state water and power
8 | IRRIGATION LEADER | October 2021
Bennett Raley
Assistant Secretary of Water and Science, U.S. Department of the Interior (2001–2004) Bob combined an incredible intellect with the unrelenting representation of his clients. I will miss him—he was a good friend.
Paul Arrington
Executive Director, Idaho Water Users Association Unfortunately, I only knew Bob for a few years, having met him after becoming the executive director of the Idaho Water Users Association in 2017. I was immediately struck by Bob’s confident humility. Bob held that confidence that came from battling in the trenches for many years, yet his humility shined through as he sat with me and talked to me about the federal and political side of water and power. His passion and knowledge on these issues were unmatched. One experience with Bob frequently comes to my mind. For many years, water users had been working to streamline the title transfer process, yet a path forward couldn’t be achieved due in large part to concerns about posttransfer Project Use Power. In mid-2018, Bob and I got on a call and irrigationleadermagazine.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FAMILY OF BOB LYNCH.
Jon Kyl
Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation (2017–2021) I was terribly sad to hear that Arizona and the water and power community have lost Bob Lynch. I first met Bob back in 2002, when I joined Senator Kyl’s office. Bob and Leslie James made sure I was up to speed on water and power issues and invited me to my first Colorado River Water Users Association meeting. In 2002, security costs for dams and infrastructure were rising in the wake of 9/11 and were being charged to power customers. Bob produced an incredibly well-researched paper showing precedents from World War II security cost allocations to support our argument that the United States needed to take on more responsibility. It was the first of many incredibly well-researched papers from Bob that I would read. What I learned those first few months in Washington, DC, remained true these many years: Bob was always welcoming, knew his subject matter to the finest detail, didn’t back down from a fight, was always ready to share stories of strategies and victories, and knew how to pick a great bottle of wine. I have just assumed for many years now that if there is a big water conference, I will see Bob and his wife Anne and have a chance to catch up. My heartfelt condolences to Anne and their daughters and extended family.
