Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson passes away
Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson, who announced last year he had been diagnosed with brain cancer, has died at his home, surrounded by family and friends, his office announced Wednesday morning.
The 69-year-old Republican was a six-term member of the Oregon House before being elected secretary of state in 2016. He was the only Republican holding statewide office in Oregon.
Deputy Secretary of State Leslie Cummings released the following statement:
On Tuesday, February 26, at approximately 9 p.m., Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson’s courageous battle with cancer came to a close. Dennis passed away at his home surrounded by family and friends.
From his service in Vietnam as a combat helicopter pilot to his 30-year legal career and 19 years in public service, this father of nine and grandfather of 31 found great joy in serving and taking care of others.
As Secretary of State, Dennis was fiercely dedicated to accomplishing the work the people of Oregon elected him to do.
Upon taking the reins of this office in January 2017, Dennis’ visionary leadership built on the strengths of the 227 Secretary of State staff members.
Together, Dennis and this dedicated team of public servants improved the program business practices of Audits, Elections, Archives, Corporations and Small Business, and the three Administrative Services Divisions of the agency. He also brought many professional and personal gifts and experience to this office.
Dennis’ focus on transparency, accountability, and integrity coupled with his uncompromising work ethic inspired staff to “up their games” to move mountains.
If you spent time with Dennis, it wouldn’t be long before he shared with you his personal motto of “Pro Tanto Quid Retribuamus,” which means: Having been given much, what will you give in return? This philosophy influenced every aspect of Dennis’ life and became the hallmark by which many knew him. His challenge to us in the Secretary of State’s office is to give our very best to each other and to Oregon each and every day.
Dennis leaves a legacy of always aiming high, expecting excellence, moving fast, and doing what is right for the people. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with such an incredible leader and wonderful friend. He will be greatly missed.
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Statement from Gov. Kate Brown:
Governor Brown Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Secretary of State Dennis Richardson
(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff in honor of Secretary of State Dennis Richardson. Flags should be flown at half-staff today, and on the day of his interment from sunrise to sundown. A subsequent flag order will be released for the day of Secretary Richardson’s interment.
“Dan and I are saddened to hear this news today. Our hearts are with Secretary of State Richardson’s family, friends, and fellow lawmakers today,” said Governor Brown. “Regardless of what side of the aisle his colleagues sat on, we all knew Dennis’ kind heart guided his career of service to the people of Oregon. His reputation for perseverance not only guided him through the fight with cancer, it also gave us all reassurance that he was fighting cancer with the same determination he brought to work every day.”
The Oregon Constitution requires Governor Brown to appoint Secretary of State Richardson’s successor. Governor Brown and her staff will begin the process of reviewing candidates and will make an appointment in the coming weeks. Governor Brown has decided to consider appointees from the Republican party who commit to not entering the 2020 election for Secretary of State, as she did in 2015 when selecting her own successor.
— Statement from Rep. Greg Walden:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Greg Walden (R-Hood River) today released the following statement on the passing of Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson:
“I am so saddened to learn of Secretary of State Dennis Richardson’s passing. Dennis was such a kind, caring, and thoughtful friend. A wonderful public servant, and a deeply loving husband and parent. Dennis’ quiet competence and civility is such a rarity in today’s world. I feel blessed to have known and worked with him for so many years. Mylene and I are sending our prayers to Cathy and their children. Dennis served his country with honor and his body of work leaves Oregon better for the next generation.”
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Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement upon learning of the death of Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dennis Richardson. I will always have fond memories of serving with Dennis in the state legislature, and tremendous appreciation for his dedication to serving our state. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in peace, Mr. Secretary.”
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Statement from Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum on the passing of Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson:
“I was saddened to wake up to the news of the death of my friend and our Secretary of State Dennis Richardson. Dennis was a wonderful and caring person–and, the quintessential public servant. His optimism for making Oregon stronger and fairer was contagious. I will miss our “check-in” lunches in Salem, where we talked about a wide variety of topics affecting both of our agencies. At our last lunch he gave me a coin with his motto engraved on it: “Having been given much, what will you give in return?” I will treasure it always.
