Fred Pownall

KP Public Affairs reports that its co-founder Fred Pownall died May 20 from Hodgkin lymphoma at his home in Berkeley. He was 80. Pownall, a lobbyist and lawyer, started his career in 1966 with the San Francisco law firm Landels, Ripley and Diamond and led its state legislative and government consulting practice. He founded Kahl Pownall Companies with partner Mike Kahl in 1996 and the firm later became KP Public Affairs. KP says that among Pownall’s legislative accomplishments was the work he did with former Asm. Charles Calderon to “open California’s borders to interstate banking” and the work he did with former Sen. Byron Sher, a noted environmentalist, to shape “polices that achieved environmental progress while preserving jobs and economic growth.” Here’s more from KP: “Fred had a sense of humor that was infectious and a laugh that was his own. Fred had his own sense of style, grounded in his early years at east coast prep schools. Near the end of his career, John Burton was so impressed with Fred’s collection of aging sports coats that he bought him a blue suit. Fred enjoyed the lobbying profession and the give and take that is required to make progress on complicated issues. Fred exemplified the role of a lobbyist – knowing the law, the policy, the politics and the personalities. He had it all in his grasp and made the most of it. And, Fred made it fun and interesting at the same time.” Pownall is survived by his wife Susie and daughters Alison, Perry and Sarah, as well as six granddaughters. A celebration of Pownall’s career and life is being planned by KP with details to come. Contact: Julie Reynolds 916 448 2162.