Salem, OR – Oregon bid farewell to its longest-serving legislator, Peter Michael Coleman Courtney, in a poignant ceremony at the state Senate chamber where he presided for 20 years. On Wednesday, around 200 dignitaries, former colleagues, friends, and family gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of the man known for his compassion, dedication, and sense of humor.
Courtney, who passed away from complications of cancer in 2024, was remembered as a beloved figure who devoted his life to public service. Many in attendance wore vintage campaign buttons from his first legislative run in 1980, featuring the slogan “here to serve” and a sketch of a floppy-eared rabbit, a reminder of his enduring commitment to Oregon.
Former Governor Kate Brown, who worked alongside Courtney for three decades, recalled their time together in the state House and Senate. Brown, who served as Senate president for a time, shared a memorable story about Courtney’s deep compassion, one that led to the renaming of the Oregon State Hospital’s Salem campus in his honor. This came after a 2004 tour of the state-run mental health facility, where Courtney discovered the “room of the forgotten souls”—shelves filled with the unclaimed remains of deceased patients. The discovery spurred Courtney into action, resulting in significant mental health reform, including a 2005 law on mental health parity and millions of dollars allocated for new facilities.
Despite his prominence in politics, Courtney’s roots were humble. Born in Philadelphia in 1943 and raised in West Virginia, he moved to Oregon in 1974 to clerk for a state judge. He quickly became embedded in the Salem community, serving on the city council before being elected to the Oregon House in 1980. After a brief hiatus from politics, he was elected to the Senate in 1998 and ascended to Senate president in 2003. He remained in that position for two decades, longer than any other individual in Oregon history.
Courtney’s colleagues fondly recalled his distinctive personality and unwavering dedication to the people he served. Senate President Rob Wagner, who succeeded Courtney in 2023, described him as a “force of nature” with an unyielding passion for children and animals. Courtney’s legacy extends beyond policy to the many personal connections he forged throughout his career.
Lori Brocker, who served as secretary of the Senate during Courtney’s final years, shared a touching moment of reflection. She recalled the playful “Reformation trash talk” between Courtney, a devout Catholic, and herself, a Norwegian Lutheran pastor. Brocker, like many others, felt that Courtney’s presence lingered in the chamber long after his retirement.
Courtney’s family also played a central role in the tributes. His son, Sean, spoke via video, sharing fond memories of his father’s playful spirit, from sliding down marble staircases in the Capitol to dressing as a pilgrim for a protest. He described his father as a man who “cared about others more than himself” and was always willing to go to great lengths to help those in need.
House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, who had worked with Courtney across party lines, shared a personal story of comfort. After the death of a close friend, Courtney quietly sat with her in the House chamber, offering solace during a difficult time. “I don’t remember what we talked about,” Drazan said, “but I just remember being so grateful that I could sit there with someone who knew my friend and cared that she was gone.”
The ceremony also honored Courtney’s enduring influence on Salem’s landscape. His efforts led to the construction of affordable housing for veterans at Courtney Place and the creation of the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge, a distinctive landmark in the city, affectionately known as the “taco bridge.”
Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized Courtney’s rare ability to make those around him better, both personally and professionally. Tim Knopp, a former Republican senator, highlighted Courtney’s dedication to connecting with people, offering support in both joyous and challenging moments. Pat Egan, who once worked for Courtney, credited him with shaping his life and career, noting that Courtney’s leadership was always focused on the team.
In his final years, Courtney was an icon in Oregon politics, but his impact reached far beyond the Capitol. As Oregon continues to navigate its future, the lessons of Courtney’s leadership, compassion, and relentless pursuit of justice for vulnerable populations will undoubtedly endure.
