A long shadow
A southern live oak casts a shadow behind a memorial marker for Michael Brophy, who was instrumental in shaping Arizona water law. Five live oaks were planted in Brophy’s memory at Wesley Bolin Plaza.

Michael Brophy spent his legal career working to secure Arizona’s water for years to come.
Some of that water now nourishes the trees recently planted in Brophy’s memory in Wesley Bolin Plaza.
A group of friends and relatives gathered to honor him by the new trees June 8. He was known around the Capitol for his integrity, humor and courage, said those close to him.
Brophy was well known for his legal work on environmental and water issues. Mr. Brophy was an attorney with the Phoenix from of Ryley Carlock & Applewhite where he concentrated on water and environmental law. He was a member of the Western States Water Council form 1991–2002 and was chair of the Water Policy Committee with the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. He also negotiated water rights settlements for the Gila River, Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Fort McDowell and Ak-Chin Indian Communities and the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
Jim Klinker, executive director of the Arizona Farm Bureau, said Brophy was known for his “unwritten rule of trust,” and he recalled his friend as always willing to offer his expertise.
His serious nature was matched with a sense of humor, said Klinker, recalling an account of Brophy testifying at a committee meeting after realizing he’d accidentally worn two different types of shoes.
Brophy died Sept. 18, following complications from his treatment for cancer. He was 57.
He spent his entire legal career with Ryley Carlock & Applewhite, rising to become managing partner in 2001.
Contribution to water law
His contribution to water law was recognized by two Arizona legislators at the June 8 memorial.
Sen. Jake Flake, R-5, called Brophy a “straight shooter,” and said he earned respect by consistently following through on his word.
Despite some of the “nonsense” that goes on in the Legislature, Brophy helped make the legislative experience worthwhile, said Flake, chairman of the Natural Resources and Rural Affairs Committee.
History knowledge ‘phenomenal’
Rep. Lucy Mason, R-1, said Brophy’s knowledge of state history and geography were “phenomenal.” Mason has focused on water issues in her Prescott district and Arizona as a whole.
At Wesley Bolin Plaza, the five trees planted in Brophy’s memory line a walkway at the west entrance, which faces the Capitol. The memorial stone says: “For his leadership in shaping and protecting Arizona’s water future.”
Donated by Elgin Nursery and Tree Farm, the southern live oaks are long-lived and grow to provide excellent shade. The trees planted for Brophy are a matched set for five other live oaks planted across the walkway to the south. The Arizona Nursery Association coordinated the plantings.
The tree nearest the Capitol tossed a shadow just behind the memorial stone. Klinker stood between the tree and those gathered to honor Brophy’s memory.
“We’ll miss him,” Klinker said.