A Tribute to Bob Lynch

A Tribute to Bob Lynch

Bob 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.

Jon Kyl

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 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

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.

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 hashed out these concerns. As we talked, it became apparent that the issue could be solved in a way that protected the interests of water users and power providers. Thanks to Bob’s willingness to talk through the issue, a tipping point was finally reached, concerns were finally resolved, and the legislation finally passed soon thereafter. I will always count myself fortunate to have rubbed shoulders with Bob, even if it was for only a short time.

John Crotty

Attorney, Western Legal PLLC Bob Lynch was a formidable fixture of the National Water Resources Association (NWRA). When I first started with the organization, he was generous with his time and his willingness to impart some much-needed context to the regulatory and legislative environments we were navigating. Whether it was on a phone call regarding the long and tortured history of the Waters of the United States or in a conference break, as he peered at me above his glasses to provide a detailed background on a particular piece of legislation, I had to be on my toes to keep up with his train of thought. I will miss those conversations and listening sessions. He was an incredible asset to the NWRA and a true advocate for western water and power.

Michael Curtis

Counsel, Arizona Municipal Power Users Association Bob and I began working together in the early 1970s to promote and protect clients on issues of water, the environment, and consumer-owned power. We spent almost 50 years on these common issues. Bob had a wonderful intellect, was a voracious reader and student of the law and of politics, and was a sophisticated student of wine. Bob was tireless, creative, and passionate in his representation of his clients and was devoted to solving their problems. He was respected for his talented and intense pursuit of a case or issue. He loved his time in the outdoors and on the Colorado River.

Adam Eckman

Attorney, U.S. Department of the Interior Bob was known as a tough lawyer and a strong advocate and will be remembered for his significant achievements as one of the best water lawyers in the country. To me, what set Bob apart was his ability and willingness to explain complex legal issues in a manner that was clear and accessible to those less experienced. I was fortunate to count him as both a teacher and a friend, and he will be truly missed.

Steve Hernandez

Attorney, Law Office of Steve Hernandez “Mr. Hernandez, what trouble are you getting into in New Mexico?” This was the greeting Bob would give me when he saw me in DC at the Washington Court Hotel bar. Bob and I both had DC work experience and would talk about the administrations of the 1970s, the time when I was there. When I was appointed as the first chair of the Litigation Review Committee, Bob was one of the few attorneys who faithfully responded to all requests for comment and help. He always had insights that few others had. What I admired most about Bob is that even though he practiced for over a half century, he never stopped asking questions and learning. He never assumed he knew it all. He was always interested in how New Mexico was dealing with groundwater issues. He was not shy about picking up the phone and asking me what I thought. I will miss our conversations about the Wildcats and University of Arizona basketball. Bear Down and RIP, Bob.

Rusty Jardine, Esq.

General Manager and Counsel, Truckee-Carson Irrigation District Over the course of the many years during which I have served with the NWRA, it has been my privilege to associate with Bob Lynch. Upon reflection, I cannot remember a time when Bob did not provide our body with an informed and thoughtful view of important legal developments and insights touching the waters of the West. We accorded him the status of ranking member of our water bar, and when he spoke, reason dictated that he be listened to! There are many reasons why he will be missed, but above all, he is and will always be remembered simply as a great man!

Jeffrey Kightlinger

General Manager, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (2006–2021) Bob Lynch was a true lawyer’s lawyer. A formidable expert on Arizona water and power issues, Bob could always be counted on for detailed legal analysis as well as an explanation of the history and policy behind the issues. Bob’s expertise will be missed by the entire southwestern water community.

Larry Martin

Attorney, Halverson Northwest Law I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Bob Lynch. He was a cornerstone of the NWRA and many other organizations. Bob could always be counted on to share his expertise with the organizations’ members. I was continually impressed with the depth of his legal and historical knowledge. Whatever new issue we thought we might be facing, he had been there before and could cite some law or precedent to help guide us. My condolences to his family. Bob will be missed.

