Gordon Cologne (August 24, 1924 - )

Associate Justice, March 2, 1972 - August 24, 1984

Gordon Cologne was born in Long Beach, California, on August 24, 1924. Educated in California, he graduated from Coachella Valley High School; received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Southern California in 1948; and obtained his law degree, cum laude, from Southwestern University in 1951. His undergraduate education was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the United States Navy. Admitted to the State Bar in 1951, he served as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, from 1951 to 1952, and then continued in private practice in Indio until 1972. He served as Mayor of the City of Indio from 1954 to 1956. Continuing his public service, he served in the State Assembly from 1962 to 1965 and the State Senate from 1965 until 1972. While in the Senate, he served as chairman of the Senate Water Resources Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Junior Chamber of Commerce recognized him as one of the five outstanding young men of California in 1960. He received the National Wildlife Federation Award for conservation in 1965 and the Freedoms Foundation Award in 1967. Governor Ronald Reagan appointed him to Division One of the Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District on February 24, 1972, and he took the oath of office on March 2, 1972. He taught evening classes in legislation as an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego School of Law. He retired from the bench on August 24, 1984. From 1986 to 1989, he served as special counsel to the California Medical Association. From 1987 to 1989, he was of counsel to Best, Best & Krieger, limiting his practice to government relations, water and toxics. He continues to enjoy his retirement.