Nebraska lost a remarkable individual with the passing of Walter “Walt” Radcliffe on Dec. 26, 2024, at age 77. A revered lobbyist and legal mind, Radcliffe left an indelible mark on the state through decades of service, advocacy, and mentorship.

“Lots of people claim to be legends, but few truly are. Walt truly was a legend. The impact he has had on our state is immeasurable,” said Nebraska Society of CPAs Past Chairman Jim Greisch, echoing the sentiments of many who knew Radcliffe.

Walt served as the Society’s chief lobbyist for nearly 50 years, noted Nebraska Society of CPAs President and Executive Director Joni Sundquist. “He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. We will miss his unparalleled insight and wisdom on all things legislative but, most of all, his friendship.”

Born Sept. 11, 1947, in Lincoln, Neb., Radcliffe graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School in 1965, where he was a member of the Knights golf team and Key Club. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in 1969 and a law degree in 1972, both from the University of Nebraska. While a student at UNL, Radcliffe pledged Chi Phi, later serving as the fraternity’s chapter president. His early career included service in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Radcliffe was a member of the Nebraska Bar Association and Lincoln Bar Association. He also served as president of the Nebraska Golf Association and on the board of directors for the Nebraska Club and Hillcrest Country Club.

Radcliffe developed deep roots in Nebraska law and politics early on. In college, he organized a student service project to take more than 100 disabled and elderly voters to the polls on election day. In the 1970s, he practiced law with Max Kier, a former speaker of Nebraska’s bicameral Legislature in the early 1930s, and Roland Luedtke, former speaker, lieutenant governor, and mayor of Lincoln.

His decades-long involvement with the Nebraska Unicameral began when he served as a legislative page in 1969. Over the years, he held several pivotal roles, including assistant clerk to the Legislature, counsel to the speaker, counsel to the Judiciary Committee, and counsel to the Banking, Commerce, and Insurance Committee. 

In 1977, in partnership with David Tews, Radcliffe co-founded what has today become Nebraska’s oldest lobbying and governmental relations firm. He became the sole owner and chief partner of the firm in the 1980s, renaming it Radcliffe and Associates in 1989 and then Radcliffe Gilbertson & Brady in 2019. Radcliffe remained a registered lobbyist until his death. His firm represents a diverse collection of clients from every corner of Nebraska and across the country, tackling everything from complex business matters to civil rights through an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. Radcliffe has been at the forefront of dozens of initiatives since the 1980s, leaving an indelible mark on Nebraska statutes, case law, and the Nebraska Constitution.

Countless careers of Nebraska politicians have been launched with a visit to Radcliffe, who served as a friend, confidant, strategist, and counselor to numerous Nebraska thought leaders. “He was a steady hand that educated governors, state senators, lobbyists, and clients on how to get things done in our state. We all benefited from his immense knowledge and talents,” said Nebraska Society of CPAs Past Chairman Ryan Parker, CEO of Endicott, headquartered in Fairbury, Neb.

“Nebraska lost a true statesman,” said Korby Gilbertson, a partner in Radcliffe Gilbertson & Brady and lobbyist for the Nebraska Society of CPAs. “The Unicameral and the Capitol will never be the same without him.”

In Radcliffe’s obituary, Gilbertson described him as a “one-of-a-kind, larger-than-life personality who lived life to the fullest,” whether he was roaming the halls of the magnificent State Capitol, enjoying a friendly round of golf, cheering on the Huskers, or enjoying the finer things in life like a signature Nebraska steak, an extraordinary bottle of wine, or a distinctive cigar. He participated in countless social and cultural events and was a generous benefactor to causes he was passionate about, all aimed at making a positive impact on the people and places in Nebraska he cherished and sought to strengthen for future generations, noted Gilbertson. Radcliffe frequently shared his consummate knowledge of political history, the law, and literature with “prescient modern applications that were always delivered with his signature smile, brilliance, razor-sharp wit, and searing sense of humor,” said Gilbertson. He was a highly sought-after political commentator and speaker, recognized as one of the most frequently quoted experts on Nebraska law and politics for more than five decades.

Former journalist Martha Stoddard called Radcliffe an “institution” at the Capitol, sharing his insights with uncommon generosity and a touch of irreverence. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer remembered him as a “wonderful storyteller” and a “guardian of Unicameral history.” “He was bigger than a lobbyist,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Flood, a former speaker of the Legislature. “He was just part of the fabric of the Legislature.”

Radcliffe’s passion for the legislative process, coupled with his strategic acumen, earned him widespread respect. “Nebraska lost a giant with the passing of Walt Radcliffe,” Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon said. “For over a generation, Walt represented the interests of countless Nebraskans. He was an advocate with integrity who was known for breaking down complex problems and helping others find meaningful solutions.”

Beyond his professional life, Radcliffe’s personal relationships were deeply meaningful. He is survived by his life partner of 40 years, Mary Pack, and remembered fondly by former spouse Vickey Thayer, with whom he maintained a lifelong friendship.

Walt Radcliffe was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Zora “Doogie” (Horner) Radcliffe. He is survived by his life partner Mary Pack, Korby (Pack) Gilbertson and Mark Munger and Hunter Gilbertson of Lincoln, Paul and Julie Pack of Lexington, Connor Pack of Omaha, and Kaelyn and Edwin Hooper and Elias Hooper of Seattle, and countless friends whom he treasured.

As Nebraskans gathered to celebrate his life at Hillcrest Country Club on Jan. 3, they honored not just a lobbyist but a statesman and mentor whose legacy will continue to inspire. Walt Radcliffe was, indeed, a legend.