Lee Miller

General Counsel, Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District When law students or young lawyers ask me about practicing water law, I urge them not to get into water law unless they are passionate about this unique area of the law. If one was looking for a poster child for a lawyer who was passionate about water law, one could hardly do better than to look to Bob Lynch. Bob dedicated himself to local and national water issues with a driving energy. If there was any significant debate on water law and policy, Bob Lynch would be there with his facts and arguments well ordered. You didn’t have to agree with him, and many times I did not, but you had to respect the depth of his thought and his passion for getting the best result for his clients and the water community. Bob’s passion will be missed in our community.

Wade Noble

Attorney, Noble Law Office His stature belied who and what he was. We knew better than to overlook him. He did not shrink from anything, least of all the beast that got him. He was outgoing, brash, tough, even never-ending. He could mix with the best and the least. He was well known and respected throughout the world of water and power. His mind was encyclopedic, based on his experience and knowledge from having been there and done that. In law, in politics, or in government, few matched his influence and acumen. He was truly learned in letters and prolific in expressing what ought to be done and how to accomplish the thing. He was a friend, often turned to for advice and assistance. His advice and judgment were not often based on who you were, but what you needed from him. He gave you his best; he gave you his all. But he was much more. He was a devoted husband, a caring and involved father, and a neighbor to all. I shall sorely miss him.

Mark Pifher

Board Member, Colorado Water Congress Bob was a true pillar of the western water and power community and a terrific advocate for his clients. If you wanted to know the latest update on federal or state legislation of interest or to discuss complex legal strategies, you could turn to Bob for guidance. Admittedly, at times he provided more information than you had time to absorb, as Bob was never at a loss for words. Perhaps most importantly, however, Bob was a gentleman who earned the respect of those around him. He will be missed.

Norm Semanko

President, National Water Resources Association (2005–2006) I had the pleasure of working with Bob Lynch during my entire legal career, and I will miss him dearly. Bob was a tenacious defender of western water law. He understood better than most the primary role of states and local water users in the management of our water resources. While most of us in the water bar tend to focus on irrigation, Bob reminded us all that water is power—quite literally. He understood that water and power have worked together hand in glove over the decades to make the deserts bloom and to light our homes. Bob’s historical knowledge, including his knowledge of how and why certain laws and regulations came to be, cannot be replaced. But I know he would challenge each and every one of us to carry on the legacy for future generations. Bob can rest easy, knowing that he did his part. Farewell, my friend, until we meet again.

Bob Snow

Attorney, Solicitor’s Office, U.S. Department of the Interior It’s sad to see another member of the Colorado River family leave us. Bob was a tireless advocate for his clients and a student of the history of the river. If someone disagreed with his opinion, his eyes would spark, and he’d try twice as hard to convince the listener, all the while without being disagreeable. Rest in peace.

Stuart Somach

Shareholder, Somach Simmons and Dunn Law I am grateful that I was fortunate enough to know Bob Lynch. I knew him in many of his many different roles. From work on Central Arizona Project (CAP) and Arizona Power Authority issues to legislative efforts in Washington, DC, and advocacy for Arizona wines, Bob was always there, bigger than life. I met Bob for the first time in the early 1990s, when I represented CAP in litigation against the United States. We had agreed internally on a litigation strategy, and Marvin Cohen, who was working with us, said, “Before we can proceed that way, we have to talk to Bob Lynch.” Marvin took me down to Bob’s office, and sitting on (or in) an old, sunken couch across from his cluttered desk, we listened to Bob’s views on the matter. That place and that moment with Marvin and Bob is etched into my mind. Over the years, we worked together on a number of matters, and Bob always cared passionately about the interests and people he represented. Bob was a good lawyer and a good friend, and he was in most respects one of a kind. I am going to miss him.

John Weldon

Attorney, Salmon, Lewis, & Weldon, PLC It can safely be said that the world will never be quite the same without Bob Lynch. Bob was a walking encyclopedia of the history of federal public power legislation. He was frequently consulted by senators, House members, and committee staff concerning proposed legislation with potentially effects on public power issues. The halls of Congress will be a little quieter in Bob’s absence, and not necessarily for the better. Bob was equally well versed in the world of red wine, particularly French vintages, and I will miss those occasions when we shared a bottle of an excellent vintage selected by Bob at Bishop’s Lodge. We will all miss the inimitable Robert Lynch.