Former Oregon Senate president, veteran lawmaker Peter Courtney dies at 81; Knopp, others pay tribute
Bend state Senator Tim Knopp says: 'He was fair, kind, and brought people together.'
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Former Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney, who retired last year as the longest-serving legislator in Oregon history, has died from complications from cancer, Gov. Tina Kotek's office announced. He was 81.
Courtney died Tuesday morning at his home in Salem, surrounded by family, according to Kotek's office.
Here's her full news release, as well as ones from several lawmakers who knew him:
Governor Kotek Issues Statement in Response To Passing of Former Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney
Salem, OR – Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced the passing of former Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney. He passed this morning from complications related to cancer at his home in Salem surrounded by his family. Courtney was the longest-serving legislator in Oregon history, having served 14 years in the house and 24 years in the Senate. He served a record 20 years as Senate President before retiring in January 2023.
“It is with incredible sadness that I share the news today of the passing of Peter Michael Coleman Courtney, the former President of the Oregon State Senate and longest-serving state legislator in Oregon history. The First Lady and I ask that Oregonians hold Peter’s family – his wife Margie, their children, and grandchildren – in their hearts and prayers.
“President Courtney was a friend and ally in supporting an Oregon where everyone can find success and community. His life story, the way he embraced Oregon and public service, and his love for the institution of the Oregon Legislature leaves a legacy that will live on for decades.
“He led through times of prosperity and times of struggle – including the great recession and the COVID-19 pandemic – with a steadfast commitment to protecting people and making their lives better. His tenure in the legislature is marked by incredible triumphs, earned through his genuine statesmanship and enormous heart.
“I want to recognize President Courtney for being one of the most important architects of our state in recent memory. At his core, Peter believed that we need to take care of each other, live with compassion for our neighbors, and get big things done, together. These Oregon values will live on in his name.”
A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Angel. Donations in remembrance can be made to the Salem Withnell Family YMCA or Family Building Blocks.
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Knopp: ‘Farewell to My Friend, Oregon Political Legend, Senate President Peter Courtney’
BEND, Ore. – Senator Tim Knopp (R-Bend) issued a statement today on the passing of former Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney.
“Having received the news that Oregon has lost one of its finest today hits hard. He is irreplaceable and will be missed. When I attended the renaming ceremony recognizing his impressive impact on just one Oregon institution, it was a reminder of just how much Peter Courtney has done to improve the lives of Oregonians.
“It was an honor to serve with Peter Courtney in the Oregon Senate. He was one of the most impactful elected officials Oregon has ever had. He dedicated four decades of his life serving Oregonians and the institution he loved, respected, and protected. Most importantly, Peter had a heart for and cared about people. He was notorious for calling his colleagues to check on them when significant things happened in our lives.
“He was the most formidable leader I have had the privilege to work with. He was fair, kind, and brought people together. He tried to make sure all Oregonians’ voices were heard.
He loved Margie, his sons, and their families as he talked about them often. Any conversation of length with Peter would include how proud he was of them. Farewell to my friend, Oregon political legend, Peter Courtney.”
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Senate President Wagner Statement on Passing of Peter Courtney
SALEM, Ore. – Today, former Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney passed away at the age of 81, according to his family.
Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) is releasing the following statement:
Today, I share the heartbreak of countless Oregonians as we all mourn the loss of the most influential lawmaker in the history of Oregon.
Peter Michael Coleman Courtney was a legend — larger than life, with a passion for helping Oregonians all across the state, and especially in his beloved city of Salem. The sounds of the Capitol were never complete without Peter’s voice reverberating through the halls. He was bold and hard-charging, but also tender and caring, always looking for private moments to help a young lawmaker find their way.
His legacy is typified by his dedication to the humane care of animals and for the well-being of children and those who struggle with mental health. But his legacy is more than policy — it is a spirit of governing that he brought to Oregon.
Bringing his talent for public speaking from “West by God Virginia,” Peter’s true home will always be here in “Oregon, My Oregon,” the Oregon Capitol, and especially the Oregon Senate.
Peter loved stories of the Oregon Trail — and the sun will never set on his legacy. My thoughts are with his wife Margie and his sons and everyone who knew and loved Peter.
