July 17, 2024 3:40 a.m.

On Tuesday, lawmakers issued statements on the passing of former Oregon State Senate President Peter Courtney.

Governor Tina Kotek said Courtney died Tuesday morning from complications related to cancer at his home in Salem, surrounded by his family. Kotek said 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.

Kotek said, “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”. Kotek said, “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 things done, together. These Oregon values will live on in his name.”

U.S. Representative Val Hoyle said, “Today, Oregon lost a true legend and a leader. Senator Peter Courtney was a mentor and a friend who had a heart as big as his personality”. Hoyle said, “I benefitted greatly from his mentorship and am a better legislator because he took me under his wing as a first term legislator, as we worked to ensure that Oregonians who suffered from severe and persistent mental health issues got access to health care parity”.

House Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich said, “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”. Helfrich said, “Today we lost a giant of the legislature, my thoughts are with his friends and family”.

A funeral mass for Courtney 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.

Peter Courtney was 81-years old.