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Oregon Capitol Honors Late Senate President Peter Courtney, State’s Longest-Serving Lawmaker

The Oregon State Capitol paid tribute to Peter Courtney, the longest-serving legislator in the state’s history, with a moving memorial in the very chamber he led for two decades.

On Wednesday, the Senate chamber was filled with about 200 people, including dignitaries, former colleagues, friends, and family, who gathered to remember a man who dedicated his life to serving Oregon. Among the crowd were former Governor Kate Brown and many who had worked closely with Courtney throughout his remarkable political career.

A Legacy of Dedication and Service

Peter Courtney was not just the longest-serving member of the Oregon Legislature but also a man whose commitment to public service left an indelible mark on the state. For 20 years, he presided over the Senate with a blend of compassion, integrity, and occasional cantankerousness. His colleagues and loved ones fondly remember his selfless service, often emphasizing his deep love for the state he adopted as his own.

Speakers at the memorial recounted how Courtney’s leadership was defined by an unwavering dedication to making life better for Oregon’s most vulnerable. From humble beginnings as a lawmaker in 1980, Courtney was known for his iconic campaign buttons emblazoned with phrases like “Here to Serve” and “Nobody Works Harder” alongside a sketch of a floppy-eared rabbit. Those who knew him best agreed that these slogans were more than just catchy phrases—they were a reflection of his life’s work.

Oregon Senate Memorial for Peter Courtney

A Friend and Mentor to Many

In her speech, former Governor Kate Brown shared her personal memories of working alongside Courtney, a partnership that began in 1991 when they both served in the state House. Brown’s first recollection was of their days in the Senate, specifically in 2002 when the Senate was split evenly between Democrats and Republicans. It was then that Courtney was selected as Senate president by both parties, a testament to the respect and admiration he had earned.

One of the most poignant stories Brown shared was about a tour of the Oregon State Hospital that had forever changed Courtney. In 2004, local news outlets began reporting on the horrific conditions at the state-run mental health facility in Salem, just a mile from the Capitol. Distressed by the accounts of lead paint, asbestos, and inadequate staffing, Courtney took it upon himself to personally investigate.

The tour revealed a heart-wrenching sight: thousands of unclaimed remains of former patients, stored in corroded copper cans. The discovery, which Courtney referred to as “the room of the forgotten souls,” was a turning point for him. His anger and frustration with the state’s neglect for its most vulnerable citizens fueled a long and arduous fight for change. As a result, he spearheaded a 2005 law mandating mental health parity, alongside securing hundreds of millions of dollars for new mental health facilities in Salem and Junction City.

A Final Tribute and the Hospital Renaming

Courtney was scheduled to attend a ceremony in July 2024 where the Salem campus of the Oregon State Hospital was to be renamed in his honor. Sadly, he passed away from cancer complications just hours before the event. His work, however, continues to resonate in the hospital’s new name, a lasting tribute to his tireless advocacy for the mentally ill.

Courtney’s death marked the end of an era in Oregon politics. His legacy will undoubtedly influence future leaders of the state, who will continue to build on the foundation he laid. But for those who knew him, the memory of his leadership will remain a beacon of hope and dedication to service.

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