Walter (Walt) Horner Radcliffe

September 11, 1947 - December 26, 2024

Walter (Walt) Horner Radcliffe, 77, of Lincoln passed away on December 26, 2024. He was born September 11, 1947, to Wesley and Zora "Doogie" (Horner) Radcliffe in Lincoln, Nebraska. Walt graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School in 1965 and was a member of the Knights golf team and Key Club. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BA in 1969 and a JD from the University College of Law in 1972. While a student at UNL, Walt pledged Chi Phi Fraternity and later served as the fraternity's Chapter President. Walt served in ROTC and later in the Nebraska National Guard and as a private in the US Army. In 1970, Walt married Vickey Thayer, although divorced, the two of them remained friends throughout his life. He was later briefly married to Nancy Rohren. Walt was a member of the Nebraska Bar Association, Lincoln Bar Association, Nebraska Golf Association (Past President), The Nebraska Club Board of Directors, and Hillcrest Country Club Board of Directors.

Walt developed deep roots in Nebraska law and politics early on and in college organized a student service project to take over one hundred disabled and elderly voters to the polls on election day. In the 1970's Walt practiced law with Max Kier, a former Speaker of Nebraska's bicameral legislature in the 1930's, and Roland Luedtke, former Speaker, Lt. Governor, and Mayor of Lincoln. His decades long involvement with the Nebraska Unicameral began when Walt served as a legislative page in 1969. Walt also served as 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, Walt registered as a lobbyist and founded Nebraska's oldest lobbying and governmental relations law firm. Walt became the sole owner and chief partner of the firm in the 1980s and renamed the firm Radcliffe and Associates. Nebraska's foremost lobbying firm was renamed Radcliffe Gilbertson & Brady in 2019. Walt remained a registered lobbyist until his death.

Walt represented a diverse collection of clients from every corner of Nebraska and across the country on issues as wide ranging as complex business matters to civil rights through an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. Walt was at the forefront of dozens of citizen initiatives since the 1980s leaving an indelible mark on Nebraska statutes, case law, and the Nebraska Constitution. Countless careers of Nebraska politicians were launched with a visit to Walt who served as a friend, confidant, strategist, and counselor to Nebraska's Governors, Senators, and thought leaders.

Walt was a one of a kind larger than life personality who lived life to the fullest whether that was in the halls of the magnificent State Capitol, on the golf course, cheering on the Huskers, or while enjoying the finer things in life like a signature Nebraska steak or extraordinary bottle of wine, or distinctive cigar. Walt attended numerous social and cultural events and was a generous benefactor to many causes. He was passionate about to make a positive difference for the people and places in Nebraska he cherished and wanted to strengthen for future generations. Walt frequently shared his unparalleled 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. Walt was a highly sought political commentator and speaker and one of the most frequently quoted experts on Nebraska law and politics in countless publications for over five decades.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his longtime life partner Mary Pack, Korby 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. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations to honor Walt's life and legacy to: Live On Nebraska: 3867 Leavenworth Street, Omaha, NE 68105, or The Nebraska Golf Association Foundation - Walt Radcliffe Youth Golf Fund: 6618 South 118th Street, Omaha, NE 68137

A Celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 3rd at 2:30PM at Hillcrest Country Club (9401 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68520).

Condolences online at Roperandsons.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lincoln Journal Star from Dec. 29, 2024 to Jan. 2, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Radcliffe

14 Entries

Jim Pittenger Jr.

December 31, 2024

What a geat guy! I can't remember not knowing Walter.....he always got the joke. can't believe he evr had an enemy and doubt he ever met a stranger. Walt used to hang with my sister and their rat pack in our basement. What a blessing to have known him, he always had something nice to say and made room for everyone. Walt made a big dent in my and I thank him for that. Pitt

John Breslow

December 30, 2024

It seems I have know Bird my entire life. High School, college and our careers in Lincoln. During my time at the capital, I could always trust his advice. And it was a treat watching his controlled slice on the golf course. Rest in peace, my friend. John Breslow

Kathy Jo (Thayer) Heine

December 30, 2024

Bird became a member of our family when he married my sister Vickey. He always treated me like a sister. I was also privileged to "fill in" at Luedtke, Radcliffe, Gilmore, and Evans. I last saw Bird when I was teaching at LSE and he came to speak as an alum. Every once in a while, I come across the picture of my dad and Bird having a beer at our house. That was soooo many years ago, but it always brings a smile to my face. I'm sure my parents and Bird are sharing a "cold one" now!

Bob Sivick

December 30, 2024

A good friend and a great guy. And he was the man who knew the deep background for everything in the Cornhusker State.

VFW ,FRA, American legion Chaplain

December 30, 2024

Thank you for your Service May you be Granted an Honorable and Restful Peace

Bruce McKeag

December 30, 2024

To the family and friends of Bird: My deepest sympathies to all.

I first met Bird at an Interfraternity Council meeting at UNL. We represented different fraternities, and a few years later---we ran into each other at Hillcrest Country Club. I met Bird's father, and just a class family. I last saw him in the halls of Assurity Life Ins Co (my employer) a few years ago when he was attending a meeting in our old office building just north of the Nebraska Capitol. I said, "Bird," and he turned around. We had a good ten-minute chat. I'm sure the two people he was with wondered why I did not say, "Walt?" From what I understand, when Bird was a baby, his mother said he would open his mouth like a little bird when she fed him.

He was a great lobbyist and left his favorable imprint on our city. Rest in peace.

Alpha Theta Chi

December 30, 2024

The men of the Alpha Theta Chi Chapter of Chi Phi Fraternity extend their condolences to the family of Brother Walt Radcliffe. Fraternally. Eternally

Lisa Good, past president Antelope Park Neighborhood Assn

December 30, 2024

Walt was a friend and contributor to the Antelope Park Neighborhood, which was close to his home. He took the time to testify before the city council when the neighborhood was applying for an R2 zone to preserve the family character of our area. Walt was generous with his insight, experience and friendship. He did a great favor for the integrity of the area. We remain ever grateful for this wonderful man, whose good works will reap benefits for years to come.

John Masek

December 30, 2024

I remember being a scared freshman in college away from Home for the first time and a new pledge in Chi Phi. Walt was our president and to me he was the epitome of a college man. Smoked a pipe, spoke intelligently with a quick wit that always made you laugh. Rest in peace, brother Walt.

Vickey (Thayer) and Mark Kleinsmith

December 30, 2024

This picture was the last time my husband and I met with Walt when we were back in Lincoln. In college he was known as "Bird" and in spite of our divorce, I was able to reconnect with him many years ago. Through phone calls, emails and dinners when we were back in Nebraska, my husband and I enjoyed talking, laughing and "catching up" with each other´s lives. He also generously contributed to our daughter´s Omaha softball teams for many years. We will miss him.

Ed Riehl

December 29, 2024

On periodic trips to Lincoln, Sarah & I would sometimes have an opportunity to rendezvous with Walt & Mary at one of their elements. It might be at their office adjacent to the Capital, a tailgate party before a football game or at their country club for lunch. Walt & Mary were always very gracious hosts & interesting people to be around. We will miss Walt's larger than life presence. Nebraska may not be a place for everyone, but Walt helped make Nebraska a better place for all through his work as a lobbyist.

Robert "B.J." Garnett

December 29, 2024

Rest in peace, Brother Bird. You were one of a kind. Robert "B.J." Garnett, Alpha Theta Chi `71

M S

December 29, 2024

Thank you for your military service

T. D.

December 29, 2024

Thank you for your service Walt.

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