A judge Friday established a temporary conservatorship over Eagles co-founder Randy Meisner, who requested such protection after the recent death of his wife.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge William Barry named Meisner’s longtime friend, Arthur Ford, as the temporary conservator of the musician himself, while Meisner’s accountant, Thomas DeLong, was appointed temporary conservator of his business affairs.
The judge found Meisner was of sound mind in making the selections after questioning the 70-year-old former Eagles bassist. Meisner confirmed both Ford and DeLong were his choices.
“I just want to get over this, I’m in a lot of pain right now,” Meisner said.
Meisner’s wife, Lana, suffered a fatal gunshot wound March 6 when she lifted a rifle that accidentally discharged in the couple’s Studio City home, according to police.
Meisner’s lawyer, Bruce Fuller, filed a petition on his client’s behalf five days later asking that a conservatorship be established to provide for Meisner’s care, maintenance and support.
Fuller stated in his court papers that his client “is in a profound state of grief” and “barely able to accept the sudden and tragic loss” of his 63-year-old wife.
The selections of Ford and DeLong, however, drew concerns from James Newton, who has described himself as another longtime friend who also is in regular contact with the musician’s children.
Newton’s lawyer, Troy Martin, said his client prefers that Donna Bogdanovich be appointed during a hearing on a permanent conservatorship set for May 25.
Martin said previously that Meisner’s suicidal thoughts once prompted him to say he wanted to kill people with an AK-47 and then take his own life. The lawyer stated in court papers that Bogdanovich is a former social worker and case manager who specializes in mental health issues.
Newton is concerned that unlike Bogdanovich, Ford may not have expertise in dealing with people like Meisner, who has a history of substance issues and mental health problems, according to Martin.
“Mr. Meisner is a very sick man,” Martin said.
However, Martin said the dispute over the conservatorship may be resolved if Ford can demonstrate to Newton that he will be consulting qualified people to establish a long-term care plan for Meisner. Fuller told the judge that process has already begun.
Last July, Judge David Cunningham named Newton’s choice, Frumeh Labow — who has a lengthy background in social work — to fill the role of temporary conservator. Meisner and his wife objected to the appointment, but the Meisners and Newton later reached a settlement before a hearing was held on whether to make the conservatorship permanent.
The Eagles were founded in 1971 by Meisner, the late Glenn Frey, Don Henley and Bernie Leadon. Meisner co-wrote and sang the hit, “Take it to the Limit.”
—City News Service