“A Deep And Heavy Keel”

By Bob Sullivan

I was in Montana fishing the Big Horn River when I learned of Bion’s passing. As I stood by the river over the next two days, I tried to distill my knowledge and feelings about this rare man to something coherent and telling. I’ve known Bion, as least on a conscious level, for 25 years. I qualify this because Bion and I discovered three years ago that we were in the first grade together in 1946 at the McClellan School in Del Paso Heights. Our teacher was Ms. McAllister. Obviously, we weren’t impressed with each other, but then again on my part I virtually have no memory of the first grade any way.

Jim Corn, Bion’s great friend, and my friend and former law partner, introduced us somewhere around 1975. Quite early on, Bion and Jim, both formal naval officers, convinced me to buy an interest in a sailboat they owed and moored in Folsom lake. It sat in the slip for two or three years gathering moss before we had decided to sell.

But Bion was a sailor at heart. Over the years, he told me tales of his service in the Navy. He loved it–the ship, the crew, the teamwork, and liberty in the Far East. And thinking about Bion on the Big Horn River, I realized that maritime metaphor best describes Bion. He had a deep and heavy keel that kept him upright and on course throughout his life.

Sometime in the mid-80’s I became his lawyer and represented the Legislative Counsel Bureau in employment issues and lawsuits. I marveled at his ability to stay upright and on course as he dealt with not only the issues and lawsuits in which I was representing him, but the legal needs of more than 100 legislators whose issues and interests were as diverse and antagonistic as one can imagine. As a lawyer, Bion was truly sailing through the Bermuda Triangle. But again, his deep and heavy keel kept him on course for 25 years. He was trusted by the members, the leadership, and his staff. His advice followed the law and avoided partisan politics. He always served the public interest in my experience.

I once tried to renegotiate Nossaman’s legal fees with Bion. I opened by pointing out that a particular San Francisco firm was being paid considerably more than Nossaman. Bion responded quite simply, “Sullivan, that’s because they have the support of the speaker and the rules committee, you don’t!” That concluded the negotiations.

When Bion announced his retirement as Legislative Counsel, I quickly called him to recruit him to Nossaman. I am pleased to say that I was successful. We at Nossaman knew Bion well. My partners, Jack Knox, Bill Bagley, John Foran, and Chuck Calderon had all been his clients when they served in the Legislature. Many of our lawyers and all of our lobbyists knew him from work in the Capitol. We knew that Bion would strengthen our practice by his unique knowledge of California law and his ability to attract clients. The added bonus was that we would have him as a colleague.

For almost three years, Bion and I worked everyday just a few paces apart. Again, this deep and heavy keel he possessed made his transition from being Legislative Counsel to a private practitioner seamless. Bion wanted to practice law. I think he found it refreshing not to have to concern himself with administrative matters. Our lawyers and staff loved to have him around. He was funny, he was thoughtful, and he was unpretentious. Moreover, his legal work was stellar... In the office, Bion loved to kibitz on the work of other lawyers. He was invariably helpful. Nossaman lawyers around the state tapped his wealth of knowledge all to the benefit of our clients.

He loved to tease me. I represent people in trouble with government. Bion made it a point of keeping up with my cases, and from time to time would reprimand me for representing “a scoundrel.” I, in turn, would remind him that in the eyes of many people, he represented scoundrels for 25 years. Our work was serious and fun at the same time.

I last saw Bion ten days ago in Monterey. Jack Horton, John Kennedy, Bion and I played golf at Poppy Hills. It was clear, bright day. Bion was in great form. He was hitting the ball long and straight, and clearly having a wonderful time.

As the day ended and we parted to drive home, I asked him what his plans were for the weekend. He lit up. He and Patty were going to Konocti to the Alabama concert. They were staying at their favorite bed and breakfast at Clear Lake. This last memory of Bion -- his joyfulness and enthusiasm for life -- will be with me always.

I’m sure all of you carry with you similar memories of our good friend and loved one, Bion Gregory.

November / December 2004