A Remembrance of the Sundlun Sunset Years

A Remembrance of the Sundlun Sunset Years

Some people live quietly, play by the rules, and enjoy life in moderate doses.

They approach life in the manner of a gentle handshake.

Then there are those who grab life by the collar and never let go.

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That was former Rhode Island Governor Bruce Sundlun, who passed away Thursday, at age 91.

I worked on Capitol Hill in the office of former Congressman Ron Machtley during the early 90’s when Sundlun was Governor and the state faced the banking crisis. I personally had only formal staff acquaintance encounters with him as he traveled to Washington numerous times during that period as the state’s congressional delegation was assisting the state with its recovery plan.
But much later in his life, we ended up neighbors of sorts, residing a handful of houses apart along the same road in Jamestown.

If I encountered him meandering about on his water view property, as I was walking or biking with my children, we would engage in casual, friendly banter at first. But then, in short order, the ever sharp minded Sundlun would quickly disband with the light chatter, his eyes would brighten and he would launch into his observations on whatever was most prominent in the headlines that day . Recognizing my background in the Republican Party, he would often tease me about the latest high profile GOP blunder, controversy or failed campaign, whether in local political arenas or national. I recall often finding myself sheepishly agreeing with his pointed criticism, although, I am embarrassed to say,more because he was a master debater who took no prisoners. He remainedimpressively adept, even in advanced ages, at commanding a conversation, hammering in his point, and making one feel their opposing view needed some rethinking, to put it politely. Yet, and this was a Sundlun trademark, he would always do it with a touch of humor, mixed in with a completely authentic sense of outrage over a given issue that was never scripted or p.r. tested.

Channel Sundlun's Fearlessness

It set him apart in public life during the nineties, and it certainly would set him apart in the spin-driven, overly handled, focus-grouped political arena of today.

I leave it to the political brand names of this state whom had much more in-depth, high level, and consistent involvement with him to highlight the movie script worthy chapters of his storied life.

Rhode Island, now facing some of its deepest challenges ever, will need to channel the Bruce Sundlun fearlessness in the days to come.

I only caught glimpses when his sunset years were well underway.

But his vitality for life, for the fight that it certainly can be, made an impression on me that I will always treasure.

It is fitting that he said good-bye to his family and the state he loved in timeless Rhode Island weather: a beach worthy hot summer day.

Rest in Peace, Governor.
 

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