The CSG West family is mourning the loss of former Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney, who passed away July 16th. He was a towering figure in Oregon politics and the state’s longest serving lawmaker and Senate president.
Former Senate President Courtney served his community and the state of Oregon for over 45 years. He commenced his elected service as a councilmember in the City of Salem from 1975-1980. Thereafter, he was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives where he served from 1981 to 1999, minus a four-year stretch. In 1998, he was elected Oregon Senate and served as Senate President for 20 years, from 2003 until his retirement in 2023, making him the longest-serving legislative officer in Oregon history.
“Senate President Courtney was an institution in Oregon politics,” stated CSG West Chair and colleague, Oregon Senator Bill Hansell. “His leadership and service to his district and our entire state was instrumental in many public policy areas, including the seismic retrofit of schools and other infrastructure and preservation of our environment.” “He also was a compassionate leader who cared deeply for everyone around him.”
During the recent 77th CSG West Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, chairman Hansell awarded the organization’s Bettye Fahrenkamp Award for Distinguished Legislative Leadership on Behalf of Western states to former Senate President Courtney. This annual award, which is in honor of former Alaska Senator Bettye Fahrenkamp, recognizes leaders whose legislative careers demonstrate the ability to see and work beyond the border of their own states in the interests of the West.
Although Senate President Courtney was not able to attend the meeting in-person to receive the award, Senator Hansell paid tribute to his many accomplishments and service to Oregon and our nation. “As a leader, Senate President Courtney emphasized the importance of bipartisanship. As a member of the minority, I, along with many of my colleagues, truly appreciated him for protecting the rights of the minority and ensuring that our voices were heard,” stated Senator Hansell.
A memorial service for former Senate President Courtney will be held July 30th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Angel. Cards may be sent to 2925 Island View Drive N., Salem, Oregon 97303. A public celebration of life will be held in Salem at a later date.
For more information on Senate President Courtney’s legacy, click HERE.
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