Oregon leaders remember 'influential' former Senate President Peter Courtney

Former Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney, who served for 38 years, has passed away, with leaders across the state mourning his death and praising his legacy of public service.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon leaders are mourning the death of former Senate President Peter Courtney, who set a record for his service in the state legislature after he spearheaded local politics for 38 years.

Current Sen. President Rob Wagner referred to Courtney as “the most influential lawmaker in the history of Oregon” as news rushed in of the political giant’s death Tuesday afternoon.

After serving for nearly 20 years as Senate President, Courtney announced in 2022 that he did not intend to run for the position again.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to have been allowed to serve locally on the Salem City Council and for all these years in the Oregon State Legislature. I hope I’ve helped," he said.

In his statement, Sen. Wagner recalled seeing Courtney at work in Salem – referring to the “spirit of governing that he brought to Oregon.”

“The sounds of the Capitol were never complete without Peter’s voice reverberating through the halls,” Wagner said. “He was bold and hard-charging, but also tender and caring, always looking for private moments to help a young lawmaker find their way.”

Sen. Ron Wyden took to social media to share his thoughts on Courtney’s legacy.

“Peter Courtney worked long and hard in the Legislature he loved so dearly to achieve good for his district in the Willamette Valley and all of Oregon. He was a human juggernaut for his constituents, and will be tremendously missed,” Wyden said.

Oregon House Speaker Larry Campbell said he had a special relationship with the former Senate President as the pair shared a working relationship that spanned more than a decade.

“He was fun. He was serious. He was a man who was always true to his word,” Campbell said. “We disagreed on numerous policies, but always approached issues from a principled perspective. Oregon’s loss is also a personal loss to the Campbell family.’

Senate Majority Leader Kathleen Taylor said 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,” Taylor said. “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 10 years, I was honored to call Peter a mentor and a friend.”

According to former Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski, Courtney "exemplified the true meaning of service in every aspect of his life, whether to his family, his friends, or in elected office." He also said he "most admired Peter’s profound knowledge of and appreciation for the legislative process. Peter understood the nuts and bolts of the legislative process—he could get things done."

Rep. Ricki Ruiz shared the following statement on social media:

"My condolences to Senate President Peter Courtney’s family on the passing of the great Senator. As the longest-serving Senate President, his dedication and leadership left an indelible mark on Oregon's history. His commitment to public service will be greatly missed."

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.