California’s water community mourns the passing of Stephen K. Hall, former executive director of the Association of California Water Agencies and a respected leader who played a central role in some of the biggest achievements in recent state water policy history.
ACWA members and others who knew Steve are invited to share memories and tributes in the comment space below.
Stephen K. Hall
Stephen K. Hall, a respected water leader who played a central role in some of the biggest achievements in recent California water policy history, has died after a lengthy battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was 58.
Hall served as executive director of the Association of California Water Agencies from 1993 until his retirement in 2007. During his 30-year career in water, he worked to bring diverse interests together and advance policies to address the state’s water supply challenges.
“Steve Hall made a lasting mark as a water professional,” ACWA President Paul Kelley said. “He brought a unique brand of leadership to the table when it was needed most and forged relationships that transcended political and ideological circles. Steve’s ability to bring people together was a determining factor in some of the key water successes of our time.”
Timothy Quinn, who succeeded Hall as ACWA’s executive director in 2007, called him a tireless advocate for a comprehensive water policy for the state. “Steve spent decades fighting for solutions that work for farms, cities and the environment. I’m honored to have worked beside him for many of those years. His contributions helped set the stage for the historic water legislation enacted last fall.”
from Paul Bartkiewicz: Steve was an extraordinary man, besides being a dear friend to so many of us in the water community. He had numerous qualities that contributed to his success, including intellect, persistence, perspective, collegiality, humility, graciousness, kindness, faith, hope, a quick wit and a killer golf game. Let his passing be a reminder to us of the very best qualities that are within us to accomplish good.
ReplyDeletefrom Jeff McCracken: Steve leaves a legacy to be admired. His intellect and wit brought smiles to all who knew him. His accomplishments will be remembered by all.
ReplyDeleteDavid C. Antonucci: I count Steve as one of my most loyal and supportive friends. I truly enjoyed working with him during my years on the ACWA Executive Committee and considered these years some of the most enjoyable of my career. Steve had so many talents and abilities; it is hard to enumerate them here. I remember most his deep focus on any given issue, his ability to see the big picture and his broadly inclusive style of leadership. Add to this, his genuine character, down-home friendliness and kindness to all he encountered. Steve’s leadership on so many water issues will have a lasting positive impact on the lives of all Californians for many years to come. All of us will miss him as a supportive friend, valued colleague and dynamic leader. My deepest sympathies go to his family and the ACWA organization.
ReplyDeleteByron Buck: Steve was a remarkable man and is not replaceable. In the face of what to most would seem an unbearable burden of a terrible and fatal illness he showed us the incredible optimism of his human spirit. It was a lesson to us all. In my visits with him during his last two years he was unfailingly positive, always wanting to know what was going on, who was doing what professionally and personally. He had not a minute to dwell on his own unfortunate situation. His vision in life was one direction: forward.
ReplyDeleteIn his professional life and I assume personal life, he was a very good listener. Another lesson we all can often use. The only time he would ever imply someone needed to shut up was on the golf green when he was putting. And given how seriously he took the game, he gets a pass from me on that one!
From John DeRuiter - To Class XI Ag Leadership Program Alumni and others: We lost a good friend and great leader in the water industry with the passing of Steve. Although I had not seen Steve for years, I fondly remember his participation in our two year adventure of the Ag Leadership Program - he was a great addition to our class. My condolences to his family and friends - let us remember and celebrate Steve's life.
ReplyDeleteMid-Pacific Regional Director, Bureau of Reclamation, Don Glaser states:
ReplyDeleteOn behalf of all of us from Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Region, I would like to pay special tribute to Steve Hall as a colleague and as a dynamic leader in California water planning and management. From an agency over a century old, we see Steve and all his contributions as a legacy from which all those in the water “business” will benefit. His contributions will remain a part of California water history and help define the future of California water.
"Dear Friends,
ReplyDeleteSteve was a remarkable advocate for ACWA issues, but he was so much more. He was an irreplaceable friend, and as a follower of Christ, a man of great faith. Steve's faith shaped his life and his life blessed ours. Pam was and remains Steve's faith partner, and her love sustained him and refreshed him as nothing else could. Together they defeated ALS. While the disease held his body, it never touched their spirit, and through the experience they proved the substance of the hope upon which their faith is grounded."
-Doug Harrison
I had limited interaction with Steve Hall, but I was always impressed with his tenacity and knowledge of water resources management issues in the Central Valley. Steve played a key role in shaping California’s water polices since the early eighties. In addition to being the Executive Director of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), he served as a member, and later on as Vice President, of the State Reclamation Board (now called the Central Valley Flood Protection Board) from 1983 to 1994. During his tenure at the Board, he earned the reputation as a fair-minded and very knowledgeable member and served the Board very well.
ReplyDeleteJay Punia, Executive Officer
Central Valley Flood Protection Board
My Uncle Steve was a great man. He was always fun to be around, whether that was at family events such as Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas at Grandma & Grandpa Hall's house in Taft, or just sitting around the TV talking. He was very witty, always had a joke or a funny story to tell, and we ate up every word. I remember summer vacations with Uncle Steve in Idaho. We'd play golf (or rather I'd dilly-dally around in the rough while he and the other party members had to wait for me to catch up with their long drives), go fishing on the Snake River, white water rafting near Slate Creek, water ski on Lake McCall (I spent more time getting a face full of water or losing my glasses in the lake than I ever did actually standing up on my skis), and share time together as a family. From running around and playing with my cousins as a child at his big two story home in Corcoran, to staying for a week during the summers at his home with the swimming pool in Fresno, to watching the wildlife inside and outside of his big house on top of the hill in the Sacramento area, I always loved spending time with Uncle Steve and our family. I miss you, Uncle Steve. I'll see you when we meet again.
ReplyDelete