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Speaker Fahey Remembers Peter Courtney, A True Legend of Oregon Public Service
SALEM, Ore. – Today, House Speaker Julie Fahey (D-Eugene) issued the following statement following news of the passing of Peter Courtney, the longest serving legislator in Oregon’s history:
“Peter Courtney set the standard for what it means to be a true champion for the state of Oregon and its people. His passion for our state was clear no matter where he was or what office he served in – as a Salem City Councilor, as a member of the Oregon House, or as Senate President.
In the legislature, we came to know Peter as someone who worked to do the most good for as many people as possible. Among his accomplishments include passing the Student Success Act that increased funding for K-12 education in Oregon, modernizing the legislature to meet more regularly, and beginning the legislature's needed investments in mental health.
Peter cared deeply for the state of Oregon and for the city of Salem that he represented. He also cared deeply for the legislature as an institution and as a cornerstone of our democracy. In a time when we’re seeing an erosion of trust in government and in institutions more broadly, my hope is that Peter’s legacy can remind us all of the importance and significance of our work and of coming together to best serve the interests of our constituents.”
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Senate Majority Leader Kathleen Taylor on the Passing of Senate President Peter Courtney
SALEM, OR – In honor of the incredible life and legacy of former Senate President Peter Courtney, Senate Majority Leader Kathleen Taylor (D - SE Portland, Milwaukie & Oak Grove) released the following statement:
“Peter Courtney epitomized the idea of a life lived in public service. He was fiercely devoted to serving his constituents, the institution of the Senate, and Oregon as a whole. He will live on in the people and communities he transformed for the better – and I am so lucky to count myself as one of them. For ten years, I was honored to call Peter a mentor and a friend.
“Today, I’m thinking about his wife Margie and their wonderful family. Even with all the pressures of his public life, I know that they were always Peter’s number one priority. His dedication to family was an inspiration to me, and I’m holding my loved ones a little tighter today in his memory.”
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Leader Daniel Bonham Honors the Legacy of Former Senate President Peter Courtney
SALEM, Ore. – Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) issued a statement today on the passing of former Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney.
“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of former Senate President Peter Courtney. Peter dedicated his life to public service and the people of Oregon, leaving a lasting mark on our state’s history. His legislative achievements have made an impact that will be felt for generations to come,” said Leader Bonham.
Peter Courtney's career in the Oregon Legislature spanned nearly four decades, during which he was known for his unwavering commitment to bipartisanship and his ability to bring people together. His leadership style, characterized by kindness and a deep sense of duty, set a high standard for all who follow in his footsteps.
In his final remarks to the Senate, Peter reminded his colleagues of the importance of civility, stating, “Let us be civil to one another. Let us debate with respect and listen with open hearts.” These words encapsulate the essence of his approach to governance and his belief in the power of respectful discourse, an important reminder now more than ever.
Bonham continued, “Beyond his legislative achievements, Peter was a mentor, a friend, and a true statesman. His wisdom, compassion, and sense of humor were cherished by those who had the privilege to work with him. Our heartfelt condolences are extended to Peter's family, friends, and loved ones. We honor his legacy and will strive to continue his work with the same spirit of civility he exemplified throughout his career.”
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House Majority Leader Ben Bowman Releases Statement Honoring Former Senate President Peter Courtney
SALEM, OR – Today, House Majority Leader Ben Bowman (D - Tigard, Metzger, & S. Beaverton) issued the following statement following the passing of former Senate President Peter Courtney:
“Peter Courtney was a giant in Oregon politics. His legacy on behavioral health, public education, animal welfare, and more will outlive him and be felt by Oregonians for generations.
My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
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Helfrich Statement on Passing of former Senate President Peter Courtney
SALEM, Ore. – In response to news of former Senate President Peter Courtney’s passing, Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich issued the following statement:
“For nearly half a century, Senate President Peter Courtney served with distinction. He was a true statesman. It is an understatement to say that without his leadership, Oregon would be a profoundly different state. Today we lost a giant of the legislature, my thoughts are with his friends and family.”
