Everyone who met him agrees, Bob Lynch lived his life with passion. Passion for his family, passion for the law, passion for good wine (and whiskey!), and passion for people. Bob never met a stranger. He was truly the life of the party. And boy did he love to host them!
We often joked that Bob missed his calling as a CIA operative because within minutes of meeting someone, he would know their birthplace, schooling, profession, and names of their spouse, siblings and children. This was true whether they were a new client or a repairman coming to the house. Or Ezekiel the mailman!
New to the neighborhood? No problem. Within days you were added to Bob’s email list for front yard inventory reductions or supplied plants for your garden and a jar of Bob’s top secret cranberry sauce at Christmas. If you were lucky enough to attend one of his front yard soirees, you were plied with a sampling of Arizona wines, or perhaps a glass of Lynch Bages, or a homemade mojito, and some of Bob’s unique cheese and cracker trays.
And then the stories would begin. From his days as an undergrad and law student at the University of Arizona to his service in the United States Marine Corp; from his nearly six decades as a water lawyer to his love of wine and gardening, Bob loved to tell tales. He was a fountain of random facts ranging from the 52 types of mint leaves to the plight of the humpback chub, from Native American basket weaving to the intricacies of cheesemaking. And he somehow managed to intertwine each of these topics into one conversation.
To say Bob’s cooking was unique doesn’t do it justice. Experimental is more appropriate. He was loathe to follow a recipe, opting instead to simply toss ingredients together and see what happened. Bob called it cuisine. We called it “goop.”
Bob survived nearly four decades surrounded by only women, including Anne, his wife of 52 years, and his three daughters, Betsy, Caroline and Stephanie. Even our childhood pets were female. He was thrilled to welcome his sons-in-law, Scott and Edward, into the family. And he loved being “Grandpa” to Teagan, Declan, Alexander, and Eleanor.
If Anne was the love of his life, then the law was his mistress. He often described himself as a simple country lawyer, but in reality, he was a brilliant attorney and skillful litigator, credited with helping to shape Western water and hydropower policies for much of the last four decades. He represented Arizona’s irrigation and electrical districts, its cattle growers and ranch owners, and changed the fate of Arizona’s burgeoning wine industry. He continued to serve his clients right to the end.
Bob passed away peacefully on August 29, 2021. Known as Smiley to his Marine Corp. Sergeant, Godfather of Western Water Law to his colleagues, and 14th Avenue Sommelier to his neighbors, Bob was loved by many, most of all his devoted family. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 21, 2021 2021 at 2:30 P.M. at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012.
Posey M Nash
Dear Anne,
Sending condolences to you and your family from our home in Prescott. This is a well written loving obituary.
He would have approved.
Mike McDowell
Bob and I were public power colleagues for over three decades. We shared a passion for “the guy at the end of the line”. His personality and know.edge lit up many meetings, even when we disagreed on strategy and tactics. My thoughts and prayers to Bob’s family.
Pam Watts
Anne,Betsy, Caroline, Stephanie and family
I was so sorry to hear of Bob‘s passing. He was a wonderful person always so full of life, comedy and helpfulness. We enjoyed our time being next-door neighbors on 14th Ave. and having Declan at Creative Bridges with us. Please know that our hearts go out to you and our prayers are with you.
Pam, Dulci and Brianna
Frank Grimmelmann
What a legacy of life, you can’t ask for more than he accomplished as a full and meaningful life. Our heart goes out to the family, transitions are difficult since its so hard to say goodbye! Knowing Anne and Caroline, along with other family members, his legacy continues to live in the generations that follow. Semper Fi brother, God’s support for your family and fair winds and smooth seas for your eternal journey in God’s arms.
Dick Foreman
This is truly sad news but what a life well lived! Bob was always a friend from the first day I began my career at the Salt River Project in the early 70’s. We truly hit our stride when we shared Phoenix Suns season tickets and I got to hear Bob, who thought he was the General Manager of the Suns, solve every player issue for years. No doubt, under Bob, we’d of had multiple NBA Championships already! And I’m only half kidding. Peace and love to all, remembering a wonderful friend and a life incredibly well lived.
Rachel Molina
Dear Lynch Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. We only met Bob one time, and he forever left an impression on us. We are neighbors who live on Vista Avenue, and were walking one nice Fall Sunday with our four kids. Bob was watering the yard in his Sunday best, and I remarked on how dapper he looked! He immediately came over and struck up a conversation with us, which we enjoyed immensely! I am an attorney myself, and I marveled at getting the chance to talk to such a living legend in the water law space. I was struck by his continued dedication to his practice after so many years and it was also so sweet how he talked about practicing throughout the pandemic. I will never forget, he cracked us up when he told us that “come Fridays, he was Zoomed out!” He later invited us to come hear the carolers sing in his front yard last December. I am so sorry we weren’t able to make it, and get a chance to know just a little bit more about the special man who you all loved so much.
Sending our Love,
The Molina Family
Sandra Dowling
My condolences to Anne and the family. Bob was a great man and a true leader in our community. He will be missed.
Ann Mulchay
So sorry to read Bob’s obituary. Mike was very fond of Bob.
Deborah Sliz
Dear Lynch family – I regret that I will not be able to honor Bob by attending his funeral, and sharing “Bob Stories.” I hope you have blocked a lot of time for stories and tributes!
I first met Bob when I worked on Capitol Hill for Rep. Mo Udall (D-AZ). Due to a staff departure, I inherited the water and power portfolio, and was thrown quickly into the deep end of the water law pool. Bob was an instant lifeguard and coach; he rescued me more than once, and I continued to learn from him throughout my career.
Your obituary brought him to life both personally and professionally. Bob lived a full, rich life and gave unstintingly to friends and colleagues in addition to his family. It is the end of an era for all of us who knew him through his work. My deepest sympathy.
Jack W Lunsford
Anne & family – so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We would cross paths at the Legislature but we didn’t cross issues. And I’m glad. If Bob had represented a client opposite to my client’s position, I would not have fared well, straight up. On the other hand, Bob would easily been have open to discussing solutions (pun intended) or compromises – if one was an option.
Bob’s intellect was supreme, which is why so many colleagues turned to him (I would love to have sat back & listened to conversations between Bob & Jim Bush).
As was expressed often, Bob had a wry sense of humor, one that others would miss as I if they had the chance to just sit with him.
Bob is an example of what makes those of us in the government affairs/advocacy/legal professions proud.
Anne and family, may Bob’s memory wrap itself around you as a blessing and give you comfort. RIP Bob.
Ron Moulton
Beloved Lynch Family, I will not be able to attend the upcoming celebration of Bob’s life, but wanted to express my appreciation for the opportunities I have had to work with him throughout my 30 plus year career with Western Area Power Administration. I worked with Bob on numerous issues during that period and can assure you that there was no stronger or more capable advocate for Public Power, Western Area Power Administration, the Bureau of Reclamation and the State of Arizona in dealing with the various water and power, issues and challenges, we’ve collectively faced over the past three decades. Bob’s passion for his work, his expertise and willingness to help has made us all better than we would have been without him. Thanks Bob!
Karen Curosh & Bob Coltin
To the Lynch Family – We just learned of Bob’s passing (through the Xavier Newsletter) and wanted to express our condolences in memory of a wonderful neighbor. Bob truly was one of a kind, and we remember him especially fondly at this time of year — his fun and generous spirit as he’d oversee the neighborhood luminaria lighting, progressive holiday party, and caroling adventures. And he made sure to let our toddler Kevin assist with setting up the annual front-yard manger scene with its towering angels. We are blessed to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sincerely, The Coltin Family