“From the Oregon Department of Justice, we send our condolences to his wife and family, friends and community. And we will all take Dennis’ motto to heart as we continue the work of making Oregon better every day. Thank you, Secretary Richardson, for your extraordinary contributions to our state. You will be greatly missed.”
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SALEM – House Speaker Tina Kotek released the following statement Wednesday on the passing of Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson.
“I am saddened by the passing of Secretary of State Dennis Richardson. He was a man of integrity and a dedicated public servant. Secretary Richardson lived and served with distinction. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time.”
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Statement from House GOP Leader Carl Wilson on Dennis Richardson
SALEM, Ore. – House Republican Leader Carl Wilson (R-Grants Pass) issued the following statement on the passing of Secretary of State Dennis Richardson:
“We have suffered a great loss with the passing of Dennis Richardson. Dennis was a steadfast man who loved family, his country, the State of Oregon, and the people he served. This loss is a difficult one for us all. His death will be deeply mourned by all his former colleagues in the Oregon House of Representatives.”
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SALEM – Oregon Senate Majority Leader Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, released the following statement this morning regarding the passing of Secretary of State Dennis Richardson:
“Dennis Richardson was a kind and decent man. He served his country with distinction in the military. He served his community of Southern Oregon and the State of Oregon with integrity and dedication. I had the pleasure of serving with Secretary Richardson in the Legislature for many years. He loved this state and we will miss him.”
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Oregon Treasurer Tobias Read released the following statement on the passing of Secretary of State Dennis Richardson:
“I am saddened to hear of Secretary of State Dennis Richardson’s passing last night. Richardson served his country and Oregonians as a member of the armed forces in Vietnam, and in public office.
“More importantly, he was devoted to his family who loved and supported him at every step of the way. Although we did not always agree politically, I had respect for the diligence and the energy he brought to his work. Oregon has lost an honorable public servant. My thoughts are with Cathy Richardson, his family and friends.”
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SALEM, Ore. – Statement from Oregon Department of State Lands Director Vicki Walker:
Throughout Secretary Richardson’s time on the State Land Board, he persistently sought to preserve Oregon’s Common School Fund legacy by advocating for actions that would most benefit Oregonians and their public schools.
Secretary Richardson’s expectations of accountable government raised the bar for the service provided by the Department of State Lands and state government. His dedication to good government set an example for us all, and he will be greatly missed.
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Wilsonville, OR – The Oregon Republican Party released the following statement from Chairman Bill Currier on the passing of Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson:
“Today, Oregon Republicans, along with Oregonians throughout the state, mourn the passing of Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson. It is a heartbreaking loss for our state.”
“Secretary Richardson promised Oregonians transparency, accountability, and integrity, and that is exactly what he delivered. He advocated for government that earns and maintains the public’s trust. In so doing, he set a high standard, not only as the first Republican Secretary of State elected since 1976, but as a former State Representative, an Army veteran, a husband, and a father. It is our fervent hope that Dennis’ work will continue and his legacy will be fulfilled by all the leaders of our state, of all political parties, now and in the years to come.”
“For so many, Dennis Richardson represented hope for a better Oregon. He was the epitome of what Republicans offer our great state. His passing is a huge loss, both for Oregon and for each of us personally. We knew him well and cherished his leadership because it was gracious and optimistic but also pragmatic and principled.”
“Dennis Richardson was a true public servant who inspired so many to believe in public service and in recognition of the sacred duty temporarily entrusted to its leaders. His persistent challenge to all of us was ‘Having been given much, what will you give in return?’ Dennis was the rare political leader who consistently and abundantly gave much.”
“Our thoughts now center on the Richardson family as we lift them up in prayer amid their sorrow. We will not forget the father, veteran, public servant, and leader that was Dennis Richardson.”
