JUDGE GORDON W. RICE

(1955-1958)

Gordon W. Rice, a leader among the younger attorneys of Reno and environs, is a member of one of the oldest agriculturally inclined families ever to locate in and "grow up" in the famed Truckee Meadows of Washoe County, Nevada. In the big family book he is listed as the great grandson of Alvin W. Rice, who in the early fifties homesteaded a considerable acreage in the area where now stands the railroad city of Sparks, some three miles removed from Reno.

Here the early-day family raised onions and potatoes and conducted the "pioneer" dairy of the vicinity. When Gordon A. Rice, the son, "came along," he also joined in demonstrating the fertility of the soil of the home ranch. Then came Riley Rice, grandson, and, in turn, Gordon W. Rice-subject of the sketch and son of Riley and Dora Rice, grandson of Gordon A. and great-grandson of Alvin W.-the original Sparks rancher.

Young Gordon W. Rice was born on the old home place at Sparks, part of the ranch having in the meantime been sold to the Southern Pacific as a site for the Sparks railroad shops. Gordon received his early education in grammar and high school at Sparks and then enrolled as a student at the University of Nevada. In 1932, he decided upon the law as a profession and, in turn, took up with studies in Reno law offices. In 1935 he took the state examinations of was duly admitted to the practice.

He joined forces with Allen Bible, now Attorney-General of Nevada, and Pat McCarran, just elected U.S. Senator from Nevada, and for some five years this firm continued in the practice in Reno. Then-from 1940 to 1942-Gordon continued practice alone. Then World War II! Gordon enlisted in the infantry and from 1942 to 1944 received intensive training in a number of the major camps throughout the United States. He rose in rank as he progressed and, in various instances, experienced service as assistant to the prevailing Judge Advocate. Thus he became learned in military law.

In 1944, he was transferred overseas. His experience in interpreting military law in this country soon brought him signal recognition at the scene closer to major hostilities. He received in time the distinct honor of appointment a assistant to the staff Judge Advocate attached to General Eisenhower's legal staff. The board consisted of nine members-nine young lawyers-and its tasks were hard and heavy as the conflict raged throughout France, Germany and close into England. Such an experience can be classified as major in any young man's life. Retiring from the army in 1945, Gordon Rice held the rank of Captain.

Returning to Reno, Gordon re-entered the practice of law. His firm is entitled: Rice and Streeter, "Jack" Streeter having become a partner in recent time.

Gordon Rice, in a fraternal way, is an Elk 32nd degree Mason, Shriner (Kerak Temple), member of the American Legion and of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In connection with his profession he is a member of the Nevada State Bar, Washoe County Bar Association, Lawyers' Club and the American Bar Association.